In the event that you are unable to connect, there are a few basic troubleshooting steps to try first.

1. Verify the device you are attempting to connect is registered for use with UWNet. You can use this for initially registering devices and for lapsed registration.
   1. For devices with a browser, like computers, mobile phones, and tablets: Wireless UWNet - How to Register for WiFi (Affiliates and Guests).
   2. For devices without a browser, like smart TVs, game devices, routers: Wireless UWNet - Register a Device Without a Browser.
2. Check that the device you are attempting to connect is compatible with UWNet: Wireless UWNet - Device Incompatibility List.
3. If your device is registered and compatible, disconnect from UWNet for 5-10 minutes, and then try reconnecting.
   1. Wireless UWNet - Windows Configuration
   2. Wireless UWNet - Mac OS X Configuration
4. If it still has not connected, completely turn off your device for 30 seconds, then restart.
5. If the connection still failed, please try the below troubleshooting steps.

eduroam

eduroam is a great alternative to UWNet. Eduroam offers an encrypted connection and avoids the burden of periodically having to re-register your devices. For more about the benefits, see: eduroam - End User Benefits.

eduroam - Accessing and Logging in to eduroam

Note for iOS 14+ devices

iOS 14's new private address feature allows for the randomization of the device's MAC address. Due to how UWNet works and authenticates devices to make sure the network is secure, devices with this feature enabled may have issues connecting to UWNet and Eduroam.

iOS 14 & Above - Turning Off the Private Address Feature

Windows 8/10+

Mac OS 10.7+

Windows 8/10+

Mac OS 10.7+

If you are using Windows 8.1 or earlier and are still unable to connect, try the steps in this document: Windows - Quick Fix for Networking Problems.

If you are using Windows 10, follow the steps in this document: Windows 10 - Performing a Network Reset.

Check your web browser for proxies by following the steps in this document: Web Browsers - Checking for a Proxy. If there are any proxies enabled, disable them.

• NOTE: This is a common issue with conference attendees and other university guests.

Release and renew the IP address using the following instructions:

• Windows - Displaying, Releasing, and Renewing a DHCP Lease
• Mac OS - Displaying, Releasing, and Renewing a DHCP Lease

If you are using a Windows computer, and are still unable to connect, try flushing DNS entries.

• Select Search  on the taskbar, and type command prompt. The Command Prompt button will appear. To the right of it, select Run as administrator > Yes.
• At the command prompt, run the following commands in the listed order, and then check to see if that fixes your connection problem:
  • Type netsh winsock reset and select Enter.
  • Type netsh int ip reset and select Enter.
  • Type ipconfig /release and select Enter.
  • Type ipconfig /renew and select Enter.
  • Type ipconfig /flushdns and select Enter.

Disable any third-party firewall software (Norton Internet Security and Zone Alarm are two common examples) on your computer. These firewalls occasionally have an error that prevents internet connectivity, even if they appear to be configured to allow it.

If you are getting a valid IP address, but are still unable to connect, your computer might not redirecting to the wireless login page. The login page could also be overloaded. This can be circumvented by connecting to the VPN service. Please see WiscVPN - How to Install, Connect, Uninstall, and Disconnect WiscVPN Palo Alto GlobalProtect for installation and connection instructions.