Frequently asked questions

Why is WRA changing the Wi-Fi?

On the old WRA network every device signs in with your password, which means your password is stored in each device's Wi-Fi settings and sent every time you connect. On WRA-Secure each device has its own certificate instead. Nobody can use your password to get on the network, a lost device can be cut off without touching your account, and you never see a Wi-Fi password prompt again.

What exactly gets installed on my device?

A Wi-Fi certificate for that device and the settings for the WRA-Secure network. That's the whole list. It is not device management: WRA cannot see what's on your device, read your messages, install apps or change settings. On iPhone, iPad and Mac the profile shows that it is signed by Western Reserve Academy, so you can tell it's ours.

Can I remove it?

Yes, any time, from your device's own settings. See the last section of Troubleshooting. You'd just need to run the setup again to get back on WRA-Secure.

How many devices can I set up?

Ten. Phones, laptops, tablets, in any mix. If you need more, ask the Technology office.

How long does it last?

Students: through June 30 of your graduation year. Employees: about two years, then you run the three-minute setup again. The certificate expires on its own; there's nothing to renew by hand before then.

I'm a new student. Can I do this from home before I arrive?

Not yet. The setup network, WRA-Start, is on campus only. It takes three minutes once you're here.

Does this work with a Chromebook?

Personal Chromebooks are not supported on WRA-Secure. School-issued Chromebooks are set up by the Technology office; you don't need to do anything with those.

What about my school-issued laptop or iPad?

Nothing to do. School-owned devices get their certificate automatically and switch to WRA-Secure on their own. See School-owned devices.

What about game consoles, smart TVs, printers and other gadgets?

Those don't do certificates. They go on the WRA IoT network with a key from the Technology office, same as today.

What about guests?

Visitors join WRA-Start and choose Guest Login on the sign-in page. See Guests.

Do I need the Microsoft Authenticator app for this?

No. The Wi-Fi sign-in asks for your WRA email and password only. Authenticator is still needed for everything else, so if you haven't set it up yet, the Technology office can help with that at the same time.

When does the old WRA network turn off?

Tuesday, January 27, 2027. After that, a device without a certificate can't get on Wi-Fi until you run the setup.

Something else?

Stop by the Technology office or email technology@wra.net.