Connecting to a reliable, secure Wi-Fi network is essential for anyone studying or working at a university. If you're at Northwestern University, eduroam is your go-to. It's a secure, worldwide roaming access service developed for the international research and education community. This means you can use your Northwestern credentials to connect to Wi-Fi not only on campus but also at thousands of other participating institutions worldwide. Pretty neat, right?
This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to get connected to eduroam at Northwestern University, no matter what device you're using. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Before You Begin – Are You Ready to Connect?
Hey there, future eduroam user! Before we jump into the technical nitty-gritty, let's do a quick pre-flight check. This will ensure your connection process is as smooth as possible.
Do you have your Northwestern NetID? This is your unique identifier at Northwestern (e.g.,
abc123). You'll need it, along with@northwestern.eduappended to it, for your username (e.g.,abc123@northwestern.edu).Do you know your NetID password? This is the password associated with your NetID. If you've forgotten it, you'll need to reset it through Northwestern IT services before proceeding.
Are you on Northwestern's campus or at an eduroam-enabled institution? You'll need to be within range of an eduroam access point to connect. If you're a visitor from another eduroam institution, you'll use your home institution's credentials.
If you answered "yes" to all of these, fantastic! You're ready to proceed. If not, take a moment to get those sorted, and then come right back.
Step 2: Connecting to eduroam on Windows Devices (10 and 11)
Connecting on Windows is usually quite straightforward. There are generally two methods: automatic and manual. We'll cover both.
Sub-heading 2.1: Automatic Configuration (Recommended)
This is the easiest way to connect for most users.
Locate your Network Icon: In the lower right corner of your screen (usually in the system tray), click on the Network icon. It often looks like a Wi-Fi symbol or a globe.
Select eduroam: A list of available Wi-Fi networks will appear. Click on "eduroam" from this list.
Initiate Connection: Click the "Connect" button that appears next to "eduroam."
Enter Credentials: You will be prompted for a username and password.
For Username, enter your NetID@northwestern.edu (e.g.,
abc123@northwestern.edu). Remember, this is not your email address, but your NetID followed by the domain.For Password, enter your NetID password.
If you are a visitor: Use your credentials from your home institution.
Trust the Certificate (if prompted): You might see a security warning asking you to verify a server certificate. This is normal. Look for a certificate issued by "InCommon Server CA" or similar for Northwestern. Click "Connect" or "Trust" to proceed.
You're Connected! Your Windows device should now connect to eduroam.
Sub-heading 2.2: Manual Configuration (For Troubleshooting or Specific Needs)
If the automatic method doesn't work, or you prefer a more hands-on approach, follow these steps.
Open Network and Sharing Center:
Windows 10: Right-click the Network icon in the system tray and select "Open Network & Internet settings," then click "Network and Sharing Center" (usually on the right-hand side).
Windows 11: Right-click the Network icon, select "Network & internet settings," then scroll down and click "Advanced network settings," and then "More network adapter options." This will open Network Connections.
Set Up a New Connection:
In the Network and Sharing Center (or Network Connections window), select "Set up a new connection or network."
Choose "Manually connect to a wireless network" and click "Next."
Enter Network Information:
Network name: eduroam
Security type: WPA2-Enterprise
Encryption type: AES
Click "Next."
Change Connection Settings:
Click "Change connection settings" on the next screen.
Configure Security Tab:
Go to the Security tab.
Under "Choose a network authentication method," select "Microsoft: Protected EAP (PEAP)."
Uncheck "Remember my credentials for this connection each time I'm logged on." (This is often recommended for security reasons, though you might prefer it checked for convenience).
Click "Settings."
Protected EAP Properties:
In the Protected EAP Properties window:
Check "Verify the server's identity by validating the certificate."
Under "Trusted Root Certification Authorities," select "AAA Certificate Services" and "USERTrust RSA Certification Authority." Ensure no other boxes are checked here.
Under "Select Authentication Method," ensure "Secured password (EAP-MSCHAP v2)" is chosen.
Click "Configure" next to "Secured password (EAP-MSCHAP v2)."
EAP MSCHAPv2 Properties:
Uncheck "Automatically use my Windows logon name and password (and domain if any)."
Click "OK" on this window.
Return to Wireless Network Properties:
Click "OK" on the Protected EAP Properties window.
Click "Advanced settings" on the Wireless Network Properties window (Security tab).
Advanced Settings:
Check "Specify authentication mode:"
From the drop-down menu, select "User authentication."
Click "Save credentials."
Windows Security Prompt:
A Windows Security window will appear. Enter your NetID@northwestern.edu as the Username and your NetID password as the Password.
Click "OK."
Finalize Connection: Click "OK" on all remaining open windows. You should now be able to select eduroam from your Wi-Fi list and connect.
