Technology Services Wi-Fi Help Portal-Illinois Faculty, Staff and Students-Android Devices

Android devices can be configured to connect to IllinoisNet and other campus networks using the SecureW2 JoinNow app, or by manually configuring a certificate. Android's interface can differ significantly between versions and manufacturers, so these instructions are maintained on a best-effort basis.

Connect with SecureW2 JoinNow App (recommended)

This small app provided by our vendor can automatically detect the presence of the campus networks and configure certificates and settings automatically. To use it:

  1. Make sure your device is already connected to the internet using another network, such as a mobile data network or the IllinoisNet_Guest wi-fi.
  2. Navigate to https://go.illinois.edu/IllinoisNetSetup and tap the Download button
    - OR -
    Find the SecureW2 JoinNow app on the Google Play Store and install it.
  3. Open the app; if you're on campus, it will automatically detect the presence of University networks, give itself Illinois branding, and prompt for your credentials.
  4. Enter your NetID as your username and your account's usual password.
  5. A prompt will appear, asking about wireless networks being suggested by the app, granting the app permission to control wi-fi, or the app wanting to save a network. This prompt is different between Android versions, but must be accepted.
  6. After accepting the prompt, check the Settings app to be sure the device shows it is connected to IllinoisNet and has internet access.

If you do not see a prompt after entering your credentials into the app, you may need to navigate to your Settings app and select the 'IllinoisNet' network manually.

More information about joining and troubleshooting networks with the SecureW2 JoinNow application is provided by SecureW2 on their website here.

Connect with Manual Certificate Configuration

Some Android devices with older versions of the operating system may not be able to use the JoinNow app. Many of these devices can still connect to IllinoisNet by manually retrieving and configuring a certificate:

  1. Make sure your device is already connected to the internet using another network, such as a mobile data network or the IllinoisNet_Guest wi-fi.
  2. Navigate to https://go.illinois.edu/wificert to retrieve a certificate, in the form of a .cer file.
    Some versions of Android will offer to save this file to the device's storage, while others will show a popup warning message or place the file in a default Downloads folder.
  3. Some versions of Android understand how to handle .cer files and will offer to install this one.
    Other versions will require it to be manually selected in "Advanced" wi-fi settings. Look for an option to Install network certificates.
  4. In the Settings app, find IllinoisNet in the list of available wi-fi networks and tap it. If the device already "knows" the network, you may need to have it Forget in order to allow you to change the below settings.
  5. Enter the following details:
    • Network or SSID: IllinoisNet
    • Security: WPA2-Enterprise
    • Encryption: AES
    • EAP Method: TTLS or PEAP
    • Phase 2 authentication: MSCHAPv2
    • CA certificate: Use system certificates (or locate the .cer file downloaded above)
    • Online Certificate Status: Require status for untrusted certificates
    • Domain: wireless.illinois.edu
    • Identity: your NetID
    • Password: your account's usual password

    Other fields should be left blank or at their defaults. Save the network.

In rare cases, Technology Services has encountered devices that require an operating system update in order to use the Android features this configuration depends on.

Still having trouble?

If you are located in one of the campus residence halls, contact the University Housing Technology group by phone at 217-244-1111, or submit a ticket at servicedesk.satech.illinois.edu/Resident.

Otherwise, contact the Technology Services Help Desk by email at consult@illinois.edu or by phone at 217-244-7000.



KeywordsWi-Fi Help Portal chrome book galaxy pixel android google chromebook wifi   Doc ID90284
Ownerwireless w.GroupUniversity of Illinois Technology Services
Created2019-03-09 20:26:40Updated2024-03-19 08:36:58
SitesUniversity of Illinois Technology Services
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