Why Won’t My Mac Connect to Starbucks WiFi? Fix Guide

Why won’t my Mac connect to Starbucks WiFi? If you are trying to connect to Starbucks Wi-Fi, but it’s not working, we’re here to help you. We compiled various methods on what you should do.

Either the Starbucks captive portal does not show up, or you have the wrong DNS settings.

These are the most common reasons your Mac can’t connect to Starbucks Wi-Fi. You may also be using a VPN that is disrupting the network.

To fix the Starbucks Wi-Fi log-in issue, revert the DNS settings in your Mac. Your device picks up a DNS server by default. If you recently changed it, try changing it back, and the Wi-Fi login page should appear. Clear your browser or use an incognito window if this doesn’t solve the issue.

Before we move on to the solutions, let us discuss the causes of your Starbucks Wi-Fi connection problem.

What Causes Starbucks WiFi Not Working Mac

If you cannot connect to Starbucks’ free Wi-Fi, go inside the cafe. You may be outside, and the Wi-Fi isn’t strong enough for you to join.

If you are already inside, but your Mac still can’t connect to the Wi-Fi, it may be due to the following reasons.

1. WiFi Portal Not Showing Up

A captive portal pops up when you connect to a public Wi-FI hotspot. If it doesn’t, there may be problems with the DNS server, or you’re using a VPN.

2. Wrong DNS Settings

DNS settings are normally automated and work pretty well by themselves. You may have changed the settings without realizing its effects. 

3. VPN Disrupting the Network

Captive portals have specific rules when it comes to IP addresses. Using a VPN masks the IP address. Thus, the Starbucks login page won’t appear. 

4. Browser Issue

If your browser cache is full or almost full, your browser will rely on outdated DNS info and see a blank instead of the expected login page.

If your Mac isn’t connecting to Starbucks Wi-Fi, these are some of the possible causes. We can now move on to fixing the issue, so you can start using the connection.

Why Won’t Mac Connect To Starbucks WiFi?- Fix Steps!

Before you do anything else to your Mac, refresh your connection. Turn off Wi-Fi, then turn it back on again.

If this doesn’t work, restart your device. It will soft refresh your Mac and fix a few bugs that may be causing the issue.

If none of these works, it’s time to get into more complicated stuff.

Solution #1: Use an Incognito Window

If you are using a browser with an incognito option, we recommend using it. Incognito tabs don’t save any data.

When you open a page, it’s as if it is your first time visiting it. It’s a good way to check your connections if they work or not since they don’t rely on your caches.

Here’s how to use an incognito window with your Mac:

1. Open the Safari tab.
2. Choose File > New Private Window.
3. Browse as you normally would.

An incognito window usually has a dark theme. You can browse in private when you use it.

Pro Tip: Try visiting a non-HTTP site. Non-HTTPs are not secure, which means your browser will not rely on saved data to open it.   

Solution #2: Forget the Starbucks WiFi Network

Another method to fix your Wi-Fi connection issue is to forget the Starbucks network. Then, connect again.

Doing this will refresh your WiFi connection and allow your computer to reset its settings for that particular network.

Here’s how to forget the network:

1. Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Network.
2. Select Wi-Fi in the list.
3. Click the Advanced button.
4. Select the network you want your Mac to forget from the Preferred Networks list.
5. Click the remove button (ー).   

Confirm your choice by clicking Remove > OK. Then, Apply.

Note: Connect to the network as you would on any Wi-Fi and open a webpage on your browser. See if this works. If not, proceed to the next solution.

Solution #3: Clear Your Browser’s History and Data

If forgetting the Starbucks Wi-Fi network doesn’t work, try clearing your browser’s cache, history, and data.

This will delete old and possibly flawed data and resolve your Mac’s Wi-Fi connection issues.

Here’s how to clear the cache on your Mac:

1. Click the Safari tab and choose Preferences.
2. Click Advanced and select Show Develop Menu.
3. Click Develop at the top of the page.
4. Choose Empty Caches from the drop-down menu.

You may also want to clear your browsing history and cookies.

Here’s how to do that:

1. Choose the History tab on top.
2. Select Clear History from the dropdown menu.
3. Choose your preferred time frame.
4. Click the Clear History button.

Note: Once you clear the history, it will also remove the cache and cookies associated with that time period.

Solution #4: Change Your DNS Servers

If you changed your DNS servers, all you need to do is restore these settings to default.

You can do it through your Mac’s DNS pane of network preferences.

1. Choose Apple menu > System Preferences.
2. Click Network, then select your network service in the list.
3. Click Advanced and click DNS.
4. Click the 十 button and enter the IPv4 or IPv6 address to add a DNS server.
5. To remove it, click the ー button.  

Note: Use Google DNS 8.8.8.8 or Cloudflare DNS 1.1.1.1. Both offer reliable latency and are available for all Macbook users.

Solution #5: Turn Off Your VPN

If you are using a VPN, the chances are the VPN is causing the connection issue on your Mac. Disconnect from your VPN to fix it.

To turn off your VPN from the menu bar, first, you need to activate the Show VPN status.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to System Preferences.
2. Choose Network Window.
3. Click VPN Connection.
4. Tick the box saying Show VPN Status in the menu.
5. You can now turn on/off your VPN using the icon displayed on the menu bar.

Note: Starbucks Wi-Fi is secure, even without a VPN.

Solution #6: Renew DHCP Lease

If you connect to Starbucks Wi-Fi and a window pop-up says, “A problem occurred: The webpage cannot be loaded,” you need to renew the DHCP lease to fix it.

Your Macbook will reconnect and get a new IP from the Starbucks router, allowing you to enjoy their internet.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Click on the Apple logo on your screen.
2. Choose System Preferences from the dropdown menu.
3. Click Network, then select Advanced.
4. Select TCP/IP from the labeled tabs.
5. Click the Renew DHCP Lease button.

Note: By renewing the DHCP lease, a new IP address will be assigned to your Mac. You should be able to connect to the Starbucks network then.

If the methods above do not work, you can try letting the staff know that you are having issues with the Starbucks Wi-Fi.

They should be able to find a solution to your problem. If your phone has access to the Internet, you can use it as a Wi-Fi hotspot for your Macbook.

Read Next: How to Unblock a Device from WiFi?

Bottom Line

Now, we have answered your “Why won’t my Mac connect to Starbucks” query and presented you with solutions to fix your Wi-Fi connection.

Our recommended solutions are simple and do not require technical knowledge. Try one of them and see which method works.

If none of these fixes your Starbucks Wi-Fi connection problem, report the issue to the staff. They should be able to fix it.