Technology

Unable to Access WiFi on MacOS after Changing ULID Password

Last modified 8/11/2026

If you have updated your password, you could have trouble reconnecting to ISUNet and/or other ISU Wireless Networks. This article goes over reconnecting to Illinois State University's Wireless Network after updating a password. 

This issue applies to MacOS 10.7 and higher.

Problem

  • You changed your password and now find that you are unable to access the network.
  • Your email was compromised, and your password was scrambled to prevent unauthorized access to your account. Now you can't access the network.

Solution

  • MacOS is storing your old ULID password and will not prompt you to enter your new password. To change your ULID password, open the Keychain.
  • You can try forgetting the network before attempting to reconnect. For more information on Forgetting Networks, see Forgetting Wireless Networks on a Mac.


To update the University wireless network password within your Mac Keychain, do the following:

  1. Click Spotlight, located in the upper-right corner. This is the Search function on your Mac, which looks like a magnifying glassSpotlight Selected.
  2. Type 'Keychain Access' and click the result to open it.
  3. Select Login under Default Keychains to the left (Figure 1).

    Figure 1:
    Keychain Access Login button
  4. Select the Passwords tab (Figure 2).

    Figure 2:
    Passwords tab and isunet option in Keychain access
  5. To the right will be the list of wireless networks and other locations where a password is saved. Double-click the name of the wireless network (e.g., isunet or isu-restnet-StartHere). You may have to scroll to find it.
    • MacOS 10.7 and above displays only the name of the wireless network (e.g., isunet or isu-restnet-StartHere).
  6. Double-click on the network isunet.
  7. Place a check mark in the Show Password check box (See Figure 3).
  8. Enter your computer password (the password you use to log in to your computer/workstation) to authenticate, then make a change to the network password in the Keychain.
  9. Click Allow when prompted to enter your password to approve the changes. The text box to the right of Show Password will display your old password (See Figure 3).

    Figure 3:
    updating keychain with new password
  10. Type in your new password in place of the old password.
  11. Click Save Changes.
  12. Reboot your system to ensure all changes are synced up with your password. Then turn the Wi-Fi off and back on again before attempting to reconnect.
    You should now be able to connect to ISUNet and other ISU wireless networks. 

How to Get Help

Technical assistance is available through the Illinois State University Technology Support Center at:

Feedback

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