How to Fix Wi-Fi Issues in macOS: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Published: May 15, 2025
Last Updated: May 15, 2025
By: macOSUpdate Team

Table of Contents

Introduction

Wi-Fi issues can be frustrating, especially when they interrupt your work or entertainment. Fortunately, most Wi-Fi problems on macOS can be resolved with the right troubleshooting steps.

This comprehensive guide covers solutions for common Wi-Fi problems on macOS, from basic fixes to advanced troubleshooting techniques. Whether you're experiencing connection drops, slow speeds, or complete inability to connect after a macOS update, you'll find effective solutions here.

MacBook showing Wi-Fi connection problems

Wi-Fi issues can range from minor connection drops to complete inability to connect

Common Wi-Fi Issues in macOS

Before diving into solutions, it helps to identify what type of Wi-Fi problem you're experiencing:

  • Can't connect to Wi-Fi at all: Your Mac doesn't connect to any Wi-Fi network
  • Specific network connection failure: Can't connect to a particular Wi-Fi network
  • Connection drops: Wi-Fi connects but frequently disconnects
  • Slow or unstable connection: Wi-Fi is connected but performance is poor
  • Wi-Fi connected but no internet: Wi-Fi shows connected but you can't access websites
  • Post-update issues: Wi-Fi stopped working after a macOS update

The solutions in this guide are organized from simplest to most advanced. We recommend starting with the basic fixes and progressing as needed.

Basic Troubleshooting

Start with these simple fixes, which resolve a surprising number of Wi-Fi issues:

Quick Checklist

  • Check if Wi-Fi is turned on: Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar to verify
  • Ensure you're not in Airplane Mode: Check Control Center to make sure Airplane Mode is off
  • Verify you're connecting to the right network: Select your network from the Wi-Fi menu
  • Check if other devices can connect: Test with a phone or another computer
  • Verify the password: Make sure you're using the correct Wi-Fi password

Restart Your Devices

Restart your router and modem:

  1. Unplug both your router and modem from power
  2. Wait at least 30 seconds
  3. Plug in your modem and wait for it to fully initialize (usually 1-2 minutes)
  4. Plug in your router and wait for it to fully boot (usually 1-2 minutes)
  5. Try connecting again

Restart your Mac:

  1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner
  2. Select "Restart..."
  3. Wait for your Mac to fully restart, then try connecting to Wi-Fi again

Toggle Wi-Fi Off and On

Method 1: Using the menu bar

  1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar
  2. Select "Turn Wi-Fi Off"
  3. Wait 10 seconds
  4. Click the Wi-Fi icon again and select "Turn Wi-Fi On"
  5. Try connecting to your network

Method 2: Using System Settings

  1. Go to System Settings > Network (or System Preferences > Network in older versions)
  2. Select Wi-Fi from the left sidebar
  3. Turn the Wi-Fi service off
  4. Wait 10 seconds
  5. Turn Wi-Fi back on
  6. Click "Apply" if prompted

Tip: If you have Bluetooth devices connected, try turning Bluetooth off temporarily as well, as there can sometimes be interference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, especially on 2.4GHz networks.

Intermediate Fixes

If the basic troubleshooting steps didn't solve your Wi-Fi issue, try these more targeted solutions:

Forget and Rejoin Wi-Fi Networks

Sometimes the saved network configuration becomes corrupted. Removing and readding the network can help:

  1. Go to System Settings > Network (or System Preferences > Network in older versions)
  2. Select Wi-Fi from the left sidebar
  3. Click "Advanced..." in the lower-right corner
  4. In the "Wi-Fi" tab, you'll see a list of preferred networks
  5. Select the network having issues
  6. Click the "-" (minus) button to remove it
  7. Click "OK" and then "Apply"
  8. Now, try connecting to the network again as if it were new
Mac Network Preferences showing Wi-Fi settings

The Network preferences window where you can manage saved Wi-Fi networks

Change DNS Settings

Sometimes Wi-Fi appears connected but you can't access websites due to DNS issues. Changing DNS servers can help:

  1. Go to System Settings > Network (or System Preferences > Network in older versions)
  2. Select Wi-Fi from the left sidebar
  3. Click "Details..." (or "Advanced..." in older versions)
  4. Go to the "DNS" tab
  5. Click the "+" button under DNS Servers and add one of these public DNS servers:
    • Google: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
    • Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
  6. Click "OK" and then "Apply"
  7. Try accessing the internet again

