Apple OS upgrade: Compatibility issue with campus Wi-Fi
Apple's Private Wi-Fi Address feature, introduced in macOS Sequoia and updated for iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, can cause connectivity issues when using campus Wi-Fi networks. The same is true if you update your iWatch or VisionPro.
After updating to the latest Apple OS release, OIT strongly recommends that you set Private Wi-Fi Address to "off" for the UCB Wireless, UCB Guest and eduroam networks.
Learn more about optimizing Apple devices' Private Wi-Fi Address for CU Boulder networks.
If you're having difficulty connecting to campus Wi-Fi or are experiencing slow speeds, these tips may help. For additional assistance, fill out the Network Connectivity Troubleshooting form or contact the IT Service Center at 303-735-4357 or oithelp@colorado.edu.
General Wi-Fi Tips
Experiencing a weak Wi-Fi signal and poor network performance?
If you have a weak Wi-Fi signal and are experiencing poor performance on UCB Wireless, UCB Guest or eduroam, try the following.
- Disconnect and reconnect to the network.
- Ensure the network you want to connect to is on the top of your list of networks or is checked as one of your preferred networks.
- Be aware that Wi-Fi access points are not located outside, so Wi-Fi may be spotty between buildings.
If you are unable to connect to Wi-Fi, contact the IT Service Center at 303-735-4357 or oithelp@colorado.edu.
Experiencing a strong Wi-Fi signal but poor network performance?
If you have a strong Wi-Fi signal but are experiencing poor performance on UCB Wireless, UCB Guest or eduroam, try the following.
- Turn off other devices that provide Wi-Fi services in the area (e.g., Wi-Fi printers, smartphone Wi-Fi hotspots).
- Check your available Wi-Fi networks for any non-CU Boulder networks with a strong signal. These are likely personal Wi-Fi routers, which can interfere with campus Wi-Fi and are therefore prohibited. Report suspected personal Wi-Fi routers to the IT Service Center at 303-735-4357 or oithelp@colorado.edu.
- Check your device's Wi-Fi driver firmware to confirm that it's up to date. Contact the IT Service Center if you have questions on how to check your firmware.
- Confirm that your Wi-Fi card isn't too outdated. CU Boulder recommends having a computer with Dual Band spectrum (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) 802.11n or 802.11ac for Wi-Fi networks. Learn how to check your device's Wi-Fi card (Mac and Windows).
- Dual band Wi-Fi USB cards connect to a USB port and can enhance your Wi-Fi experience. Look for Dual Band 2.4GHz / 5GHz when shopping. CU Boulder cannot recommend a certain brand or device, but here is an example USB Wi-Fi adapter for reference.
- Be aware of any Wi-Fi interference sources in your surroundings, like a wireless camera or a microwave. Bluetooth devices can also affect your experience, especially if your device uses only 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connections.
Having problems with your web browser?
Clearing a web browser's cache can correct problems you may be having with your web browser while on the CU Boulder network. See the platform-specific instructions for clearing your web browser's cache, or contact IT Service Center at 303-735-4357 or oithelp@colorado.edu for additional assistance.
eduroam Tips
Visiting CU Boulder and having trouble connecting to eduroam?
Campus visitors from institutions participating in eduroam can simply select eduroam from their operating system Wi-Fi options and connect to eduroam using their institution's credentials. If you experience any issues with while visiting CU Boulder, please contact your home institution's service desk or use the UCB Guest Wi-Fi network.
UCB Guest Tips
Staying connected to UCB Guest
Access time is five hours for UCB Guest, after which the Terms and Conditions of Use must once again be agreed to.
CU Boulder Resource Access
UCB Guest only provides general internet use. Guests cannot access CU Boulder resources that require on-campus connections, such as library resources and other protected servers and services that are provided strictly for CU Boulder-affiliated students, faculty and staff members.