What to do if Mac won't connect to Wi-Fi

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Only proven solutions to wireless problems.

1. Find out if the router is working

You have probably already checked the router's performance and made sure that everything is in order with it, but just in case, we will remind you. This must be done first of all in order to exclude problems with the wireless network and to make sure that other devices connect to it without problems and the Internet works on them.

2. Install system updates

Sometimes, wireless internet problems are caused by macOS software glitches. Typically, Apple quickly finds and fixes them by releasing system updates that contain the appropriate fixes.

To check and install an update in macOS Mojave, go to Settings → Software Update and click the Update Now button. On macOS High Sierra and earlier, launch the Mac App Store, go to the Updates tab in the top bar and install available ones.

If your computer does not have an Ethernet port, then use an adapter or distribute the Internet via iPhone using USB mode.

3. Turn Wi-Fi off and on

Oddly enough, this trivial advice helps. Turning off Wi-Fi completely deactivates the Mac wireless module, and often such manipulation can solve the problem if it arose due to some minor problem.

You can disable Wi-Fi by clicking on the Network icon in the menu bar or through the system settings in the Network section. Wireless access resumes by pressing the same button again.

4. Change network location

With the Layout function, you can quickly switch between different sets of Network settings, for example at home and in the office. In some cases, creating a new location can help fix Wi-Fi errors.

To apply this method, go to Settings → Network and select Edit Locations from the Placement list.

Click "+" and confirm the creation by clicking "Finish".

After that, macOS will automatically switch to a new connection and try to connect to the wireless network.

5. Delete the Network and reconnect to it

Another easy reset option is to delete a known wireless network and reconnect to it. Sometimes it also fixes the problem if the Mac can't connect to Wi-Fi.

To perform this procedure, open "Settings" → "Network", click the "Advanced" button, and then find the desired Network and click "-". Then scan the Networks and try to connect by re-entering the password and the necessary settings.

6. Remove the network connection and create a new one

If the previous tip didn't help, you can try deleting the current network service and adding a new one. This should also reset Network settings and troubleshoot.

To remove a network interface, go to Settings → Network and then highlight Wi-Fi and press -. After that, click "+", select Wi-Fi services from the list and click "Create".

7. Reset SMC parameters

As a minimum, you can use a system management controller reset. And, although it is not directly related to the operation of the Wi-Fi module, in some cases it helps.

To reset on a laptop, you need to do the following:

1. Disconnect your device by choosing Shut Down from the Apple menu.
2. After the activity stops, simultaneously press and hold the Power button and the Shift, Control, Option keys on the left side of the keyboard for about 10 seconds.
3. Release all keys and press the power button to turn on your Mac.

On a desktop Mac, you need to do this:

1. Turn off your computer by choosing Shut Down from the Apple menu.
2. Then unplug the power cord and wait 15 seconds.
3. Replace the cable and wait another 5 seconds, then press the power button and turn on the computer.

On a Mac with a T2 security chip, the reset procedure is slightly different, read more about it in a separate article.

8. Reinstall macOS

Finally, the last option to try is reinstalling your system. If done correctly, all previous errors that could have accumulated after macOS updates from previous versions are erased and if the problem was in them, then it should be resolved.

To do this, you need a bootable USB flash drive with an operating system, which you need to connect to your computer. After rebooting with the Option key held down, it remains to select the USB flash drive in the list of bootable disks and follow the prompts of the installation wizard.

9. Run diagnostics

If none of the above helps, then there is most likely a hardware issue with the Wi-Fi module, antenna, or Mac motherboard. The Hardware Function Test utility will help you find out.

To run diagnostics, shut down your Mac and then turn it on while holding the D key until the Apple Hardware Function Test dialog appears. Select your language and press the Test button or T key.

10. Contact service

If you find any problems with your Mac hardware after testing, you should visit a service center to fix them. Even if no problems are found, you still have to contact a specialist for more detailed diagnostics and further repairs.

You can find out the address of the nearest Apple Authorized Service Center and get advice from the support service at the link.