6 Ways to Fix Mac Wi-Fi Keeps Disconnecting

Quick Tips

• Try restarting your Mac or the router to see if you can establish a solid connection.
• Forget the network and reconnect to it, or try connecting to the 2.4GHz band if you’re far from the router.
• Update macOS to the latest version for any bug fixes.

Fix 1: Run macOS Wireless Diagnostics

macOS has a built-in diagnostic tool to diagnose and fix connectivity problems on your Mac. Here’s how to use it.

Step 1: Hold the Option key and tap the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. Select Open Wireless Diagnostics from the menu options.

Tip: It’s recommended that you connect to the affected/problematic Wi-Fi network from which your MacBook keeps disconnecting before running the network diagnostic tool.

Step 2: Click Continue to start the network diagnosis.

If the Wireless Diagnostics tool doesn’t detect any problem with the network but you’re still experiencing connectivity fluctuation, instruct the tool to monitor your Wi-Fi connection.

Fix 2: Reset SMC

The System Management Controller (SMC) is responsible for activities related to power, fan, battery, and other hardware like the network card. If you find that some of your MacBook’s aforementioned components aren’t working correctly, resetting the SMC could help restore them to normal. Follow the steps below to get it done.

Step 1: Shut down your MacBook and wait for about 10 seconds.

Step 2: Next, tap and hold the Shift key (on the right side of your keyboard) + Option key (on the left side of your keyboard) + Control key (on the left side of your keyboard) simultaneously. Hold them for 7 seconds.

Step 3: Without releasing the three keys (in step #2), press and hold the power button.

Hold these four keys (Right Shift + Option + Control + Power Button) for about 7 seconds. Your Mac will come on for a few seconds and turn back off.

Step 4: Finally, release the four keys after 7 seconds and press the power button.

Fix 3: Troubleshoot Router

If you only experience this problem with a particular Wi-Fi network — say your home Wi-Fi — you should check that the router is working properly. Resetting the router and updating it to the latest firmware could also help fix this problem, particularly if other devices also keep disconnecting constantly.

Fix 4: Enable Location Services for Wi-Fi

According to Apple’s recommendations, enabling location services for Wi-Fi on your Mac can improve the stability and performance of wireless network connections.

Step 1: Click on the Apple logo at the top-left corner. Launch System Settings.

Step 2: Navigate to Privacy & Security using the left pane. Then, select Location Services.

Step 3: Scroll to the bottom to find System Services. Click on the Details button next to it.

Step 5: Ensure the toggle next to Networking and wireless is enabled. Once enabled, click on Done.

Fix 5: Reset Wi-Fi Network Settings

This means restoring your Mac’s Wi-Fi configurations to factory default. However, this will delete all previously connected wireless networks on your Mac, so you’ll have to add them again.

There are different methods of resetting a Mac’s Wi-Fi network configurations, but renewing the network stack (also called the TCP/IP stack) is one of the easiest.

Step 1: Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner. Launch System Settings.

Step 2: Navigate to the Wi-Fi section in the left pane. Tap on the Details button next to the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to.

Step 3: Go to the TCP/IP tab. Select Renew DHCP Lease and click OK. Reconnect your Mac to your Wi-Fi network.

Fix 6: Use a Third-Party App to Prevent Mac From Going to Sleep

When your Mac goes to sleep or you close the lid, the Wi-Fi connection gets disconnected. This isn’t ideal if you’re downloading a large file or want to use your MacBook with an external monitor in clamshell mode. Don’t worry, though; you can use a third-party app to stay connected to the internet with the Mac’s lid shut.

Install Amphetamine and run the app. Your Mac will now continue to stay awake despite the lid being closed.