Self-Assigned IP Address on Work Wi-Fi

Question

Level 1

8 points

Self-Assigned IP Address on Work Wi-Fi

Hello,

I have a MacBook Pro that I had purchased brand new about 11 months ago and had used it everyday for both personal and work, and just late last month, I couldn't connect to my work wi-fi because my IP address is self-assigned as 169.254.x.y, and has been going on for about a month now; I tried restarting the computer and even updated my MacOS with security updates to the very latest version and still without any luck. I even tried manually configuring IPv4 to the correct IP address, as well as the subnet mask and the router address, but still not getting anywhere.

Other useful information: I have an iPhone 14 Pro Max that can still connect to my work wi-fi without any issues and my MacBook Pro can still connect to my home wi-fi without my IP address being self-assigned. My current MacOS version is MacOS Ventura 13.4.1 (22F82).

Any suggestions on how to fix this complicated self-assigned IP address issue?

Thanks!

-Victor

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 13.4

Posted on Jun 26, 2023 6:27 PM

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Answer 1

TripleV94 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 27, 2023 7:20 AM in response to TripleV94

After getting in contact with the IT department advising me to see the IT desk in person, I have went to this following website and followed the first two steps under this link:

https://ioshacker.com/how-to/fix-internet-not-working-self-assigned-ip-address-issue

First, I had to put the following files in the following directory in the trash (Macintosh HD>Library>Preferences>System Configuration):

com.apple.airport.preferences.list
com.apple.network.identification.plist (may not be present)
NetworkInterfaces.plist

Next, I have to restart the whole computer and see if I could connect to my work wi-fi; it did not resolve this issue but restored the deleted files above, so I ended up renewing my DHCP lease and switched off the wi-fi and back on after a few seconds, and finally, was able to connect to my work wi-fi! This has really helped!

Thank you all for the suggested solutions!

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Answer 2

a brody

Level 10

85,273 points

Jun 26, 2023 6:47 PM in response to TripleV94

Make sure you don't have any proxies assigned in the network settings, unless the work knows you need it.

If connecting to work from home with Cisco Anyconnect or Globalprotect, make sure your work server password hasn't expired causing trouble for the VPN to connect. The phone connectivity is usually VPN independent and works typically with InTune, or Blackberry management. If you are in office and connect via ethernet and get a self assigned 169 IP address on ethernet, renew the DHCP lease of your Networking Systems Settings or Preferences.

Make sure you have the correct DNS numbers in your preferences and determine if you have a static IP that your line at work is connected to or not.

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Answer 3

TripleV94 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 27, 2023 5:33 AM in response to a brody

Usually I don't have proxies assigned or even turned on for anything, and I usually don't work remotely from the office as my job requires me to work in person most of the time, but I always use wi-fi whenever at work and not via ethernet so I'll have to try renewing the DHCP lease as my first step.

Also, would it be even helpful if I try resetting my network preferences on Mac?

I almost forgot to mention that I was able to connect to my hotspot wi-fi whenever I couldn't connect to my work wi-fi, so I was wondering why I got a self-assigned IP address every time I try to connect to my work wi-fi?

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Answer 4

a brody

Level 10

85,273 points

Jun 27, 2023 7:10 AM in response to TripleV94

Many workplace WiFis are in fact limited to allowing people to access their WiFi network who have certain software management programs like JAMF, InTune, or MECM, or VPN software setup to access the work network.

This is why you can access your cell phone WiFi network, but not your work WiFi, the cell phone WiFi gets its network from your cellular carrier.

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