JimWiedman

Q: Can't Access Public WiFi after 10.8.5 update

I can connect to wifi on my MacBook Pro from home, but I can't connect to the Internet through public wifi at Starbucks or Panera. I can connect to their login screens, but not to the Internet. Any ideas?

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5)

Posted on Sep 21, 2013 5:58 AM

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Q: Can't Access Public WiFi after 10.8.5 update

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Sep 21, 2013 10:15 AM in response to JimWiedman
    Level 10 (208,000 points)
    Applications
    Sep 21, 2013 10:15 AM in response to JimWiedman

    Run Wireless Diagnostics and take the remedial steps suggested in the summary that appears, if any. The program also generates a large file of information about your system, which would be used by Apple Engineering in case of a support incident. Don't post the contents here.

  • by rollingonchrome,

    rollingonchrome rollingonchrome Sep 29, 2013 12:39 PM in response to JimWiedman
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 29, 2013 12:39 PM in response to JimWiedman

    I am having the exact same issue, it would seem, with my 2012 MacBook Air.

     

    It started following updating to 10.8.5.  I first noticed it when I tried to get on WiFi at a FedEx Office (AT&T WiFi).  The login in screen popped up but never loaded.

     

    I eventually gave up and tethered to my phone.

     

    Later on, I tried to connect at a Starbucks (also AT&T WiFi) and no login screen was launched.  Sometimes I could get an IP address, other times it was a self-assigned IP. 

     

    I could also not connect at the adjacent Einstein Bros. Bagels.  Again, no login/authentication screen would launch on the MacBook Air.

     

    This workaround, while a pain, has worked 100% of the time to address this issue.

     

    1. Authenticate to the commerical WiFi network from my phone
    2. Turn off my phone's WiFi
    3. Spoof my phone's MAC address onto my MacBook Air
    4. Successfully access the WiFi network

     

    Unfortunately, I presently have no way of rolling back to 10.8.4, so it looks like I'll be doing this workaround until I either come up with a permanent fix or until 10.8.6 comes out and hopefully addresses this issue.

     

    I have no problem connecting to either open WiFi networks or networks with WEP/WPA/WPA2 security.  Only networks that launch login/authentication screens present this issue.

  • by dbiggss,

    dbiggss dbiggss Oct 19, 2013 9:54 AM in response to rollingonchrome
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 19, 2013 9:54 AM in response to rollingonchrome

    Give this a shot.

     

    -Click on the WiFi icon at the top of the screen.

     

    -Select "Open Network Preferences"

     

    -At the top you will see a drop down titled "locations"

     

    -Click on the dropdown and make sure it is set to "Automatic"

     

    -Click on "Apply"

     

    After that, try to login to the public network again and, hopefully, you will be prompted to accept the terms and conditions to authenticate and access the network.

     

    Hope this helps!

  • by aldenthesmith,

    aldenthesmith aldenthesmith Nov 1, 2013 4:45 PM in response to JimWiedman
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 1, 2013 4:45 PM in response to JimWiedman

    I was having the same issue connecting to wifi at Starbucks. I was able to connect to their wifi on my phone, so I knew it was my computer's fault. I think doing the following did the trick for me:

     

    • Fix permissions (Disk Utility)
    • Reset computer

     

    As simple as that. I'm running 10.9 (Mavericks). Hope someone finds this useful.

  • by KAKeene,

    KAKeene KAKeene Apr 7, 2014 8:02 AM in response to JimWiedman
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 7, 2014 8:02 AM in response to JimWiedman

    I just got off the phone with ATT WiFi support after experiencing this same issue on my MacBook Pro Retina. The representative helped me connect with these steps below.

     

    1. Ensure "attwifi" is selected in the WiFi menu
    2. Open Safari
    3. Go to "www.abc.com"
    4. The Starbucks free wifi landing page will load, click Accept & Connect

     

    I'm finally connected! She said that these steps will work for anyone experiencing this issue at a Starbucks with ATT Wifi. Hope this helps!

  • by EileenKerins,

    EileenKerins EileenKerins Dec 18, 2015 6:29 AM in response to KAKeene
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 18, 2015 6:29 AM in response to KAKeene

    After trying all the other suggestions, this one finally worked for me! I have a mid 2011 MacBook Air OS X Yosemite Version 10.10.5 and I couldn't get the network to prompt me with the pop up page to accept the terms & conditions. Thank you!!