iCloud Private Relay - Network Connectivity Issues

Issues

• What is iCloud Private Relay and why is it interfering with my network?
• How do I turn off iCloud Private Relay on my Mac?
• My VPN won't connect while iCloud Private Relay is turned on
• Why can't I reach certain campus websites or library resources from my Mac?
• Why does my Mac's location or network appear incorrect while connected to campus Wi-Fi?
• How do I disable Private Relay for just one network instead of everywhere?
• Why do some websites block or challenge me when Private Relay is enabled?
• Why can't I access papercut.bowdoin.edu from my Mac even when on campus?
• Why am I getting the error "your computer or network may be sending automated queries" when accessing Google Scholar?

Environment

This article applies to anyone using a Bowdoin-issued Mac who is signed into an Apple ID with an iCloud+ subscription that has Private Relay turned on.

• Supported devices: MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Neo, iMac, Mac Mini running macOS Sequoia (15.x), Tahoe (26.x), or newer
• Private Relay is an Apple-only feature tied to an Apple ID with iCloud+, so it does not apply to Dell laptops, Dell desktops, or other Windows 11 devices
• This article does not cover general Wi-Fi troubleshooting unrelated to Private Relay, such as forgotten passwords or hardware Wi-Fi failures

Resolution

What iCloud Private Relay does and why it can cause problems

iCloud Private Relay hides your Mac's IP address and browsing activity from your network provider and from websites you visit by routing your internet traffic through two separate relays. On a college network, this can cause a Mac to appear as if it is connecting from an unexpected location or IP address range. Some campus resources, single sign-on prompts, or network authentication steps expect traffic to come from a recognizable Bowdoin IP address, so Private Relay can cause dropped connections, failed logins, blocked access to certain sites, or conflicts with a virtual private network (VPN) connection.

Turn off Private Relay for the Bowdoin Wi-Fi network only

Turning off Private Relay for a single network is the recommended first step because it resolves most campus connectivity problems while leaving Private Relay active on other networks you use.

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar, or open System Settings and click Wi-Fi in the sidebar.
2. Find the network you are connected to (for example, eduroam) and click the (i) information icon or Details button next to it.
3. Look for the Private Relay or Limit IP Address Tracking toggle in the network details panel.
4. Turn the toggle off for this specific network.
5. Click Done or close the settings window, then reconnect to the network if the connection does not refresh automatically.

Turn off Private Relay for all networks

If disabling Private Relay for a single network does not resolve the problem, or if connectivity issues occur on multiple networks, turn Private Relay off completely.

1. Click the Apple menu and select System Settings.
2. Click your name or Apple ID banner at the top of the sidebar.
3. Click iCloud.
4. Click Private Relay.
5. Turn off the switch labeled Private Relay.

Turn Private Relay back on

1. Click the Apple menu and select System Settings.
2. Click your name or Apple ID banner at the top of the sidebar.
3. Click iCloud, then click Private Relay.
4. Turn the switch labeled Private Relay back on.

If a VPN connection won't establish

Private Relay and a VPN both try to manage and route your network traffic, and running both at the same time can prevent a VPN from connecting properly. If a VPN fails to connect on a Bowdoin-issued Mac, turn off Private Relay for the network you are using before attempting to connect the VPN again.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

• Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
• Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
• In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
• Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.

Additional Resources

• Use iCloud Private Relay on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac (Apple Support)