At a Glance

To check in to A+ Attendance, you must be in class and connected to MIT Wi-Fi.

If You See a “Network Access Restricted” Error

If you’re connected to MIT Wi-Fi but see a “Network access restricted” message when trying to check in, a VPN or privacy setting may be preventing A+ Attendance from confirming that you’re connected to the MIT network.

The error may look like this:

Network access restricted
You are not visiting from an approved network ([IP address])

Check Your Connection First

Before trying the additional troubleshooting steps below:

VPNs can mask your device’s network connection, which may prevent A+ Attendance from recognizing that you’re connected to MIT Wi-Fi.

If you’re using an Apple device, settings such as iCloud Private Relay or Limit IP Address Tracking may also interfere with check-in.

What to Try Next

Start by temporarily turning off any VPN and then try checking in to A+ Attendance again.

If you’re using an Apple device and still can’t check in, turn off iCloud Private Relay and try again.

If the issue continues, follow Steps 3 and 4 below.

If You Still Can’t Check In

If you’re unable to resolve the issue during class, let your TA or teaching team know so they can mark your attendance manually.

1. Turn Off Any VPN

A+ Attendance checks whether your device is connected to MIT Wi-Fi. If a VPN is turned on, it may mask your device’s MIT network connection and cause the “Network access restricted” error.

Before checking in:

  1. Make sure the MIT VPN is turned off.
  2. Check your device for any third-party VPN, such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark, and temporarily turn it off.
  3. Confirm that you are connected to MIT Wi-Fi.
  4. Return to your course in Canvas and try checking in to A+ Attendance again.

If you still can’t check in after turning off all VPNs, continue with the troubleshooting steps below.

2. Turn Off iCloud Private Relay

A+ Attendance checks whether your device is connected to MIT Wi-Fi. iCloud Private Relay can prevent A+ Attendance from recognizing that connection, which may cause the “Network access restricted” error.

If Private Relay is turned on, temporarily turn it off while checking in to A+ Attendance.

On an iPhone

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap your name at the top of the screen.
  3. Tap iCloud.
  4. Under iCloud+ Features, tap Private Relay.
  5. If Private Relay is on, turn it off. If prompted, select Turn Off Until Tomorrow to disable it temporarily.
  6. Return to your course in Canvas and try checking in to A+ Attendance again.

On a Mac

  1. Select the Apple menu  > System Settings.
  2. Click your name at the top of the sidebar.
  3. Click iCloud.
  4. Click Private Relay. You may need to click See All first.
  5. If Private Relay is on, turn it off temporarily.
  6. Return to your course in Canvas and try checking in to A+ Attendance again.

For more information, see Apple’s guide to using iCloud Private Relay on a Mac.

Still can’t check in? If turning off iCloud Private Relay doesn’t fix the issue, follow the troubleshooting steps below.

3. Turn Off Limit IP Address Tracking

The Limit IP Address Tracking setting controls whether iCloud Private Relay is used with a specific Wi-Fi network.

On an iPhone

  1. Open Settings > Wi-Fi.
  2. Tap the ⓘ next to the MIT Wi-Fi network you’re connected to.
  3. Turn Limit IP Address Tracking off.
  4. Return to your course in Canvas and try checking in to A+ Attendance again.

On a Mac

  1. Select the Apple menu  > System Settings.
  2. Click Network > Wi-Fi.
  3. Click Details next to the MIT Wi-Fi network you’re connected to.
  4. Turn Limit IP Address Tracking off.
  5. Return to your course in Canvas and try checking in to A+ Attendance again.

4. Turn Off “Open External Tools in Safari”

On an iPhone

If you’re using the Canvas Student app on an iPhone:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Apps > Canvas.
  3. Find Open External Tools in Safari.
  4. Make sure this setting is OFF.
  5. Return to your course in Canvas and try checking in to A+ Attendance again.

Still Having Trouble?

Trouble Connecting to MIT Wi-Fi?

If you’re having trouble connecting to MIT Wi-Fi, contact the STS Help Desk at stshelp@mit.edu or 617-253-2000 for assistance.

Still Seeing the “Network Access Restricted” Error?

If you’re connected to MIT Wi-Fi, have confirmed that the MIT VPN and any third-party VPNs, such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark, are turned off, and still see the “Network access restricted” error after trying the troubleshooting steps above, submit a ticket to the STS Help Desk by emailing stshelp@mit.edu or calling 617-253-2000.

Please include a screenshot of the error message you’re seeing so the team can help troubleshoot the issue.

If you’re unable to check in during class, let your TA or teaching team know so they can mark your attendance manually.