Mac won't connect to Wi-Fi? 8 fixes that work

2 min read · 8 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Turn Wi-Fi off and on from the menu bar, restart the Mac and the router, then forget the network under System Settings, Wi-Fi and join again. Run Wireless Diagnostics if the problem continues.

Check first whether other devices work on the same Wi-Fi. If they do, the Mac needs attention. If nothing connects, restart the router or contact your provider.

Step by step

  1. Turn Wi-Fi off and on

    Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar, or Control Centre, and switch Wi-Fi off. Wait ten seconds and switch it on.

  2. Restart the Mac

    Click the Apple menu and choose Restart.

  3. Restart the router

    Unplug it for 30 seconds and give it a few minutes to come back.

  4. Forget the network and join again

    Open System Settings, Wi-Fi. Click Details next to the network, or the three dots, and choose Forget This Network. Select it again and enter the password.

  5. Check the date and time

    Open System Settings, General, Date & Time and switch on Set time and date automatically. A wrong clock breaks secure websites.

  6. Turn off VPN and security software for a test

    Disconnect any VPN under System Settings, VPN, and pause firewall or antivirus apps briefly to see whether they are blocking the connection.

  7. Run Wireless Diagnostics

    Hold the Option key and click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. Choose Open Wireless Diagnostics and follow the steps. It tests the connection and suggests fixes.

  8. Update macOS

    Use a phone hotspot or a network cable to get online, then open System Settings, General, Software Update.

Good to know

A login page for hotel or café Wi-Fi sometimes fails to appear. Open Safari and go to captive.apple.com to trigger it.

If the Mac sees no networks at all and the Wi-Fi menu says "No hardware installed", that is a hardware fault. Contact Apple.

Wi-Fi that is fine near the router and poor elsewhere is a signal problem, not a Mac problem.

In short: Wi-Fi off and on, restart Mac and router, forget and rejoin, Wireless Diagnostics.

Sources
  • Apple Support: If your Mac isn't connecting to the internet over Wi-Fi

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