chrisj

Q: Why is the system wi-fi prompt going to a non-logged-in user?

After starting to use a new MacBook Pro with El Capitan, I'm having trouble connecting to wi-fi at a cafe I normally frequent.

 

Specifically, I've noticed that the wi-fi icon in the system menu bar shows that I'm connected with full strength, but I have no internet.  I also noticed that OS X never prompts me to join the network.

 

However, here is a clue I noticed: when I tried switching to a test user on the same computer, I noticed that the system prompt to join the wi-fi network was visible there.  So it seems like the issue is caused by Mac OS X displaying the wi-fi prompt to the wrong computer user!

 

When I click "yes" to join the wi-fi network using the test user, and then switch back to my original user, I find that I can use the wi-fi network normally.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X El Capitan (10.11), Mid-2015

Posted on Oct 4, 2015 3:12 PM