Troubleshooting Connections to Public Wifi Networks on Apple Computers

There are known difficulties connecting to public wifi networks on Apple computers.  This guide gives some potential troubleshooting methods to try.

Prerequisites

If possible, update Operating System while in your office (or other known stable connection).  

1. Apple icon -> System Preferences -> Software Update -> Update now. 

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Make sure you are not using VPN while connecting to the new network. 
2. Look for captive logon portal.  
   1. Open Safari.  
   2. Go to captive.apple.com  
   3. If prompted “This Connection if Not Private” click on “visit this website” at the  bottom. (Make sure wifi network name looks legit.)  
   4. If that doesn’t work, try https://captive.apple.com/hotspot-detect.html 
3. Try turning off Wifi, waiting 10 seconds, turning it back on.  
   1. -> Wi-Fi slide to left.  
4. Try forgetting the network you are having trouble with.  
   1. -> Network Preferences -> Wi-Fi (left column) -> Advanced (bottom right) ->  select network -> minus (“-“) -> ok -> Apply  
5. Turn computer completely off, turn it back on again.  
6. Clear Safari cache  
   1. Safari -> Preferences -> Advanced -> Show Develop menu checkbox (bottom) ->  Develop (drop down) -> Empty Caches  
   2. Close and reopen Safari  

Questions?

Contact Support