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Troubleshooting

Sometimes NetAwake doesn't wake up the target computer. Here are some things to check.

Enable Wake-on-LAN

For NetAwake to function, the target computer must have Wake-on-LAN enabled. To find out how to do that, see How do I enable Wake-on-LAN?

Verify the computer's connection

It should be obvious, but make sure that the target computer is plugged into your wifi router. If it's not connected, then it can't receive the Wake-on-LAN packet and won't wake up.

Also note that the target computer must be connected with a wire, and not using wifi. The computer's wifi card will shut off when sleeping, which prevents it from receiving the Wake-on-LAN packet. If the target computer is connected using wifi, connect it with an ethernet cable instead.

Verify the iPhone's connection

Make sure that your iPhone is connected to your wifi network. 3G and EDGE will not work, as the Wake-on-LAN packet does not function over the internet.

Also make sure that your iPhone is connected to the right wifi network. If you've connected to your neighbor's open wifi by mistake, NetAwake won't be able to wake your computer.

Verify the computer's MAC

NetAwake may not have the correct MAC address of the target computer, particularly if you entered it manually. Double-check the MAC address of the target computer. If you don't know how to find that address, see How do I find my computer's MAC address?

It's possible for a computer to have more than one MAC address, for example if it has more than one network card. In this case you need to use the right MAC address. The simplest way to find out which one is the right one is to test them one by one until you find the one that works.

Check your router's settings

Since your iPhone is connected with wifi and the target computer is connected with an ethernet cable, your router needs to pass broadcast packets between them correctly. Some wifi routers have a setting which partitions the wifi LAN from the wired LAN, and this will prevent NetAwake from functioning. Apple AirPort routers do not have such a setting. If your router is manufactured by another company, check your router's manual to see if it has such a setting and how to disable it.

Contact support

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