Step 3: Connecting to eduroam on macOS Devices
Connecting your MacBook, iMac, or any other macOS device to eduroam is usually quite seamless.
Sub-heading 3.1: Automatic Configuration via Network Preferences (Common Method)
Open System Settings/Preferences: Click the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen, then select "System Settings" (macOS Ventura and later) or "System Preferences" (older macOS versions).
Navigate to Wi-Fi: Click on "Network" or "Wi-Fi" in the sidebar.
Turn on Wi-Fi: Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.
Select eduroam: In the list of available networks, select "eduroam."
Enter Credentials:
Username: Enter your NetID@northwestern.edu (e.g.,
abc123@northwestern.edu).Password: Enter your NetID password.
Check "Remember this network" for automatic future connections.
Trust the Certificate (Crucial Step): A "Verify Certificate" window will likely appear.
Click "Show Certificate" to view details.
Verify that the certificate is issued by "InCommon Server CA" or "netauth2.northwestern.edu."
Check "Always trust these certificates" (this prevents future prompts).
Click "Continue."
Enter Computer Password: You'll be prompted to enter your Mac's administrator username and password to update the trust settings. Enter them and click "Update Settings."
Connected! Your Mac should now be connected to eduroam.
Sub-heading 3.2: Using the eduroam CAT Installer (Highly Recommended for Reliability)
For the most robust and trouble-free connection, especially if you experience issues with manual setup, Northwestern IT often recommends using the eduroam Configuration Assistant Tool (CAT).
Forget Existing eduroam Networks: If you've tried connecting manually before, it's best to remove any existing eduroam profiles first.
Go to System Settings/Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi > Advanced...
In the "Wi-Fi" tab, select "eduroam" from "Preferred Networks" and click the "-" (minus) button. Click "OK" and "Apply."
Go to eduroam CAT Website: Open your web browser and go to the official eduroam CAT website (you might need to search "eduroam CAT Northwestern" to find the direct link, or consult Northwestern IT's website).
Download the Installer:
Click "Click here to download your eduroam installer."
Select "Northwestern University" from the list of institutions.
Click "Download your eduroam installer." This will download a
.mobileconfigfile.
Run the Installer:
Click on the downloaded file (e.g.,
eduroam-OS_X-Northwestern.mobileconfig).Follow the prompts: Click "Continue," then "Continue" again.
Enter Credentials During Installation:
When prompted, enter your NetID@northwestern.edu (e.g.,
wildcats@northwestern.edu) as the username.Enter your NetID password.
Click "Install."
Enter Mac Password: You'll need to enter the password you use to log in to your Mac to allow the profile installation.
Connection Complete: The CAT tool will configure your device, and you should be connected to eduroam automatically.
Step 4: Connecting to eduroam on iOS Devices (iPhone and iPad)
Connecting your iPhone or iPad to eduroam is typically a quick and easy process.
Open Settings: Tap on the "Settings" app on your home screen.
Go to Wi-Fi: Tap on "Wi-Fi."
Select eduroam: Ensure Wi-Fi is toggled on. In the list of available networks, tap on "eduroam."
Enter Credentials:
Username: Enter your NetID@northwestern.edu (e.g.,
abc123@northwestern.edu).Password: Enter your NetID password.
Tap "Join."
Trust the Certificate: You will likely be prompted to trust a certificate (e.g., from
netauth2.northwestern.eduorAddTrust External CA Root). Tap "Trust" or "Accept."Connected! Once the certificate is trusted, your iOS device should connect to eduroam, indicated by a checkmark next to "eduroam" and the Wi-Fi icon in your status bar.
Step 5: Connecting to eduroam on Android Devices
Connecting Android devices can vary slightly depending on the device manufacturer and Android version, but the core steps remain similar.
Open Settings: Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the quick settings panel, then tap the gear icon (Settings). Alternatively, find the "Settings" app in your app drawer.
Navigate to Wi-Fi: Tap on "Network & internet" or "Connections," then select "Wi-Fi."
Select eduroam: In the list of available networks, tap on "eduroam."
Configure Network Details: You will be presented with a configuration screen. Fill in the following details:
EAP method: PEAP
Phase 2 authentication: MSCHAPv2
CA certificate: This can be tricky. Some Android versions may offer "Use system certificates" or "Do not validate." Northwestern recommends using the system certificates. If you have issues, you might need to download and install the Northwestern eduroam certificate (
nu-eduroam.cer) separately from the Northwestern IT website and then select it here.Domain (for Android 7+): Enter
northwestern.eduIdentity / Username: Enter your NetID@northwestern.edu (e.g.,
abc123@northwestern.edu).Anonymous identity: Leave this blank (if it pre-fills with "anonymous," delete it).
