Below you will find instructions on connecting a macOS device to AirOrangeX, Syracuse University's secure wireless network. Be sure to follow the instructions based on your version of macOS.
Not sure which macOS version you have? Simply click the Apple symbol in the top left corner and select 'About This Mac'. A window should pop up indicating which version of macOS is installed.
Table of Contents
Connecting a Mac running macOS Big Sur to AirOrangeX
Users with macOS Big Sur can directly connect to AirOrangeX.
To connect, access wireless networks by clicking on the wireless icon in the top right-hand corner of the screen and select the AirOrangeX network.
Enter in your NetID and password when prompted. You should now be connected. Once connect, be sure to review the information page on our Welcome to Computing at SU page.
Trouble connecting? If your computer is not connecting or AirOrangeX is not visible, be sure to review the troubleshooting section below.
Connecting a Mac running macOS Catalina or Older to AirOrangeX
Users with macOS Catalina and older require some additional steps to properly configure your computer to AirOrangeX. To connect, follow the steps below.
macOS Catalina is used in this guide, but the instructions will remain the same or similar in older versions of macOS.
Step 1 - Connect to AirOrangeHelp
Access wireless networks by clicking on the wireless icon in the top right-hand corner of the screen. Connect to the AirOrangeHelp network.
Step 2 - Download the Cloudpath Application
Open a browser window and navigate to airorangehelp.syr.edu. Once you get to the AirOrangeHelp web page, click on the "SU students, faculty and staff" link.
macOS does not come preinstalled with Java which is used in the Cloudpath application. If your Mac has Java and it is enabled in Safari, then you will be taken through a similar process starting within your browser. Otherwise, continue with these default instructions.
Following the link you will see this screen:
Click the download link as shown above - This application will be used to securely connect you to AirOrangeX. Open the downloaded Cloudpath folder in Downloads, which you should be able to access from your dock.
Step 3 - Connect to AirOrangeX with the Cloudpath Application
Double-click to run the Cloudpath application.
You may be prompted to open the application as shown below:
In the Cloudpath application enter your NetID credentials and click Next.
You may be prompted several times for a local administrator account. Enter your local computer username and password and continue with the program.
Step 4 - Verify Connection
If the connection is successful you will be notified by the Cloudpath application and your default browser will open.
Note that it is recommended that you update your macOS to the latest version possible when possible. Questions about that process can be directed to the the ITS Service Center.
CloudPath Won't Configure?
Mac computers, by default, set the date and time automatically using the Internet. If you are unable to configure CloudPath it is likely that your date and time on your computer are wrong. You can change the date and time manual by navigating to System Preferences > Date & Time > uncheck Set date and time automatically > manually change the date and time to the current month, day, and year. Try to run CloudPath again, it should configure properly. If it does not, we recommend visiting the ITS Service Center for additional assistance.
Troubleshooting
Below you will find troubleshooting steps for common issues users have reported on their devices.
Troubleshooting Steps by Symptom
AirOrangeX is Not an Option in My Network List
If your computer is not seeing the AirOrangeX network, it is recommended that you first restart your computer.
If you still can't see AirOrangeX, you may also attempt to toggle the Wi-Fi. Follow the steps below to toggle your Wi-Fi on/off.
macOS Won't Directly Connect to AirOrangeX (macOS Big Sur)
If your macOS device is seeing AirOrangeX but won't configure, be sure that you are entering your NetID and password correctly. Verify you are entering your credentials correctly using the Confirm Your Password option at http://netid.syr.edu.
In some rare cases, macOS Big Sur may be having trouble accepting our network's certificates. Follow the steps below to manually configure your devices.
Not Big Sur? If you are on an older version of macOS and trying to directly connect to AirOrangeX, start by ensuring you are following the configuration steps above as direct connection is not recommended.
macOS Keeps Connecting to AirOrangeHelp or Gadgets&Games
Rarely, after connecting to AirOrangeHelp to set up AirOrangeX, your computer may try to continue to connect to AirOrangeHelp before trying to connect to AoX. Additionally, if you have connected to Gadgets&Games with the device, it may keep connecting. This can be fixed very simply by following the steps below.
Step 1: Go to the Wi-Fi icon in the tool bar at the top of the screen and choose Open Network Preferences.
Step 2: Choose Advanced in the bottom right hand corner of the window.
Step 3: In this menu you can add or delete known Wi-Fi networks as well as choose to "Auto-Join" networks. If you see AirOrangeHelp or Gadgets&Games in the list, you can simply delete them or uncheck "Auto-Join."
Need Help?
If your device is not seeing any of the SU wireless networks, or you simply can't connect to AirOrangeHelp, you may be having software or hardware related issues with the device. We recommend contacting the ITS Service Center for further assistance.
If the device will not complete the authentication step, please verify your credentials on our NetID self-service page.