Wireless connections (Eduroam or guest)

There are two wireless connections on the UW campus: eduroam and UniversityOfWaterloo. Eduroam provides internet access to anyone with valid WatIAM credentials. UniversityOfWaterloo does not provide internet access, but it will allow you to connect as a guest or use pre-configured tools to set up an Eduroam connection.

Eduroam | Guest wifi

Connecting to Eduroam

Go to Settings, turn on your Wi-Fi and click on eduroam... 

iOS

  • Username: your Waterloo email address
  • Password: your WatIAM password
  • Click on "Join"
  • Click on "Trust" when prompted with a certificate 

Android 8, 9

  • EAP method: Protected EAP/PEAP
  • CA Certificate: Do not Validate 
  • Identity: your Waterloo email address
  • Password: your WatIAM password
  • Phase 2 authentication: MSCHAPv2 (Andriod 9 users, click on "Advanced" to see this option then click "Save")

Android 7, 10, 11, 12+

  • Username: your Waterloo email address
  • Password: your WatIAM password
  • Authentication method/EAP method: Protected EAP/PEAP
  • Inner authentication/phase 2 authentication: MSCHAPv2
  • CA Certificate: use system credentials
  • Domain: eduroam.uwaterloo.ca

A dialogue may pop up stating that the connection attempt could not be completed. DO NOT HIT “TERMINATE”. Instead, view the details and confirm that the Radius server is eduroam.uwaterloo.ca and the server certificate is GlobalSign Root CA. If so, click “Connect”. If not, hit “Terminate” and attempt to connect manually using the instructions below.

If you experience difficulty connecting automatically, make sure your operating system has the latest updates.

Connecting to Eduroam using the CAT tool

  • Go to cat.eduroam.org 
  • Click on "Click here to download your eduroam installer"
  • Select the University of Waterloo from the pop-up menu
  • Click on "eduroam" to download the Eduroam installer
  • Run the Eduroam installer. You will need to enter youruserid@uwaterloo.ca and your WatIAM password. Run the downloaded executable and
  • Eduroam will be installed automatically.

If you cannot connect automatically, try setting up the connection manually using the information below.

Manually setting up a connection to Eduroam

Windows

  • Navigate to the "Control Panel" andselect "Network and Internet" from the popup menu.
  • Go to the "Network and Sharing Center" and select “Set up a new connection or network.”
  • Select “Manually connect to a wireless network” then click "Next."
    • Network name: eduroam
    • Security type: WPA2 Enterprise
    • Encryption Type: AES
  • Check “Start this connection automatically” then click "Next."
  • Click “Change connection settings.”
  • Select the "Security" tab from the pop-up window. 
  • Under "Choose a network authentication method:" select "Microsoft: Protected EAP (PEAP)."
  • Click the “Settings” button to the left of the "Choose a network authentication method" dropdown menu.
    • In the list of "Trusted Root Certification Authorities" select "GlobalSign Root CA" then select "OK."

Mac

Instructions above for Windows Automatic or CAT tool-assisted installation will also work on a Mac. A properly updated Mac will usually connect to Eduroam automatically.

Linux

  • Go to your home screen and click on the battery icon in the top right corner
  • Click on "Select Network" from the drop-down menu
  • Click on "eduroam" then on "Connect"
  • Enter the following information:

    • Wi-Fi security:WPA & WPA2 Enterprise

    • Authentication: Protected EAP (PEAP)

    • Anonymous Identity: [Leave Blank]

    • Domain: eduroam.uwaterloo.ca

    • CA Certificate & CA certificate password:leave as is and check the box next to “No CA certificate is required”

    • PEAP version: Automatic

    • Inner Authentication: MSCHAPv2

    • Username: username@uwaterloo.ca (your 8-character UWaterloo, i.e. youruserna@uwaterloo.ca)

    • Password: your password

  • Click on "Connect"

  • Type in your password again in the pop-up window and you'll be connected

Guest access

  • Go to Wi-Fi settings and click on UniversityOfWaterloo
  • If you're connecting for the first time, a pop-up certificate will appear. Click on "Continue"
  • Click on "Or register for guest access"
  • Enter your first name, last name, and email address into each respective field then click "Register"
  • A confirmation code will be sent via email. Enter the confirmation code into the pop-up window within 10 minutes to connect to the Wi-Fi. If the confirmation code is not entered within 10 minutes the process will time out and need to be restarted.

Troubleshooting