Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to fix Mac Wi-Fi that keeps dropping or won't connect. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Wi-Fi connectivity issues on a Mac can range from occasional dropouts to a complete inability to connect. This guide walks you through a series of troubleshooting steps, starting with the simplest fixes and progressing to more advanced network resets, to get your Mac back online.

Quick Fix Steps

Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, try these common fixes first. They resolve the majority of Wi-Fi issues on macOS.

1. Toggle your Wi-Fi off and on by clicking the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and selecting Turn Wi-Fi Off, waiting ten seconds, then turning it back on.
2. Restart your Mac by clicking the Apple menu → Restart.
3. Restart your router by unplugging it from power for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait two minutes for it to fully boot.
4. Check for macOS updates by going to System Settings → General → Software Update.

Detailed Instructions

Forget and Rejoin the Wi-Fi Network

Sometimes your Mac holds onto outdated network settings or a corrupted password. Forgetting the network forces it to start fresh.

1. Click the Apple menu → System Settings.
2. Select Wi-Fi from the left-hand sidebar.
3. Find your network under Known Networks and click the More (three dots) icon next to it.
4. Select Forget This Network and confirm.
5. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar, select your network, and re-enter your password.

Renew Your DHCP Lease

Renewing the DHCP lease can resolve IP address conflicts that frequently cause dropouts.

1. Open System Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click Details… next to your connected network.
3. Switch to the TCP/IP tab.
4. Click Renew DHCP Lease and confirm.
5. Click OK to apply the changes.

Change DNS Servers

Switching to a public DNS server can improve connection reliability if your ISP's DNS servers are slow or unreliable.

1. In System Settings → Wi-Fi, click Details… next to your network.
2. Select the DNS tab.
3. Click the + button under DNS Servers and enter 8.8.8.8.
4. Click + again and add 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare DNS).
5. Click OK to save.

Create a New Wi-Fi Network Location

Creating a new network location clears all custom network settings without affecting your files or applications.

1. Open System Settings → Network.
2. Click the Network Setup button (three dots) at the top of the window.
3. Select Locations → Edit Locations….
4. Click the + button to add a new location and name it something like "Wi-Fi Reset".
5. Click Done, then reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.

Troubleshooting

Delete Wi-Fi Configuration Files

If the above steps haven't resolved the issue, corrupted preference files may be the culprit. Deleting these forces macOS to rebuild them.

1. Turn off Wi-Fi by clicking the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and selecting Turn Wi-Fi Off.
2. Open Finder and press Shift + Command + G to open the "Go to Folder" window.
3. Enter the following path: /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/
4. Locate the following files and move them to your Desktop as a backup:
   • com.apple.network.eapolclient.configuration.plist
   • com.apple.wifi.message-tracer.plist
   • NetworkInterfaces.plist
   • preferences.plist
5. Restart your Mac. macOS will recreate these files automatically.
6. Turn Wi-Fi back on and reconnect to your network.

Check for Interference

Physical obstacles and other wireless devices can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal. If your Mac connects fine in one location but drops out in another, interference is likely the cause.

• Keep your router away from microwaves, cordless phones, and Bluetooth devices.
• Minimise walls and metal objects between your Mac and the router.
• Try switching your router to the 5GHz band if your Mac supports it, as it is less prone to interference than 2.4GHz.
• Check if other devices in your vicinity experience the same dropouts to determine whether the issue is with your Mac or the router.

Run Wireless Diagnostics

macOS includes a built-in diagnostic tool that can automatically detect and sometimes fix Wi-Fi problems.

1. Hold Option and click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.
2. Select Open Wireless Diagnostics….
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to allow the tool to analyse your connection.
4. Review the summary report for any identified issues and recommended fixes.

Reset the SMC and NVRAM

The System Management Controller (SMC) and non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM) manage low-level hardware settings, including network components. Resetting them can resolve persistent connectivity issues.

For Macs with Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3):

1. Shut down your Mac completely.
2. Press and hold the power button until you see "Loading startup options".
3. Click Options → Continue to enter Recovery mode.
4. From the menu bar, select Utilities → Terminal.
5. Type nvram -c and press Return to clear NVRAM.
6. Type reboot and press Return.

For Intel-based Macs:

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Press the power button, then immediately hold Option + Command + P + R for about 20 seconds.
3. Release the keys after your Mac appears to restart for the second time.

Still Having Issues?