How to Fix Mac WiFi Not Working

Step by step

1. 2 min

   Check WiFi is enabled and restart WiFi

   Click the WiFi icon in the menu bar and verify it shows available networks. If WiFi is off, click 'Turn Wi-Fi On'. If already on, click 'Turn Wi-Fi Off', wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. Try connecting to your network again.

   Note: Hold Option while clicking the WiFi menu to see detailed connection information including signal strength and channel.
2. 3 min

   Forget and reconnect to the network

   Open System Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi > Advanced. Select your network from the list and click the minus (-) button to remove it. Click OK, then Apply. Reconnect by selecting your network from the WiFi menu and entering your password.

   Note: This clears corrupted network settings that often cause persistent connection issues.
3. 5 min

   Reset network settings

   Open System Preferences > Network. Select Wi-Fi from the left sidebar, then click the minus (-) button to remove it. Click Apply, then click the plus (+) button and select Wi-Fi from the Interface dropdown. Click Create and Apply.

   Note: This completely rebuilds your WiFi configuration from scratch, eliminating any corrupted preferences.
4. 3 min

   Run Wireless Diagnostics

   Hold Option and click the WiFi icon in the menu bar. Select 'Open Wireless Diagnostics' and follow the prompts. The tool will analyze your connection and generate a detailed report. Review the summary for specific issues and recommendations.

   Note: The diagnostics tool creates logs in /var/tmp that Apple Support can analyze if you need further help.
5. 3 min

   Change DNS servers

   Open System Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi > Advanced > DNS. Click the plus (+) button and add 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS) or 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare DNS). Click OK and Apply.

   Note: DNS issues can prevent internet access even when connected to WiFi. These public DNS servers often resolve connectivity problems.
6. 5 min

   Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)

   Shut down your Mac completely. For MacBooks with removable batteries, remove the battery for 15 seconds. For newer MacBooks, press Shift-Control-Option on the left side plus the power button for 10 seconds. For desktop Macs, unplug the power cord for 15 seconds. Restart your Mac.

   Note: The SMC controls hardware functions including WiFi. Resetting it can resolve hardware-level WiFi problems.
7. 3 min

   Create a new network location

   Open System Preferences > Network. Click the Location dropdown and select 'Edit Locations'. Click the plus (+) button, name the new location, and click Done. Configure your WiFi settings in this new location and test the connection.

   Note: Network locations store complete network configurations. A fresh location eliminates any system-level network conflicts.