Wi-Fi issues can be detrimental to our work and leisure time, so it’s important to act fast. Yet, the frustrating thing about Wi-Fi problems is that they can be difficult to identify, hence why more information is always welcome.
There are two things to keep in mind before troubleshooting. First and foremost, like with almost any issue with a Mac, make sure that the latest software is installed. Whilst it’s unlikely that an out-of-date OS could prevent you from connecting to Wi-Fi, we cannot rule it out. Plus, you should always have it updated for security reasons, anyway.
Secondly, make sure that you are connected to the correct, intended Wi-Fi network. Router names can often be similar, particularly when left to the internet provider’s default names. So, ensure that the name is correct (standing next to the router and using the signal strength can also be a useful indication). This is also your chance to try the 5Ghz network if you have both set up. Often, simply switching between them can provide a quick, simple fix.
Finally, if none of this has helped, then it’s time to perform the classic reboot – the reboot that supposedly fixes everything. And, quite commonly, turning the router off for 30 seconds and turning it back on can be enough to get you back up and running (and you could reboot the Mac, whilst you’re at it). Just be sure to be patient with the time it takes for the router to turn on – read the lights on the router, if there are any, and give it a good 10-minute wait. You could also move the router to a different area of the house, and use your device closer to its location.
Wireless Diagnostics
If you’re still having Wi-Fi issues, then some troubleshooting needs to happen. This is where things get a little bit tricky, but by using the Mac OS built-in Wi-Fi troubleshooting tool, you can let it do this for you. If we’re honest, it’s rare that running the Wireless Diagnostics actually solves anything, but we should give it a go, as it will usually be recommended to us to do it when seeking help elsewhere.
To run Wireless Diagnostics, hold down the Option key and press the Wi-Fi symbol. From here, press Open Wireless Diagnostics and then select Monitor my Wi-Fi connection. This will also help if there are intermittent issues, too.
What other options are we left with?
So, if the Wi-Fi issue is still present after doing the above, there may be no other choice than to contact your internet provider, as there could be external issues, plus they can further help troubleshoot the issue. However, before doing this, you could reset the SMC and PRAM/NVRAM.
Furthermore, it could be your DNS and Wi-Fi settings, so it may be worth reading into this. However, you shouldn’t be expected to complete these technical changes yourself, as your internet provider is expected to offer help here. But, if you’re looking to take matters into your own hands, then it may be worth trying out a free, public DNS, like Google’s.
