Apple settings such as "iCloud Private Relay", "Limit IP Address Tracking", and "Private Wi-Fi Address" can interfere with campus Wi-Fi. When enabled, they hide or rotate your device’s network identity in ways our systems can’t reliably recognize, which can cause slow speeds, disconnects, or blocked access to University resources. We recommend turning off these settings for reliable access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do these Apple settings interfere with campus Wi-Fi?
iCloud Private Relay routes your traffic through two separate relays, masking your device’s campus IP address. Our Wi-Fi needs your real address to securely connect you to campus services. Settings such as "Limit IP Address Tracking" and "Private Wi-Fi Address" also change or obscure your identity on the network, which can break access controls and session continuity and results in an unreliable connection on VUMobile and VUGuest.
Do disabling these settings reduce my privacy or security?
No. VUMobile is already private, authenticated, and encrypted networks designed to protect your data. Your web traffic remains encrypted end-to-end (HTTPS) even with Private Relay off. Disabling these features only for VUMobile lets campus services recognize your device while keeping strong protection in place.
How do I disable these settings on the VUMobile network?
To disable these settings for campus networks, please follow the instructions below. You can leave it on for any other Wi-Fi network.
On iPhone/iPad (iOS/iPadOS):
- Navigate to Settings → Wi-Fi
- Tap the ⓘ next to VUMobile or VUGuest
- Turn off Limit IP Address Tracking (also disables iCloud Private Relay)*
- Turn off Private Wi-Fi Address (if issues persist)
- Toggle Wi-Fi off/on and rejoin
On Mac (macOS):
- Navigate to System Settings → Wi-Fi
- Click Details/ⓘ for VUMobile or VUGuest
- Turn off Limit IP Address Tracking (also disables iCloud Private Relay)*
- Turn off Private Wi-Fi Address (if issues persist)
- Turn Wi-Fi off/on and rejoin
*If you turn off Limit IP Address Tracking for a Wi-Fi network on your iPhone, iCloud Private Relay is turned off for this network across all your devices where you’re signed in to the same Apple Account.