Adjust Wireless Modes and Channels

If you're experiencing persistent connection issues, adjusting your router's wireless settings can help:

For your router:

  1. Log into your router's admin interface (typically by entering 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 in your browser)
  2. Look for wireless or Wi-Fi settings
  3. Consider these adjustments:
    • Try changing the wireless channel (channels 1, 6, or 11 are often best for 2.4GHz)
    • If you have a dual-band router, try connecting to the 5GHz network instead
    • Disable any "Auto" channel selection and set a specific channel
    • Ensure the wireless mode is compatible (e.g., 802.11ac or 802.11n)
  4. Save changes and try connecting again

Note: If you're in a busy area with many Wi-Fi networks (like an apartment building), using an app like WiFi Explorer can help you identify less congested channels for your router.

Reset Network Preferences

If you're still having issues, you can reset all network settings. This will remove all saved Wi-Fi networks and other network configurations:

  1. Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal)
  2. Paste the following commands one by one, pressing Return after each: 
    sudo rm /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
    sudo rm /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.network.identification.plist
    sudo rm /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/NetworkInterfaces.plist
    sudo rm /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/preferences.plist
  3. Enter your admin password when prompted
  4. Restart your Mac
  5. Set up your Wi-Fi connections again

Warning: This will remove all network settings, including saved Wi-Fi networks, Ethernet configurations, and VPN settings. Make sure you know your Wi-Fi passwords before proceeding.

Advanced Solutions

If you're still experiencing Wi-Fi issues, these more advanced solutions may help:

Create a New Network Location

Creating a fresh network location can resolve persistent Wi-Fi problems:

  1. Go to System Settings > Network (or System Preferences > Network in older versions)
  2. Click the ⓘ button next to "Location" at the top (or choose "Location" from the dropdown menu in older versions)
  3. Click the "+" button
  4. Name the new location (e.g., "New Network")
  5. Click "Done"
  6. Make sure your new location is selected
  7. Click "Apply"
  8. Your Mac will now use fresh network settings
  9. Set up your Wi-Fi connection again

Reset NVRAM/PRAM

Non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) or Parameter RAM (PRAM) stores certain settings, including some network configurations. Resetting it can help with persistent Wi-Fi issues on Intel-based Macs:

  1. Shut down your Mac
  2. Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R
  3. Hold these keys for about 20 seconds
  4. Release the keys when you hear the startup sound a second time or see the Apple logo appear and disappear for the second time
  5. Allow your Mac to finish starting up
  6. Try connecting to Wi-Fi again

Note: Apple Silicon Macs (with M1, M2, or M3 chips) don't require NVRAM resets as they automatically reset NVRAM when needed.

Reset the SMC

The System Management Controller (SMC) controls many low-level functions, including power and hardware management. Resetting it can sometimes resolve Wi-Fi hardware issues on Intel-based Macs:

For MacBooks with non-removable batteries (most modern MacBooks):

  1. Shut down your Mac
  2. Connect the power adapter
  3. Press and hold Shift + Control + Option on the left side of the keyboard, then press and hold the power button
  4. Hold all four keys for 10 seconds
  5. Release all keys
  6. Press the power button to turn on your Mac

For desktop Macs (iMac, Mac mini, Mac Pro):

  1. Shut down your Mac
  2. Unplug the power cord
  3. Wait 15 seconds
  4. Plug the power cord back in
  5. Wait 5 seconds
  6. Press the power button to turn on your Mac

Note: Apple Silicon Macs don't require SMC resets as they manage these functions differently.

Use Wireless Diagnostics

macOS includes a built-in Wireless Diagnostics tool that can help identify and resolve Wi-Fi issues:

  1. Hold the Option key and click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar
  2. Select "Open Wireless Diagnostics"
  3. Enter your admin password if prompted
  4. You can either:
    • Follow the on-screen instructions for the guided diagnostics, or
    • Go to Window > Performance to monitor your connection, or
    • Go to Window > Scan to see details about nearby networks
  5. The tool will analyze your connection and suggest fixes
  6. It can also generate a diagnostic report that you can review or share with Apple Support

Post-Update Wi-Fi Issues

Wi-Fi problems are particularly common after macOS updates. If your Wi-Fi stopped working after updating macOS, try these specific solutions:

Solution 1: Update Wi-Fi drivers

  1. Check for any additional software updates
    • Go to System Settings > General > Software Update (or System Preferences > Software Update)
    • Install any available updates
  2. Sometimes Apple releases supplemental updates to fix Wi-Fi issues after a major macOS update

Solution 2: Delete system network configuration files

After an update, network configuration files can sometimes become corrupted. Use the Terminal commands in the "Reset Network Preferences" section above, then restart your Mac.

