Wi-Fi problems on macOS High Sierra/Mojave/Catalina
- Macbook Air Won't Let Me Update Software
- My Mac Won't Update Software
- Mac Won't Let Me Update Software
This update won't include the latest version of the software so after performing the update, check Software Update and apply the latest macOS update. Install the OS from an external drive.
Redownload the Origin installer for Mac. Open the installer and follow the instructions. Origin is designed to keep itself up-to-date. This means when you log in to Origin, it’ll automatically update to the newest version. If you have Origin running when a new update launches, it will not automatically update. Sep 22, 2017 Wi-Fi problems on macOS High Sierra/Mojave/Catalina. Wi-Fi connection — it is central to intelligent life on Earth. But there could be numerous reasons your Mac won’t connect to Wi-Fi: a new software update, broken Wi-Fi preferences, or several networks conflicting with each other.
Wi-Fi connection — it is central to intelligent life on Earth. But there could be numerous reasons your Mac won’t connect to Wi-Fi: a new software update, broken Wi-Fi preferences, or several networks conflicting with each other. Below we’ll explain what to do when you can’t connect to Wi-Fi or your connection is constantly dropping off.
So here go the most common symptoms for Wi-Fi problems on Mac:
- Mac won’t connect to internet, but other devices will
- Mac connected to Wi-Fi, but no Internet access
- Wi-Fi connection keeps turning off
- Slow or unstable Wi-Fi connection on Mac?
In case your Mac is generally slow, which obviously affects the Internet too, you may start with fixing the performance issues first. The quickest is to delete junk and old caches from your drive and browsers. Here you download CleanMyMac app for free. Give your Mac a full scan to remove the unwanted files, bloatware, and junky web browser extensions. In a few minutes, your Mac should be relatively fresh.
See if your Mac still has Wi-Fi connection problems. If it does, read on.
Ways to fix Wi-Fi on Mac
Run the default Wi-Fi assistants
To troubleshoot Wi-Fi problems on Mac it’s good to start with native tools that came with your OS.
Go to Apple Menu -> System Preferences -> Network
This window lets you inspect your Wi-Fi preferences. If your Mac has internet connection problems, click Assist me as shown in the screenshot below. This will launch a built-in Diagnostics tool.
Did it solve the problem? Good news there’s another instrument provided by Apple, a Wireless Diagnostics app.
Option + click the Wi-Fi icon in the top right corner
Click Open Wireless Diagnostics…
Delete and reset Wi-Fi network settings
This step will reconfigure your existing Wi-Fi settings and launch your network experience from scratch. But before you begin, we seriously recommend to back your Mac up using Time Machine.
- Turn off Wi-Fi and close shut down your browsers
- Open Finder -> Go -> Go to Folder...
- Paste in the following line:
4. Select the files listed below (as shown in the screenshot)
preferences.plist
com.apple.eapolclient.plist
com.apple.wifi.message-tracer.plist
NetworkInterfaces.plist
com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
5. Move these files to Trash (without deleting)
Or move them to a new folder on your Desktop.
6. Restart your Mac
Now you will have to revisit Wi-Fi preferences (Click Open Network Preferences under Wi-Fi icon). Turn Wi-Fi on and select your Wi-Fi network again.
The path above proved to be a good remedy in cases when Wi-Fi connection drops off after upgrading to macOS Catalina. If the issue persists, you may consider to clean install macOS Catalina.
Wi-Fi won't turn on after sleep mode on Mac
In some cases, sleep mode settings is the reason your Wi-Fi drops off on Mac and wouldn’t turn on again. Try this simple fix which many users found helpful:
Go to System Preferences -> Energy Saver
Disable Wake for Wi-Fi network option
Check your Wi-Fi now (cross your fingers). Did it do the trick? If not, let’s move on to the next step.
Flush DNS cache
DNS service helps your Mac find IP-addresses, much like in a phone book. It has a cache folder of its own. Removing these cache files is helpful when your Wi-Fi slows down at random or you can’t access certain websites.
To save you from meddling with critical system folders, here’s a quick workaround.
1. Download DNS Flusher (it’s built into CleanMyMac X — get it here).
2. Go to Maintenance tab and tick Flush DNS cache
That’s all — and this solution is 100% free and takes no more than a minute.
By the way, CleanMyMac X is pretty much an indispensable tool if you want to keep your Mac clean and junk-free. It removes up to 74 GB of junk files on an average Mac, so give it a spin, just in case.
Reboot your Wi-Fi router
Plug off your router and leave it for a minute or two. This way you will know if your Mac won’t connect to Wi-Fi because of router issues. Plug your router back in and try to connect other Wi-Fi devices in the room.
Additionally, try placing your router in a different place. Your Wi-Fi signal could be lost due to neighboring network or it is catching a “dead-zone” in your house. If your room allows it, move it right in the center of the room. Fewer barriers, the better signal.
Still no Wi-Fi connection on Mac? Switch off the Bluetooth
Bluetooth devices often interfere with Wi-Fi, especially if the Wi-Fi signal is weak. It’s because both rely on radio frequencies to work.
Try disconnecting the Bluetooth and see if the problem continues.
