I recently moved to Norway and bought a router while I was still in the US. My rent includes Wi‑Fi, but we need to connect our own router to access it. My roommate's phone and Kindle work normally, but my MacBook says it is connected to Wi‑Fi while no websites or services work. I have restarted and factory-reset the router, unplugged its power and Ethernet cables, and briefly regained internet after the reset before losing it again. Could this be a MacBook network setting, such as an incorrect IP address, DNS problem, or outdated system software?
4 Answers
Since the other devices can get online, the router and building connection are probably working. On the Mac, open System Settings > Wi‑Fi > Details next to the network, then check TCP/IP. Set “Configure IPv4” to “Using DHCP” and click “Renew DHCP Lease.” Also check DNS and remove any manually entered servers if they look unusual. Forgetting the network and joining it again can help too.
Check how the new router is connected to the building’s Ethernet service. If the cable comes from a wall outlet or landlord-provided network, the router may need to be configured in access-point or bridge mode instead of acting as a second router. However, because the other devices work, verify the MacBook’s IP address and gateway first; an address that does not match the router’s network usually points to a DHCP or static-IP issue.
Try temporarily turning off features that can interfere with network testing, especially Limit IP Address Tracking and the Private Wi‑Fi Address option for this network. Then disconnect and reconnect. If that does not help, restart the MacBook and remove the saved Wi‑Fi network before joining it again.
You can test whether this is DNS by opening a browser and visiting a known IP address, or by temporarily setting DNS to a public server such as 1.1.1.1. If IP addresses work but normal websites do not, DNS is likely the problem. For wired testing, a USB‑C-to-Ethernet adapter is widely available from electronics shops and computer retailers in Norway.
The Wi‑Fi menu only shows options like auto-join, private address, low data mode, and IP information. The DHCP and DNS controls should be inside the network’s Details screen rather than the quick Wi‑Fi menu.