UCI Wi-Fi Network Guide
Find the perfect Wi-Fi network for your needs at UC Irvine.
Which Network Should I Use?
Keep Closed
Hidden. Keeps the first toggle closed.
I'm a UCI Community Member (Student, Faculty or Staff)
Recommended Networks for UCI Affiliates
- UCI-WiFi – Secure Wi-Fi for faculty, staff, and students. Main campus network designed for laptops, phones, and tablets.
- UCInet Mobile Access – Best for devices like Smart TVs, gaming consoles, printers, and others that don’t support standard login screens.
- eduroam – Seamless internet access while visiting other universities. Set it up once to connect automatically at participating institutions worldwide.
UCI-WiFi is designed to safeguard you and your privacy.
I'm a visitor to the UCI Campus
Recommended Networks for Visitors
- UCI-Guest – Quick, easy access for basic web browsing
Note: This network is designed for basic web browsing and has limited functionality. If you’re affiliated with UCI or another eduroam institution, consider using those networks instead for better access.
UCI-WiFi
Most Secure
Who Should Use It?
UCI students, faculty, and staff
When to Use
Primary secure network for all devices—managed or personal. Replaces UCInet Mobile Access and protects your data across campus.
Notes
UCI-WiFi supports Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) to ensure that your network traffic is encrypted, providing the highest level of network protection we can offer for your data and privacy.
How to Connect
- Select “UCI-WiFi” from available networks.
- Sign in with Microsoft 365 credentials.
Faculty and Staff using UCI-managed devices must ensure that ZotDefend has been installed for secure access. ZotDefend is not required for personal devices.
UCI Guest
Quick Access
Who Should Use It?
Visitors to campus, retirees and alumni
When to Use
Quick, short-term internet access for guests
Notes
Intended only for web browsing/limited access; UCI community members should connect to UCI-WiFi for full access and secure connectivity.
How to Connect
- Select “UCI-Guest” from available networks.
- No registration required
- Open a web browser and agree to the Acceptable Use Policy
UCInet Mobile Access
IoT Use
Who Should Use It?
Faculty and departments who have smart devices (Internet of Things devices like smart TVs, printers, lab equipment, or security cameras) that can’t connect to UCI-WiFi’s secure login system.
Internet of Things (IoT) refers to everyday devices that connect to the internet – things like smart speakers, wireless printers, streaming devices, and specialized equipment.
When to Use
General Wi-Fi for affiliates, and as a fallback if your managed device can’t yet join UCI-WiFi
Notes
This Wi-Fi network will be transitioned to an Internet of Things (IoT) environment. We will be reviewing all connected devices on UCI Mobile Access to develop transition plans to UCI-WiFi. Please be on the lookout for additional communications from OIT in the near future.
How to Connect
- Register your device by contacting the OIT Help Desk
- If granted access, join the “UCInet Mobile Access” network
eduroam
Global Roaming
Who Should Use It?
Students, researchers, faculty, staff from any eduroam institution
When to Use
Best for secure roaming at UCI and other campuses worldwide
Notes
Ideal if you travel between eduroam schools.
How to Connect
- Join “eduroam” network
- Sign in with your UCInetID & password
- Consider using profile/app installers for easier setup
Quick Reference Table
| Network | Best For | Security Level | Setup Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| UCI-WiFi | UCI Community Members | Highest | Medium |
| UCI-Guest | Visitors, Alumni, Retirees | Basic | Easy |
| UCInet Mobile Access | Internet of Things (IoT) | Good | Medium |
| eduroam | Frequent Travelers | Highest | Medium |