Mac Wi-Fi Problems are one of the most common issues for Mac users. Wi-Fi issues can be caused by many factors, such as a Wi-Fi network scheme, the router settings, etc. Try the solutions listed below if your Mac won't connect to a Wi-Fi network.

See also: How To Backup iPhone Photos on Mac

Solutions For Mac Wi-Fi Problems

 

Solution No. 1: Restart your Mac

Restart your Mac. This is the fastest and easiest step. Restarting Mac will make sure the issue isn't associated with the software. It is suggested to uncheck the option "Reopen Windows when logging back in." By doing so, Mac won't open the last app used before the restart.

Solution No. 2: Remove Login Apps

If the Wi-Fi problems still appear after you restart your Mac, try to remove login items and restart again. Login items is an application that will open automatically after login. By removing it, the Login Items will not open by themselves, and it can be a solution for the Wi-Fi issues. 

• Open system preferences >> Users & Groups
• Click tab Login Items
• Check all applications
• Click the (-) sign

Solution No. 3: Update OS X

Bugs on OS X can cause Mac Wi-Fi Problems. To avoid that, update OS X to the latest one. We suggest you back up your data first before upgrading it.

• Click the Apple logo on the top left corner
• Click App Store
• Choose the Update tab and click the Update or Update All buttons

Solution No 4: Remove the registered Wi-Fi

If you try to connect to the locked Wi-Fi, but it doesn't work, try to remove it first. After that, you can try to reconnect again by entering the Wi-Fi password.

• Go to System Preferences >> Network
• On the left column, choose Wi-Fi
• Choose Advanced
• Choose the Wi-Fi name, then click the (-) sign
• Try to reconnect

Solution No. 5: Change Location to Automatic and Renew DHCD

If you are often changing the Wi-Fi network and making a particular location, ensure to reset it to the automatic settings. It will allow your Mac to connect to the new Wi-Fi network.

• Go to System preferences >> Network
• Choose Location
• Click Automatic

• Then, go to Advanced >> TCP/IP tab
• Click on Renew DHCP Lease

Solution No. 6: Make sure the DNS Server address is correct

The DNS server address must be filled with the correct address, at least the one you find on the router. You can add the other address given by the other ISP or DNS, such as OpenDNS or Google DNS. To ensure you fill in the correct DNS Server address:

• Go to System Preferences >> Network
• On the left column, choose Wi-Fi
• Choose Advanced >> TCP/IP tab

• Write the router address on a paper
• Go to the DNS tab
• Ensure the DNS Server is filled by the correct address, including the router address.
• You can add the DNS server address by clicking the (-) sign

Solution No. 7: Check the Proxies Settings

Make sure you have unchecked all the Proxies Settings. Here is how:

• Go to System Preferences >> Network.
• On the left column, choose Wi-Fi.
• Then, click the option Advanced >> Proxies tab.

You also need to ensure that there's no protocol chosen.

Solution No. 8: Delete System Configuration

By deleting the System Configuration, all the configurations will be gone. But, it can solve the Mac Wi-Fi problems faster.

• Open Finder App
• Click Go >> Go to Folder
• Copy and paste this address: /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/
• Copy all content to a new folder for back-up

• If everything has been copied, you can delete all
• Insert your admin password
• Restart your Mac
• Try to re-connect to Wi-Fi

Solution No.9: Wi-Fi is not detected (Wi-Fi No hardware installed)

Usually, the issue is associated with hardware, and you need to contact Applecare or the nearest Apple Service Provider.

Solution No.10: Create a new network location with a custom DNS

This solution is for those with Mac Wi-Fi problems on older software versions. Creating a new network with custom DNS settings can help you to get rid of the issue:

• Quit all the apps on your Mac that are running on Wi-Fi, such as Safari, Mail, Chrome, etc
• Click on the Apple menu  in the top-right corner of your Mac
• Hit System Preferences.
• Find and click "Network."
• On the left side list, choose Wi-Fi
• Click on the "Location" column >> choose "Edit Location">> click the (+) sign to create the new location >> type a name for the new network, then click "Done".

• It's time to join the Wi-Fi network that you can find beside the "Network Name."
• You need to insert the password of your router.
• Click on the "Advanced" button >> Click on TCP/IP tab >> find and click Renew DHCP Lease button.
• Choose Apply on a pop-up message.

• Click the "DNS" tab.
• Click the (+) sign under the "DNS Servers" tab to add a new DNS Server.
• Now, type 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 – – it's DNS for Google.

• Click on the "Hardware" tab >> hit the check next to the "Configure" menu, and you will find a drop-down menu
• Choose Manually
• Select Custom on the drop-down menu next to "MTU." Then type 1453 on the tab under the "MTU" and click "OK."
• The last to end up the process, hit the "Apply" button.

Solution No.11: Delete Preferences .plist

You can delete one of the preferences (.plist) related to connectivity issues. This file exists in the Library folder in your Home folder. Follow the instruction below:

• Open Finder app
• On the bar menu, choose "Go">> "Go to Folder," or you can also use a shortcut by pressing Command + Shift + G
• On the drop-down dialogue box, type: ~/Library/Preferences

• Find the preferences files:

com.apple.internetconfig.plist
com.apple.internetconfigpriv.plist

• Copy/paste that preferences file in a folder or Desktop as a precaution, then delete them from the Library folder.
• Restart Computer.

 

 

Solution No.12:Turn Off Any VPN Apps

If you have a VPN app you are currently connected through, consider disabling it.

 

 

 

 

If you have tried all of the solutions above but still face Mac Wi-Fi problems, it's time for you to contact Genius Bar or visit the nearest Apple Authorized Service Provider.