Fixing "Self-assigned IP" issue on Mac connecting to UO_WIFI

Occasionally, MacOS devices will connect to the UO_WIFI network, but are not assigned a dynamic IP address via DHCP. In these cases, Mac devices generate a “self-assigned IP” on the network, which allows a user to connect to the network but not to the internet. If this happens and the usual troubleshooting steps of forgetting the network or renewing the DHCP lease do not work, there is a relatively simple process that fixes the issue most of the time.

1. Open Network Preference from the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.
2. Select the Wi-Fi interface in the left sidebar and click the small minus (-) button at the bottom of the sidebar to remove the interface.
   
   


3. Select the plus (+) button next at the bottom of the sidebar and select Wi-Fi from the dropdown list to re-add the Wi-Fi interface. Leave the service name as Wi-Fi.
   
   
   


4. The Wi-Fi should now connect, but may now display a “No IP address” message. If this is the case, turn the Wi-Fi off and back on again using this button:
   
   

Note: You can restart the computer after step 2, and this should automatically re-add the Wi-Fi interface and remove the need for step 3.

If you have any problems connecting to the network, contact AskOtago:

Freephone 0800 80 80 98 (within New Zealand)
Tel +64 3 479 7000
Email askotago.it@otago.ac.nz