DeviceHowTo
macOS⏱ 6 min

How to Fix Wi-Fi Not Working on macOS

Restore internet access with fast, high-success diagnostic steps.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

macOS handles most Wi-Fi issues silently through its network preference stack, but when problems persist the first manual intervention is renewing the DHCP lease through System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Details > TCP/IP > Renew DHCP Lease. Deleting and re-adding the Wi-Fi interface entirely from the Network settings panel resolves stubborn configuration issues by forcing macOS to rebuild the network adapter from scratch with default settings. The Wireless Diagnostics tool (hold Option and click the Wi-Fi menu bar icon) runs a more detailed scan and generates a report that can identify channel congestion, interference sources, and signal quality problems invisible to normal settings.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Toggle Wi-Fi off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on from Quick Settings.
  2. 2Restart your router and modem: unplug from power for 30 seconds, reconnect, and wait 2 minutes for it to fully restart.
  3. 3Open System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi, click Details on your network, and click Renew DHCP Lease.

Still Not Working?

Try these if the steps above didn't help.

Verify the Fix

Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my macOS keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?
Common causes include competing DNS configs, macOS forgetting network preferences, or a crowded Wi-Fi channel. Create a new Network Location in System Settings > Network to reset connection preferences.
How do I know if the Wi-Fi problem is my device or my router?
Test another device on the same network. If that device also has no internet, the problem is the router or ISP. If the other device works fine, the problem is your specific device. This single test narrows the diagnosis immediately.
Why does my macOS show connected to Wi-Fi but has no internet?
Connected but no internet means your device reached the router but the router can't reach the internet, or there's a DNS/IP conflict. Restart the router first. If that doesn't help, follow the Fix Wi-Fi Connected but No Internet guide for your device.
Why can my macOS see Wi-Fi networks but not connect to mine?
This typically indicates a password mismatch, a MAC address filter on the router blocking the device, or the router assigning all available DHCP leases. Try forgetting the network and reconnecting with the exact password. If you have a MAC filter enabled on the router, add your device's MAC address to the allowed list.

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