Go to Apple menu -> System Preferences
Select Bluetooth
Then click Turn Bluetooth off
Update your router firmware
If you are using Apple Airport router you’ll need Airport Utility to perform the update. Obviously, this step requires an internet connection. You can connect via cable if your Wi-Fi doesn’t work on Mac.
Go to Applications
Type Airport Utility in the search bar
You’ll see your Airport base station. If you see a red notification badge next to the base name, click it for more details. If the update is available, the app will show you the Update button.
Customize MTU and DNS settings to fix Wi-Fi on Mac
MTU stands for Maximum Transmission Unit and describes the packet size that is exchanged via the network (measured in bytes). The solution described below implies lowering MTU size which should make your WI-Fi connection less laggy. While customizing DNS location has also proved effective to solve even the most bitter Wi-Fi problems on Mac.
But don’t let these geeky terms scare you off. The path takes just about a minute and you’ll be proud to have fixed your Wi-Fi yourself, the Apple Genius way.
Step 1.
Go to System Preferences -> Network
Select Wi-Fi in the left panel
See Location menu on top
Click Edit Locations…
Step 2.
Now create a new location by clicking [+] plus button. Name it anything you like. Click Done.
Step 3.
Then choose your standard Wi-Fi connection under Network Name
Click Advanced
Go to TCP/IP tab and click Renew DHCP lease .
Step 4.
Go to DNS tab and by clicking [+] buttons enter 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 as IP-addresses, each in a separate line. These two are Google’s alternative DNS servers that the company recommends using — they are safe. But before you do this, make sure to copy your current DNS address on a piece of paper.
Step 5.
Go to a Hardware tab from the previous step.
Under Configure dropdown menu select Manually
Click MTU and set the custom size of 1453
Click Apply
Well done. Your Wi-Fi should be working better now.
Still no or poor Wi-FI Connection on Mac?
Maybe all this time you’ve been digging in the wrong place as the problem is in your Mac itself. It might need some basic tidying up and maintenance to run faster. Try giving it a full clean with a tool like CleanMyMac X (it's my favorite among similar Mac tune-up apps — here's the official free download from the developer site). Hopefully, once your Mac is clean and up to speed again, your Wi-Fi should get back to norm.
May the Wi-Fi be with you. Thanks for reading.
These might also interest you:
macOS Catalina gives you more of everything you love about Mac. Experience music, TV, and podcasts in three all-new Mac apps. Enjoy your favorite iPad apps now on your Mac. Extend your workspace and expand your creativity with iPad and Apple Pencil. And discover smart new features in the apps you use every day. Now you can take everything you do above and beyond.
Check compatibility
If you're using one of these computers with OS X Mavericks or later,* you can install macOS Catalina. Your Mac also needs at least 4GB of memory and 12.5GB of available storage space, or up to 18.5GB of storage space when upgrading from OS X Yosemite or earlier.
MacBook introduced in 2015 or later
MacBook Air introduced in 2012 or later
MacBook Pro introduced in 2012 or later
Mac mini introduced in 2012 or later
iMac introduced in 2012 or later
iMac Pro (all models)
Mac Pro introduced in 2013 or later
* To upgrade from Lion or Mountain Lion, first upgrade to El Capitan, then upgrade to Catalina. To find your macOS version, Mac model, memory, and storage space, choose About This Mac from the Apple menu . If your Mac isn't compatible with macOS Catalina, the installer will let you know. View the complete list of compatible computers.
Make a backup
Macbook Air Won't Let Me Update Software
Before installing any upgrade, it’s a good idea to back up your Mac. Time Machine makes it simple, and other backup methods are also available. Learn how to back up your Mac.
Get connected
It takes time to download and install macOS, so make sure that you have a reliable Internet connection. If you're using a Mac notebook computer, plug it into AC power.
Download macOS Catalina
If you're using macOS Mojave, get macOS Catalina via Software Update: Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update.
Or use this link to open the macOS Catalina page on the App Store: Get macOS Catalina. Then click the Get button or iCloud download icon.
Begin installation
After downloading, the installer opens automatically.
Click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions. You might find it easiest to begin installation in the evening so that it can complete overnight, if needed.
If the installer asks for permission to install a helper tool, enter the administrator name and password that you use to log in to your Mac, then click Add Helper.
Allow installation to complete
Please allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. Your Mac might restart, show a progress bar, or show a blank screen several times as it installs both macOS and related updates to your Mac firmware.
Stay up to date
After installing macOS Catalina, you will be notified when updates to macOS Catalina are available. You can also use Software Update to check for updates: Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update.
Or get macOS Catalina automatically
My Mac Won't Update Software
If you're using OS X El Capitan v10.11.5 or later and your App Store preferences or Software Update preferences are set to download new updates when available, macOS Catalina will download conveniently in the background, making it even easier to upgrade. A notification will inform you when macOS Catalina is ready to be installed. Click Install to get started, or dismiss the notification to install later. When you're ready to install, just open the file named Install macOS Catalina from your Applications folder.
Learn more
Mac Won't Let Me Update Software
- If the installer shows a list of apps that are not optimized for your Mac, learn about 32-bit app compatibility, then choose whether to proceed with the installation.
- For the strongest security and latest features, upgrade to macOS Catalina. If you have hardware or software that isn't compatible with Catalina, you might be able to install an earlier macOS, such as Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, or El Capitan.
- You can also use macOS Recovery to reinstall macOS.