Mac Wi-Fi problems: how to fix them

What if your Mac cannot join a Wi-Fi network, joins but shows no internet, or keeps losing the connection? Start with the quickest, safest checks and end with Apple's own diagnostic tool.

Before you start

First work out whether the problem is your Mac or the network. If your phone or another computer also cannot get online on the same Wi-Fi, the fault is probably the router or your internet provider, and the Mac is fine. In that case start with restarting the router and modem.

These steps take about 12 minutes in total. None of them deletes your files. Menu names below are for macOS Ventura and later (System Settings). On earlier versions, open System Preferences and choose Network instead.

Try these fixes in order

Fix 1: Check Wi-Fi is on and you are on the right network

1. Look at the Wi-Fi icon at the top right of the screen, in the menu bar. If you cannot see it, open Control Center and look for Wi-Fi.
2. Click the icon. Make sure the switch is on, then pick your network from the list.
3. Type the password if asked. Passwords are case sensitive. If you have lost it, see how to find or change your Wi-Fi password.

If the Mac has joined but websites will not load, the problem is further along, so carry on with the fixes below.

Fix 2: Restart the Mac

Apple lists a restart as an early step, because it also makes your Mac ask the router for a fresh network address.

1. Save your work, then choose Apple menu then Restart.
2. When the desktop appears, wait a minute, then try a website.

Fix 3: Restart the router and modem

This clears many faults on the network side and takes about 5 minutes. Follow restart your router and modem the right way. Apple also suggests checking that your router has the latest firmware, which the router maker's instructions explain.

Fix 4: Check the date, software updates and VPN

1. Open System Settings then General then Date & Time and check that the date and time are correct. Apple includes this check in its Wi-Fi advice.
2. Open System Settings then General then Software Update. If an update is waiting, install it. If your Mac has no internet at all, connect to another network first, such as your phone's hotspot.
3. If you use a VPN or security software that watches network traffic, turn the VPN off or quit that software briefly and test again. Apple notes such software can block network access. Turn it back on afterward.

Fix 5: Forget the network and join again

1. Open System Settings then Wi-Fi.
2. Scroll down and click Advanced. Your known networks are listed here.
3. Find your network and click the More Options button beside its name. Choose Remove From List, then click Forget to confirm. Button names can differ a little between macOS versions.
4. Close the window, then join the network again from the Wi-Fi menu and type the password.

On macOS Monterey and earlier, the same list is under System Preferences then Network then Wi-Fi then Advanced. Select the network and click the minus button.

Fix 6: Use Wi-Fi Recommendations and Wireless Diagnostics

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. If you see Wi-Fi Recommendations, choose it and follow what it suggests. Apple says it is not available for personal hotspots or enterprise networks.
2. Hold down the Option key and click the Wi-Fi icon again.
3. Choose Open Wireless Diagnostics and follow the on-screen steps.

Wireless Diagnostics checks your connection and may suggest changes. Read each suggestion before you accept it.

If the phone works but the Mac does not, focus on the Mac steps. If neither works, the fault is at the router, modem or provider.

If it still does not work

• Try a different Wi-Fi network, such as your phone's hotspot. If the Mac works there, the problem is your home network or router settings.
• If the connection drops again and again, see Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting.
• If Wi-Fi shows connected but pages will not load, see Wi-Fi connected but no internet.
• For deeper network resets, see flush DNS and reset network settings.
• Ask your internet provider whether there is an outage, using the contact details on your bill or their official website. If only the Mac fails on every network, use the support pages at support.apple.com.

Frequently asked questions