Network Login Pages no longer appearing

[lee965]

Hi,

I am no longer seeing public wifi network login pages appear at all.

I've googled a number of solutions and I'm now somewhat stuck.

If I've previously registered and the network needs no additional information, or I've ticked remember my details, then it will connect me.

- If I've previously registered and the network wants me to login I have no way of doing so.

- If I've never registered then I can't get onto that network at all.

- I can join new private networks that ask me for a WPA password via the Mac's wifi login, but it's browser login pages that won't open.

Anything that requires a browser login page to be triggered just isn't happening. I've tried various captive.apple.com and direct IP addresses to trigger it and nothing works. As you can probably imagine googling "I cant connect to wifi" doesn't give me anything particularly sophisticated.

I mostly use Firefox as a browser but I've been using it for longer than this has been a problem. I do download random bits of software now and again so I can't say for sure that I haven't put something on here but I don't think it's a virus or malware, it just feels like an unfortunate side effect of something.

I wasn't sure if there was some terminal command I could use, or another tool to see what's blocking the pages? Any help/guidance much appreciated.

 

[pigoo3]

I mostly use Firefox as a browser but I've been using it for longer than this has been a problem.

Have you tried using a different browser on this device (Safari or Chrome)?

I'm also assuming that this only happens on one device (computer, phone, or tablet). You could try using a second device at the same location as the first device with the issue...and see if that makes a difference.

- Nick

 

[lclev]

Firefox has a built in popup blocker that could be causing issues. Safari also has one but as far as I know Chrome does not..for now. Anyway, I have found if I have a popup blocker enabled I do not get the login page that you are referring to when on a public wifi.

For Firefox take a look at this solution: Turning AdBlock Off? | Firefox Support Forum | Mozilla Support

For Safari try this: Safari: Enable/Disable Pop-up Blocker

Or go with Chrome. It does not have a built in one but it can be added through plugins. I like Ghostery best as I can easily disable and enable it through its taskbar icon.

Lisa

 

[Raz0rEdge]

For places that require this sort of "login", I've usually see a window pop-up outside of my browser when I do connect to the WiFi and then there's a Done button to close that window. You aren't getting that pop-up either?

What version of macOS are you running? When did this issue start?

 

[MBAmtloin]

I had the same problem when updating an OSX, somehow the auto-proxy get checked and safari cannot connect to a public wifi like at the library.
the settings are in Network>Advanced> proxies.
un

 

[lee965]

Hi Nick,

Yes, this is just happening on my MacBook (2017, 10.15.1). Phone connects fine and no-one around me is having the same issue. Plus it's in multiple locations.

 

[lee965]

Sorry. Didn't realise I'd already replied.

Hi Nick,

Yes, I've tried it with another device and it works fine. It's specifically an issue with my laptop.

 

[lee965]

Hi,

I've tried this. The proxies box is not ticked. I tried ticking it to see if it would make any difference and it didn't so I've unticked it again.

Still not resolved I'm afraid.

- - - Updated - - -

Hi,

I'm running 10.15.1. It started prior to my most recent update. I can't remember exactly when it started but it's been a little while now. I don't remember it being linked to a specific install or anything else.

 

[lee965]

Hi Lisa,

I usually use Firefox but I've been using it for a lot longer than this has been an issue. I've deleted Firefox, made Safari my default browser and disabled the popup blocker and it still isn't working.

Cheers,

Lee

 

[lee965]

Hi all,

Sorry for the delay in replying. I only need to log into public wifis on a Wednesday when I'm in London. I've tried multiple different networks and experienced the same thing.

I do have a workaround now, which is rebooting into safe mode, I can log in fine and then rebooting into normal mode and the login remembers me. This doesn't last though and I have to do the same thing each week.

Any further advice on what to try, or what to interrogate to see what is blocking this would be much appreciated.

Lee

 

[lclev]

So that would indicate you have something running in the background doing the blocking. Just for clarity - are you running any anti-virus or malware protection apps?

Lisa

 

[lee965]

Hi all,

thanks for your help. After a really annoying and frustrating couple of weeks I've narrowed it down to being MalwareBytes, and anti-malware programme that was blocking the popups.

All working fine now.

Thanks,

Lee