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.
Troubleshooting Steps
If you can see the UCB Wireless network from your device but either can't connect or don't have internet when you do connect, please follow the troubleshooting steps below.
If you can't see the UCB Wireless network from your device, see the Reach out to OIT for assistance section.
Confirm you're registered on UCB Wireless
- Select UCB Wireless from your available wireless networks.
- Once connected, open a web browser (e.g., Chrome, Safari, Firefox).
- You should be automatically redirected to the registration page.
- Not redirected? Go to nac.int.colorado.edu on the device you're trying to connect to the network. If you can't click the link, manually type the URL into your browser.
- "Parking" error? Click the Register link below the error message, wait for the registration page to load, then log in.
- "Maximum attempts reached" error? Contact the IT Service Center for assistance (see Reach out to OIT for assistance below).
If you still can't load the registration page, try the next troubleshooting method.
Disconnect from UCB Wireless and reconnect
- Disconnect your device from UCB Wireless. The easiest way to do this is to connect to a different wireless network.
- Reconnect to UCB Wireless.
- Once connected, open a web browser (e.g., Chrome, Safari, Firefox).
- If you aren't automatically redirected to the registration page, go to nac.int.colorado.edu on the device you're trying to connect to the network. If you can't click the link, manually type the URL into your browser.
If you still can't load the registration page, try the next troubleshooting method.
Forget the network on your device
Forget the UCB Wireless Wi-Fi network on your device.
Forget UCB Wireless (Windows)
Windows 11
- Open the Start menu in your taskbar.
- Go to Settings, then select Network & internet from the left menu.
- Select Wi-Fi.
- Select Manage known networks.
- Locate UCB Wireless, then click Forget.
Windows 10
- Open the Start menu from your taskbar at the bottom left of your screen.
- Go to Settings, then Network & Internet.
- Select Wi-Fi from the left menu, then Manage known networks.
- Locate UCB Wireless, then click Forget.
Forget UCB Wireless (Mac & iOS)
Follow Apple Support's instructions: How to forget a Wi-Fi network on iPhone, iPad, or Mac.Forget UCB Wireless (Android)
- Open Settings.
- Select Connections or Network & Internet.
- Select Wi-Fi or Internet.
- Locate UCB Wireless, then open the Settings (gear icon) for that network.
- Select Forget (trash icon).
- Restart your device.
- Reconnect to UCB Wireless.
- Open a browser tab and see if you can connect to the internet.
If you still can't load the registration page, try the next troubleshooting method.
Check your DNS settings
Check your DNS settings to ensure they are not set to 8.8.8.8.
How to edit DNS settings (Windows)
- Open the Control Panel.
- Click Network and Internet.
- Click Network and Sharing Center.
- Click Change adapter settings in the left menu.
- Right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter.
- Click Properties.
- Click/select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- Click Properties.
- If the DNS is set automatically, it should be good to go. If it is not, then you should set it to Obtain DNS server address automatically and click OK. (You will need to have "Obtain IP address automatically" selected to be able to set the DNS to automatic.)
- If the DNS server was already set to automatic, set your DNS to one of the following campus DNS servers:
- 128.138.240.1
- 128.138.130.30
- 128.138.129.76
How to edit DNS settings (Mac)
- Click the Apple menu on the top left.
- Click System Settings.
- Click Network in the sidebar.
- Click Wi-Fi on the right.
- Click Details.
- Click DNS (you may need to scroll down).
- Next, look for an 8.8.8.8 or 4.4.4.4 server in the list. If you find one, select it, then click the Remove button at the bottom of the DNS servers list. Do not remove all servers on the list.
- If you changed any DNS settings, reboot your computer, then try to connect.
If you still can't load the registration page, try the next troubleshooting method.
Turn off private Wi-Fi addresses (iOS only)
Follow Apple's instructions to stop using a private Wi-Fi address with UCB Wireless.
If you still can't load the registration page, try the next troubleshooting method.
Give it time
If you were able to sign in on the registration page, but your device indicates that you don't have internet and you've already restarted your device, please wait up to an hour to see if your device connects to the internet.
Reach out to OIT for assistance
If the above troubleshooting fails to resolve the issue, please email oithelp@colorado.edu and provide the following information:
- Your device's MAC address (find your MAC address)
- Your current location: building name and room number. (If the issue has occurred in multiple buildings, please state the most recent.)
- A screenshot of any error messages you've gotten.
- A description of what's occurred. For example:
- Can you see the UCB Wireless network on your device?
- If so, can you get to the registration page?
- If so, do you get an error message? What does it say?
You may also call the IT Service Center at 303-735-4357, fill out the Network Connectivity Troubleshooting form, or contact Buff Techs Desktop Support for in-person assistance.