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User profile for user: salgrayan
salgrayan Author
User level: Level 1
5 points

macbook pro blocks some websites when connected to iphone hotspot

Hello Everyone,


I have this weird problem,


When I connect my macbook pro (2020 intel processor) to my iphone's hotspot, some websites like coursera.com and overleaf.com do not open (they keep trying to load until the connection times out). Other websites work as expected, and the wifi connection is stable and quick. This does not happen on other computers so I know the problem is in the mac not the iphone. However, they are still related; when I restart my iphone the problem goes away (only temporarily).


Another note is that when my mac connects to the hotspots it cannot connect to another wifi. So for example, when I try to switch back to my home's wifi after the hotspot problem, mac doesn't connect to wifi.


I contacted apple support and they asked me to run wifi diagnostics (which showed that everything was OK), boot in safe mode, and reset NVRAM. None of these worked. I am not running any ad blockers. Can another application on this device alter some network settings in the background? I did a superficial test with running whatsapp on my laptop and the problem immediately started again when I used it.



This has been going on for at least 6 months, I'd appreciate any tips or hints on this.

Thank you

MacBook Pro (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Jun 30, 2023 5:50 PM

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User profile for user: aaronbacklund
aaronbacklund
User level: Level 1
50 points

Posted on Jun 30, 2023 9:06 PM

Hey, salgrayan,


I’m sorry you are experiencing these issues with your iPhone WiFI hotspot. I’m thinking that the issues you are experiencing could be caused by a few factors. Normally when you type in a site such as www.apple.com the computer has to translate this into a IP address such as 192.168.1.1 that translation happens using what’s called a DNS Server normally tied to your ISP in this case your cell phone provider. Services like VPNs, proxies, browser extensions and internet filtering software such as CovenantEyes or GoGurdian could cause site issues. It is best to check to see if any of these are enabled. For VPN’s go to system preferences or setting depending on the version of MacOS and then click on VPN if you are using the latest version or if you don’t see that click on network and then check to see if you have a VPN it should say it. After that try checking under WiFi in the latest version or under network and see if a proxy is turned on. Then try again if you are still having an issue check all software and browser extensions in all browsers like Chrome, Safari and Firefox to see if there is anything blocking your connection. If this still doesn’t work then it could be an issue with your cellular carrier blocking those specific sites on their DNS . This could be do to plan limits and “network management” features. You could also try switching your DNS to an alternate solution from CloudFlare or Google. As, for the issues with Wi-Fi connection make sure both your iPhone and Mac have the latest versions of their respective OS’es. For the Mac it would be Mac OS Ventura and for iOS it would be iOS 16. Some device can’t be update due to age so it best to get them update to the latest update it supports.


I hope this helps!


Best,


Aaron


Note: I’m not an Apple Specialist nor am

I affiliated with Apple Inc. All responses are based on my own knowledge and experience with the products. I don’t claim to be an expert. So, if I don’t get the issue on point or don’t solve your issue I apologize. I’m just a nerd who wants to help fellow users the best I can with the knowledge I have experienced.


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User profile for user: aaronbacklund
aaronbacklund
User level: Level 1
50 points

Jun 30, 2023 9:06 PM in response to salgrayan

Hey, salgrayan,


I’m sorry you are experiencing these issues with your iPhone WiFI hotspot. I’m thinking that the issues you are experiencing could be caused by a few factors. Normally when you type in a site such as www.apple.com the computer has to translate this into a IP address such as 192.168.1.1 that translation happens using what’s called a DNS Server normally tied to your ISP in this case your cell phone provider. Services like VPNs, proxies, browser extensions and internet filtering software such as CovenantEyes or GoGurdian could cause site issues. It is best to check to see if any of these are enabled. For VPN’s go to system preferences or setting depending on the version of MacOS and then click on VPN if you are using the latest version or if you don’t see that click on network and then check to see if you have a VPN it should say it. After that try checking under WiFi in the latest version or under network and see if a proxy is turned on. Then try again if you are still having an issue check all software and browser extensions in all browsers like Chrome, Safari and Firefox to see if there is anything blocking your connection. If this still doesn’t work then it could be an issue with your cellular carrier blocking those specific sites on their DNS . This could be do to plan limits and “network management” features. You could also try switching your DNS to an alternate solution from CloudFlare or Google. As, for the issues with Wi-Fi connection make sure both your iPhone and Mac have the latest versions of their respective OS’es. For the Mac it would be Mac OS Ventura and for iOS it would be iOS 16. Some device can’t be update due to age so it best to get them update to the latest update it supports.


I hope this helps!


Best,


Aaron


Note: I’m not an Apple Specialist nor am

I affiliated with Apple Inc. All responses are based on my own knowledge and experience with the products. I don’t claim to be an expert. So, if I don’t get the issue on point or don’t solve your issue I apologize. I’m just a nerd who wants to help fellow users the best I can with the knowledge I have experienced.


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macbook pro blocks some websites when connected to iphone hotspot

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