Mac Not Connecting to Wi-Fi? Fix It Fast!

Is your Mac not connecting to Wi-Fi? There are several reasons why this could be happening. But don't worry, we can help you fix it! Read on to learn what to do if your MacBook is not connecting to Wi-Fi.

Jump To:

• First Troubleshooting Steps
• Make Sure Your Wi-Fi is Enabled
• Check the Network Settings
• Make Sure the Mac Date & Time Are Set Correctly
• Is a VPN Interfering with Your Wi-Fi?
• Use Your Mac's Diagnostic Tools
• FAQ

First Steps to Take When Your MacBook Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi

If your MacBook or Mac won't connect to Wi-Fi, there are a few easy things to check before diving into the more complicated steps.

1. Check your iPhone or another device to see if it's connected to the internet. If not, your Wi-Fi may be down for the entire house, not just your Mac, and you have a completely different issue to troubleshoot!  
2. Make sure your Mac is in range of your router; move closer to the router to see if that helps your Mac connect.
3. If you're using an AirPort base station or AirPort Time Capsule, unplug the device to restart it, wait a few minutes, then plug back in. If the network becomes available, try connecting again.
4. Also, make sure MacOS is up to date, and if it is, restart your Mac. This will help to fix and reset any minor software bugs.

Make Sure Wi-Fi Is Turned On 

Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on on your Mac. To do this, click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar, make sure Wi-Fi is toggled on, and make sure your Wi-Fi network name shows under Known Network.

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Check the Network Settings

Check your Mac's Network Settings to be sure your Wi-Fi network is available.

1. Click the Apple menu, then System Settings.
   
   
2. Click Network, then Wi-Fi.
   
   
3. Click your Wi-Fi network.
   
   
4. Change settings as needed, then click OK.
   
   

If your Wi-Fi settings are correct, but your Mac won't connect to Wi-Fi still, read on.

Make Sure Date & Time Are Set Correctly on Mac

Another thing to try if your Mac or MacBook won't connect to Wi-Fi is to check the date, time, and location settings. 

1. Click the Apple menu icon and select System Settings.
   
   
2. Click General, then Date & Time.
   
   
3. Make sure the Date and time, and Time zone are set correctly.
   
   

Is a VPN Interfering with Your Wi-Fi?

If you're using third-party security software, such as a VPN, this could be why your Mac won't connect to Wi-Fi. Turn off your VPN or other security software, then try to connect to Wi-Fi again. 

Use Your Mac's Diagnostic Tools

Your Mac may be able to answer the question of "why won't my Mac connect to Wi-Fi", because it offers Wi-Fi recommendations!

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the Menu bar and look for Wi-Fi Recommendations.
2. If your Mac has detected Wi-Fi problems, it will be there; click it. If not, your Mac has not detected Wi-Fi problems.
3. You can also press and hold the Option key on your keyboard while clicking the Wi-Fi symbol in the menu bar.
4. Click Open Wireless Diagnostics to analyze your network connection.
   
   

I hope you've solved the issue of your Mac or MacBook not connecting to Wi-Fi. If not, it's time to check in with Apple Support to see if there's a hardware issue they can help you with. Be sure to check out our free Tip of the Day for more great Mac troubleshooting tutorials.

Top image credit: Ana Blazic Pavlovic / Shutterstock.com