Can’t Connect to BU Wi‑Fi? Try This.
This guide walks you through the most common connection issues and how to fix them. Start with the quick fixes, then look for the symptom that matches what you are seeing.
Quick Fixes (Do these first):
- Toggle Wi-Fi off for 3-5 seconds and back on.
- Forget the network, then reconnect.
- Reboot your device.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Apple VPN / Private Relay is on and you get kicked off BU-Student:
Symptoms:
Your iPhone, iPad, or Mac connects for a second, then drops. It looks like the Wi‑Fi is flaky.
Why it happens:
Apple’s built-in VPN (iCloud Private Relay or a VPN profile) hides your traffic. The BU-Student and BU-Faculty/Staff networks block VPNs to maintain network visibility.
Fix (iOS / iPadOS):- Settings > Wi-Fi > tap the "i" next to BU-Student or BU-Faculty/Staff > make sure "Limit IP Address Tracking" is off.
- Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > "Private Relay" should be off (if present).
- Settings > VPN & Device Management > turn off any VPN profiles.
Fix (macOS):
- System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Details for BU-Student or BU-Faculty/Staff . uncheck "Limit IP Address Tracking".
- System Settings > Network > VPN, turn off active VPNs.
- System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > "Private Relay" should be off (if present).
Need a VPN temporarily? Use BU-Guest instead.
A third-party VPN app is running (any device):
Symptom:
Random drops or you never fully authenticate.
Why it happens:
The BU-Student and BU-Faculty/Staff networks do not allow VPNs to maintain network visibility.
Fix:
Disconnect or quit any VPN app(s), then reconnect to BU-Student or BU-Faculty/Staff.
“Private Wi‑Fi Address” or “Random MAC” is causing re-auth loops:
Symptom:
You keep getting asked to log in again or your device was fine last term but not now.
Why it happens:
Some devices use a new random MAC each time. That can confuse network authentication.
Fix (iOS / iPadOS):
- Settings > Wi‑Fi > “i” next to the network > toggle "Private Wi‑Fi Address" off.
Fix (Android):
- Settings > Network & internet > Wi‑Fi > gear icon for the network > Privacy > set "MAC" to "Use device MAC".
Fix (Windows 11):
- Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi > Manage known networks > select the network > set "Random hardware addresses" to Off.
Guest session expired (24 hours):
Symptom:
BU-Guest worked yesterday, now it will not load anything.
Why this happens:
BU-Guest needs to be re-authenticated each day
Fix:
Reconnect to BU-Guest and accept the terms again.
IoT or gaming device will not join BU-IOT:
Symptom:
Smart TV, console, streaming stick or another type of IoT device refuses to connect.
Why this happens:
Each device must be approved first.
Fix:
Submit the
Device Access Request Form. Once approved, follow the instructions provided. Make sure you typed the MAC address exactly as shown on the device. Typos or missing characters when submitting the MAC address can cause the approval to be delayed or fail.
You saved an old profile or certificate (Windows/macOS):
Symptom:
“Cannot connect” errors after an OS update or after the summer.
Fix (Windows):
Fix (macOS):
-
System Settings > Wi‑Fi > Details > Forget This Network.
-
Open Keychain Access, search for “BU” or the SSID name, delete stale certificates if present. Reconnect.
Personal router or hotspot interference:
Symptom:
Wi‑Fi signal is strong but speed is terrible or connections drop in your room.
Fix:
Turn off personal routers or hotspots. They interfere with campus APs. Use the campus Wi‑Fi instead.
Still stuck?
When you contact IT, include:
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Your location (building and room)
-
The network you are trying to join
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Device type and OS version (Playstation, iPad, Amazon Echo, Etc)
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Exact error message or behavior (“connects then drops,” “incorrect password,” etc.)
Support for internet connection or phone issues.