Issues
- I can't connect to Bowdoin's wireless network even though I'm entering the correct username and password.
- My Mac or Windows laptop keeps asking for my login repeatedly without connecting.
- My device shows a certificate warning or says the connection isn't secure.
- I was connected to campus Wi-Fi before but now it won't work.
- How do I forget and rejoin the BOWDOIN or eduroam network on a Mac or Windows computer?
- My computer's date or time might be wrong — could that affect my Wi-Fi connection?
Environment
This article applies to Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff troubleshooting wireless connectivity problems on a Mac or Windows computer. Supported platforms: macOS Sequoia (15.x) or Tahoe (26.x), and Windows 11.
For initial connection instructions, see Connect Macs to Bowdoin or eduroam Wi-Fi or Connect Windows Devices to Bowdoin or eduroam Wi-Fi in the Related Articles section.
Resolution
Work through the steps below in order. Most connection problems are resolved by the first or second step.
Step 1: Forget the network and reconnect
Removing the saved network profile clears any corrupted credentials or certificate data and lets you start fresh. For full step-by-step instructions including Keychain certificate cleanup, see the platform-specific articles in the Related Articles section:
- Mac: See Forget a Saved Wireless Network on macOS in the Related Articles section.
- Windows 11: See Forgetting a Saved Wireless (Wi-Fi) Network on Windows 11 in the Related Articles section.
Once you have forgotten and rejoined the network, return here if the problem persists.
Step 2: Verify your login credentials
Entering the wrong username format is a common cause of repeated authentication failures. The format differs depending on which network you are joining:
- For BOWDOIN: enter your Bowdoin username only (e.g.,
jdoe).
- For eduroam: enter your full Bowdoin email address (e.g.,
jdoe@bowdoin.edu).
Your password is the same one used for other Bowdoin services such as email and Workday. Usernames are not case-sensitive, but passwords are.
Step 3: Accept the security certificate
When connecting for the first time, or after forgetting the network, your device may prompt you to accept a security certificate. This is expected behavior.
- Confirm the certificate server name reads radius.bowdoin.edu before accepting.
- Click Continue or Trust when prompted.
- On macOS, you may be asked to enter your Mac login password to confirm the change.
Do not accept a certificate if the server name shown is anything other than radius.bowdoin.edu. Contact the Service Desk before proceeding.
Step 4: Check your device's date and time
An incorrect date or time prevents your device from validating the network's security certificate, which can block the connection entirely.
- macOS: Go to System Settings > General > Date & Time and enable Set time and date automatically.
- Windows 11: Go to Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time and enable Set time automatically.
After correcting the date and time, restart your device and try connecting again.
Step 5: Restart your device
A full restart can clear temporary network state issues that survive sleep and wake cycles. If you have not restarted since the problem began, do so before contacting the Service Desk.
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.