Cannot use a public WiFi because the captive window does not show up

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Level 1

4 points

Cannot use a public WiFi because the captive window does not show up

Folks, I am just desperate! I am using macOS Somata 14.4 on my MacBook Pro 14".

Since upgrading to Somata I cannot connect to public WIFIs because the "Captive" Window does not show up.

You know, this popup window where you have to agree to use the WLAN or maybe you have to enter some password for your hotel room.

My Mac connects to the WLAN, but then it does not show the captive window. Therefore I cannot use the Internet, because I am technically connected to the WLAN but NOT to the Internet.

I already disabled all Safari security features to allow popup windows and everything.

The best thing is: accessing the WLAN with my iPhone works as expected: (1) Choose the WLAN; (2) the captive window pops up; (3) after agreeing to the captive window Internet works like a charm.

Any ideas or solutions?

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 14.4

Posted on Mar 30, 2024 10:23 AM

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Answer 1

Mar 30, 2024 10:26 AM in response to kadewe

Open your browser and type any IP Address such as 1.1.1.1 into the address bar and try to navigate to that address. This should force open the login window.

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Answer 2

Mar 30, 2024 11:20 AM in response to kadewe

Are you using a VPN, proxy server, or any other third party app that opens on boot up? If so, disable these apps.

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Answer 3

Mar 30, 2024 11:09 AM in response to kadewe

You might try using a different web browser....like Firefox, Brave, etc. See if that works.

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Answer 4

kadewe Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 30, 2024 11:15 AM in response to MacMikeInOK

Hi MacMIkeInOK,

thanks for sharing this idea. No, it does not, even setting them up as the default browser.

Also, normally when you are choosing the WLAN, the captive window opens up even if no browser is open at all.

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Answer 5

kadewe Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 30, 2024 11:19 AM in response to BobTheFisherman

Hi BobTheFisherman,

thanks for the idea – I did exactly this, but it still did not force open the login window.

Somebody also suggested to try to open "captive.apple.com" within the browser. Still no success.

Has anybody the same problem on Germans train wifi (WifiOnICE)? Since Somata I cannot use WiFi on trains. Are there any security measurements I have to disable for this?

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Cannot use a public WiFi because the captive window does not show up

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