Password: Enter your NetID password.
Connect: Tap "Connect."
Credential Storage Password (if prompted): Your Android device may ask for a credential storage password. This is your Android device's password/PIN/pattern, not your NetID password. If you haven't set one, you may be prompted to do so.
Connected! Your Android device should now connect to eduroam.
Step 6: Troubleshooting Common eduroam Connection Issues
Even with a step-by-step guide, sometimes things don't go as planned. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
Sub-heading 6.1: Incorrect Credentials
Double-check your username: Ensure you're using
YourNetID@northwestern.edu(e.g.,abc123@northwestern.edu) and not your full Northwestern email address unless specifically instructed for visitors.Verify your password: NetID passwords are case-sensitive. If you recently changed your NetID password, you'll need to update it on your device.
Reset your NetID password: If you're unsure, or believe your password might be compromised, reset it through Northwestern IT's portal.
Sub-heading 6.2: Certificate Trust Issues
Always trust the certificate: When prompted, make sure to accept and trust the server certificate. If you accidentally declined it, you might need to "forget" the eduroam network and try connecting again.
Check certificate details: Ensure the certificate is issued by a legitimate entity like "InCommon Server CA" or specifically from
netauth2.northwestern.edu.
Sub-heading 6.3: Forgotten Network/Profile
"Forget" eduroam and reconnect: This is a common fix.
Windows: Go to Wi-Fi settings, right-click "eduroam," and select "Forget."
macOS: Go to System Settings/Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi > Advanced..., select "eduroam," click the minus sign, and apply.
iOS: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the "i" next to "eduroam," and select "Forget This Network."
Android: Go to Wi-Fi settings, tap the gear icon next to "eduroam," and select "Forget."
After forgetting, restart your device and try connecting again from Step 2, 3, 4, or 5.
Sub-heading 6.4: Too Many Stored Networks/Old Profiles
Remove old Wi-Fi profiles: Sometimes, having many old Wi-Fi connections saved can interfere. Delete any networks you no longer use, especially old eduroam profiles from previous institutions if you've used eduroam elsewhere. Refer to your device's settings for managing known networks or profiles.
Sub-heading 6.5: Network Adapter/Driver Issues (Windows)
Update network drivers: Outdated Wi-Fi drivers can cause connectivity problems. Check your manufacturer's website or Windows Update for the latest drivers.
Restart your Wi-Fi adapter: In Device Manager, find your Wi-Fi adapter, right-click, and select "Disable," then "Enable" it again.
Sub-heading 6.6: Still Having Trouble? Contact Northwestern IT Support
If you've tried all the above and are still unable to connect, it's time to reach out to the experts. Northwestern IT Service Desk is your best resource.
Phone: 847-491-4357 (1-HELP)
Email: consultant@northwestern.edu
Visit: Check their website for in-person support hours and locations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to find my Northwestern NetID?
Your NetID is provided to you by Northwestern University. If you've forgotten it, you can often find it through official university portals or by contacting Northwestern IT.
How to reset my Northwestern NetID password?
You can typically reset your NetID password through Northwestern IT's self-service password management portal on their official website. Look for "NetID Password Reset" or similar.
How to connect to eduroam as a visitor at Northwestern?
As a visitor from another eduroam-enabled institution, you will use your home institution's credentials (username and password) when prompted to connect to eduroam at Northwestern.
How to troubleshoot eduroam connection issues on my device?
The most common troubleshooting steps involve:
Ensuring correct username (NetID@northwestern.edu) and password.
"Forgetting" the eduroam network on your device and trying to connect again.
Accepting/trusting the server certificate when prompted.
Checking for correct EAP and Phase 2 authentication settings (PEAP and MSCHAPv2 for Android).
How to remove old eduroam profiles on Windows?
Go to Wi-Fi settings > Manage known networks, find "eduroam," and select "Forget."
How to remove old eduroam profiles on macOS?
Go to System Settings/Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi > Advanced..., select "eduroam" from "Preferred Networks," and click the minus (-) button.
How to ensure my eduroam connection is secure?
eduroam uses WPA2-Enterprise encryption, which provides a secure connection. Always ensure you are connecting to the legitimate "eduroam" SSID and trusting the correct server certificate.
How to connect to eduroam on a Chromebook?
Chromebooks usually follow a similar process to Android. Select "eduroam" from available networks, choose EAP method (PEAP), Phase 2 authentication (MSCHAPv2), and enter your NetID@northwestern.edu and NetID password.
How to get help if I still can't connect to eduroam?
Contact the Northwestern IT Service Desk. Their contact information is usually available on the Northwestern University IT website, often including phone, email, and walk-in support.
How to know if eduroam is available at another university?
You can check the official eduroam website (
