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.
At this time, OIT's recommendation is to wait to upgrade to the latest Apple OS release. If you do choose to update, 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 are having difficulty connecting to Wi-Fi on campus or you 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 (5-HELP from an on-campus phone) or oithelp@colorado.edu.
General Wi-Fi Tips
Experiencing weak Wi-Fi Signal and poor performance?
If you experience weak Wi-Fi signal and experiencing a 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 checked as one of your preferred networks.
- Switch over to a different network (e.g. UCB Wireless or UCB Guest).
- Note: Visiting faculty members and other guests are not able to connect to UCB Wireless.
- Be aware that Wi-Fi access points are not located outside so Wi-Fi connection between buildings may be spotty.
- If you are unable to connect to Wi-Fi, please contact IT Service Center at 303-735-4357 (5-HELP) or oithelp@colorado.edu.
Experiencing strong Wi-Fi Signal, but poor performance?
If you experience strong Wi-Fi signal but 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 printer, smartphone Wi-Fi hotspot, etc.)
- Check available Wi-Fi networks. Are there other non-CU Boulder networks with a strong signal? Personal Wi-Fi routers are prohibited on campus and could be negatively impacting your Wi-Fi experience. Please contact IT Service Center at 303-735-4357 (5-HELP) or oithelp@colorado.edu.
- It is always recommended that you keep the Wi-Fi driver firmware current on your device. Contact the IT Service Center if you have questions on how to check your firmware.
- Your device may have an older Wi-Fi card. 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.
- 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. You can find them on Amazon, Best Buy and other electronic retailers. 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 Wi-Fi interfering devices around your surroundings like wireless cameras and microwave ovens. For a full list of potential interferes of Wi-Fi, please check out the Interference Sources page.
- Note: Use of Bluetooth devices while using Wi-Fi could impact your experience, especially if your Wi-Fi device is only capable for Wi-Fi on 2.4GHz.
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 (5-HELP) 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 try UCB Guest wireless service.
UCB Guest Tips
Staying connected to UCB Guest Wireless
Access time is five hours for UCB Guest Wireless, after which the Terms and Conditions of Use must once again be agreed to.
CU Boulder Resource Access
UCB Guest Wireless 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.
