Mac · Repair guide

How to fix a Mac that won't connect to Wi-Fi

10 fixes, easiest first3 min readUpdated November 2026

Quick fix

Make sure Wi-Fi is on and you're close to the router, then restart your Mac and unplug the router for a couple of minutes. If it still won't connect, forget the network in System Settings > Wi-Fi and join it again with the password.

What it means

When a Mac won't connect to Wi-Fi, the problem is usually Wi-Fi being turned off, the Mac being out of range, the router needing a restart, or a saved network setting that has gone bad. If the Mac joins the network but can't load pages, the internet service, a VPN, or the wrong date and time can be to blame.

Common causes

  • Wi-Fi is turned off or the Mac is out of range
  • The router or modem needs a restart
  • A saved network setting or IP address has gone bad
  • The internet service is down
  • A VPN or security app is blocking the connection
  • The Mac's date and time are wrong
  • Out-of-date macOS or router firmware

How to fix it

Work down the list. Each fix is safe to try before moving on to the next.

01Make sure Wi-Fi is on and you're in rangeEasy

  1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar or in Control Center and make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.
  2. Check that your network is selected, not a neighbor's or a guest network.
  3. Move the Mac closer to the router and try again.

Why it helps: Wi-Fi switched off or a weak signal is the simplest reason a Mac can't join.

02Restart your MacEasy

  1. Save your work.
  2. Choose Apple menu > Restart.
  3. When it starts again, try the Wi-Fi network.

Why it helps: A restart lets the Mac get a fresh internet address from the router.

03Restart the router and modemEasy

  1. Unplug the power cord from the router and modem.
  2. Wait a couple of minutes.
  3. Plug them back in and wait until they have fully started up.
  4. Check whether other devices can get online. If none can, the problem is the router or the internet service, not the Mac.

Why it helps: Restarting network equipment clears many connection problems for every device at once.

04Use Wi-Fi Recommendations and Wireless DiagnosticsEasy

  1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar or Control Center. If you see Wi-Fi Recommendations, choose it and follow the advice.
  2. For a deeper check, hold the Option key, click the Wi-Fi icon and choose Open Wireless Diagnostics.
  3. Follow the onscreen steps to analyze your connection.
  4. Wi-Fi Recommendations isn't available on Personal Hotspots or WPA Enterprise networks.

Why it helps: These built-in tools spot common Wi-Fi problems and tell you what to change.

05Check the date and timeEasy

  1. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, click General, then Date & Time.
  2. Turn on Set time and date automatically.
  3. If it's already on, make sure the date, time and time zone shown are correct.

Why it helps: Apple lists a wrong date and time as one cause of a Mac not getting online over Wi-Fi.

06Forget the network and join it againEasy

  1. Make sure you know the Wi-Fi password before you start.
  2. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Wi-Fi.
  3. Click Details next to your network, then click Forget This Network.
  4. If the network isn't connected, click Advanced, find it under Known Networks, click the More button (three dots) and choose Remove From List.
  5. Choose the network from the Wi-Fi list again and type the password.

Why it helps: Forgetting the network clears saved settings that may have gone bad, and you start fresh.

07If it connects but nothing loads, renew the IP addressMedium

  1. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Network in the sidebar.
  2. Check the service you use, such as Wi-Fi: it should show a green dot and Connected.
  3. Click Wi-Fi, then click Details next to the network you're connected to.
  4. Click TCP/IP (scroll down if needed), then click Renew DHCP Lease.

Why it helps: A fresh IP address from the router can fix a connection that joins Wi-Fi but has no internet.

08If you use a VPN or security app, turn it off brieflyMedium

  1. Disconnect the VPN or pause the security app that monitors your network.
  2. Try loading a web page.
  3. If it works, turn the app back on and check for an update or settings from its maker.
  4. Don't leave security software turned off.

Why it helps: Software that filters network traffic can block a Mac's internet connection.

09Update macOSEasy

  1. If you can get online another way, such as a different Wi-Fi network or an Ethernet cable, connect that way first.
  2. Open System Settings > General > Software Update and install any update listed.
  3. On older macOS, use System Preferences > Software Update.
  4. Don't close the lid or let the Mac sleep until it finishes.

Why it helps: macOS updates can include fixes for Wi-Fi problems.

10Update the router and check with your internet providerMedium

  1. Install the latest firmware for your router, following the router maker's instructions.
  2. Check that the router's lights look normal; if one is off or red, see the router's manual.
  3. If the Mac works on other networks but not yours, or no device can get online, contact your internet provider to check for an outage.

Why it helps: Old router firmware and outages are common causes that the Mac can't fix on its own.

Check it's fixed

  • The Wi-Fi icon shows your network as connected.
  • Websites load in Safari or your usual browser.
  • System Settings > Network shows your Wi-Fi service with a green dot and Connected.

When to get help

If your Mac can't connect to any Wi-Fi network, even a phone hotspot, while other devices connect fine, contact Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. If no device in your home can get online, contact your internet provider.

Questions

Why does my Mac say it's connected to Wi-Fi but there's no internet?

The Mac has joined the router, but the router isn't getting internet or the Mac's address has gone bad. Restart the router, renew the DHCP lease, check the date and time, and turn off any VPN to test.

What does "Forget This Network" do on a Mac?

It removes the saved password and settings for that Wi-Fi network. You'll need to choose the network and type the password again to rejoin.

Why can't my Mac see my Wi-Fi network?

The Mac may be out of range, or the router may be off or restarting. Move closer, restart the router, and check whether other devices can see the network.

Related fixes

Wi-Fi connected but no internet: how to fix itCheck whether other devices also have no internet. If they do, restart the modem and router and check for a provider outage; if only one devWhy does my Wi-Fi keep disconnecting?Restart your modem and router and move closer to the router to test. If only one device keeps dropping, forget and rejoin the Wi-Fi network How to reset your router (restart or factory reset)Unplug the router and the modem from power, wait about 30 seconds, plug the modem back in first and wait for its lights to settle, then plugHow to fix an iPhone that won't connect to Wi-FiRestart your iPhone and your router, then go to Settings > Wi-Fi, forget the network and join it again, typing the password carefully.How to fix a computer that won't connect to the internetRestart the PC, make sure airplane mode is off, then run the Network and Internet troubleshooter in the Get Help app on Windows 11. If that

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