Using Public Wifi on a Mac

How to connect to a wi-fi network

1. Click the wifi symbol in the top menu bar on the desktop

2. Choose the wireless network you want to connect to

3. Type in the wifi network password and click “join”

4. Once connected the wifi symbol next to the network name will be highlighted in blue

5.You are now connected to your Wi-Fi network

Troubleshoot joining a Wi-Fi network on Mac.

To connect to the internet over Wi-Fi, your Mac must first be connected to a Wi-Fi network, and that network must provide a connection to the internet. Here are some things to check if you’re having trouble connecting to a Wi-Fi network.

  Check your Wi-Fi connection

• If you usually connect to the internet using a Wi-Fi network, make sure you’re connected to the Wi-Fi network. To connect to a Wi-Fi network, click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and choose your network from the list of available networks
• If the network is protected with a password, make sure you know the correct password and the type of wireless security for the network.
• If you’re joining a hidden network (a network with its name hidden), make sure you have entered the network name and password correctly.
• Make sure you’re in the range of the network you want to join. The typical range of a wireless network is 150 feet, but the range may vary based on the environment.
• Restart the Mac and the router or modem if possible

If you are connected to Wi-Fi but cannot access the internet

If you are having trouble accessing the internet for things like surfing the web or opening email, here are some steps to try:

  Check basic settings on your device

• Make sure the date and time and time zone are set accurately on your device.
• Make sure your device’s software is up to date
• Try restarting your mac
• Try restarting your modem or router if possible

  Follow the steps below to do so:

  1. 1. 1. Go to your Wi-Fi router and modem.
        2. Unplug the devices.
        3. Wait for almost a minute or half.
        4. Plug in the modem again and wait for it to connect to your ISP.
        5. Now, plug in your router and power it on.
• If none of these steps above are successful proceed with the rest of the steps in this document.

   Check Wi-Fi recommendations

• If Wi-Fi issues are detected on your Mac, you can view the issues and suggested solutions. Click the Wi-Fi status icon in the menu bar, then choose Wi-Fi Recommendations. Wi-Fi recommendations aren’t available for enterprise networks or Personal Hotspots.

  Check the status of your network connections

• You can check your settings and the status of each network service, such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth, in Network preferences.
• Open Network preferences

• and check the status of your network connection services, such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Green indicates the service is active (turned on) and connected. Yellow indicates it’s active but not connected. Red indicates the service has not been set up.

  Check your cables and external devices

• Make sure all modem cables are plugged in and firmly inserted. This includes the modem’s power cord, the cable from the modem to the wall jack, and the cable from the modem to your computer. To be sure a connector is properly inserted, disconnect and reconnect it. Be sure that cables have not been cut, chewed, or otherwise damaged.
• If you’re using an Ethernet hub, router, or gateway, make sure all cables and power supplies are properly connected. If you have more than one power supply available for a type of hub or router, try switching the power supplies. A defective power supply may affect network traffic.
• Turn off the power on your DSL or cable modem for a few minutes, then turn it back on. Some service providers recommend that you unplug the modem’s power cord to turn off power to it
• Check the indicator lights on the modem. Some DSL and cable modems have indicator lights that provide useful information about the modem’s connections. A “cable” light may indicate that the cable network is available, whereas a “PC” light may indicate that the modem recognizes the connection to your computer. If these indicator lights remain off after you have checked your cables and turned the power off and on, check the documentation that came with the modem, or contact your ISP.
• If you use more than one device—such as a DSL or cable modem and a router to connect your computer to the internet, try turning off all the devices, waiting a few minutes, then turning them back on.
• If you have multiple devices connected in a “daisy-chain” to your computer, it is important to turn off all the devices, then restart them in sequence, beginning with the device farthest from the computer. For example, if you have a DSL or cable modem connected to the internet, a router connected to the modem, and your computer is connected to the router, turn off all the devices. Wait a few minutes, then restart the modem first. When it has started up completely, restart the router, and let it start up completely.

  Check your internet service

• If all of the above are set up correctly and you still can’t connect to the internet, call your ISP. There may be a temporary problem with the service.