Solution 3: Boot in Safe Mode and test Wi-Fi

  1. Restart your Mac in Safe Mode:
    • For Intel Macs: Restart and immediately hold the Shift key until you see the login screen
    • For Apple Silicon Macs: Shut down, then press and hold the power button until you see "Loading startup options," select your startup disk, press and hold the Shift key, click "Continue in Safe Mode"
  2. Test if Wi-Fi works in Safe Mode
  3. If it works in Safe Mode but not in normal mode, a third-party application or extension might be causing the issue
  4. Restart normally and try the other solutions

Tip: If you recently updated to a major new version of macOS (e.g., from Ventura to Sonoma) and are experiencing significant Wi-Fi issues, you might want to check user forums to see if others are reporting similar problems. Sometimes waiting for Apple to release a patch update is the best solution.

When Nothing Works

If you've tried all the previous solutions and still have Wi-Fi issues, consider these last-resort options:

Option 1: Use a USB Wi-Fi adapter

If you suspect your Mac's built-in Wi-Fi hardware might be failing, you can use an external USB Wi-Fi adapter as a temporary or permanent solution. Look for one that's explicitly compatible with your macOS version.

Option 2: Use Ethernet

If possible, connect your Mac to your router using an Ethernet cable. You may need a USB-C to Ethernet adapter for newer Macs without Ethernet ports.

Option 3: Contact Apple Support

If you've tried everything and still have Wi-Fi issues, it's time to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. There might be a hardware issue with your Mac's Wi-Fi components that requires professional repair.

Option 4: Reinstall macOS

As a last resort, you can try reinstalling macOS. Make sure to back up your data first.

Preventing Future Wi-Fi Issues

To minimize Wi-Fi problems in the future, consider these preventative measures:

  • Keep macOS updated: Install updates promptly to get the latest Wi-Fi drivers and fixes
  • Update your router's firmware: Check for router firmware updates periodically
  • Optimize router placement: Position your router centrally, away from walls and interference sources
  • Use 5GHz when possible: 5GHz networks typically have less interference than 2.4GHz
  • Reduce network congestion: Limit the number of devices connected to your network
  • Restart your router monthly: Regular reboots can help prevent issues
  • Be cautious with third-party networking software: Some VPNs and network utilities can interfere with Wi-Fi

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Mac connect to Wi-Fi but not to the internet?

This typically indicates a DNS issue or a problem with your router's internet connection. Try changing your DNS servers as outlined in the guide, or check if other devices can access the internet through the same network. If no devices can connect to the internet, the issue is likely with your internet service provider or router's internet connection.

Why does my Wi-Fi keep disconnecting randomly?

Random disconnections are often caused by interference, router issues, or power management settings. Try:

  • Moving closer to your router
  • Changing your router's channel
  • Updating your router's firmware
  • Disabling power saving for Wi-Fi (in Energy Saver settings)

Why is my Mac's Wi-Fi so much slower than my other devices?

This could be due to several factors:

  • Your Mac might be connecting to the 2.4GHz band while other devices use 5GHz
  • Background processes or applications might be consuming bandwidth
  • Your Mac's Wi-Fi hardware might be older and support slower standards
  • There might be interference specific to your Mac's Wi-Fi frequency
Try creating a new network location and explicitly connecting to a 5GHz network if available.

Can a macOS update permanently break Wi-Fi?

While it's rare, in some cases a macOS update can cause persistent Wi-Fi issues, especially on older Macs where the new OS might have dropped support for older Wi-Fi hardware or changed how it interfaces with the hardware. In most cases, the issues can be resolved with the steps in this guide, but occasionally a rollback to a previous macOS version might be necessary if you're experiencing severe problems.

Should I use a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network if I have persistent connection issues?

If your Wi-Fi issues are primarily related to range or coverage, a mesh network system or Wi-Fi extender can help significantly. Modern mesh systems are particularly effective for larger homes or spaces with many walls. However, if your issues are specific to your Mac and other devices work fine in the same location, the problem is more likely with your Mac's Wi-Fi settings or hardware.