6 Ways to Fix Mac Wi-Fi Keeps Disconnecting

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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 theOptionkey and tap theWi-Fi iconin the menu bar. SelectOpen Wireless Diagnosticsfrom 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:ClickContinueto 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 tomonitor 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 downyour MacBook and wait for about 10 seconds.

Step 2:Next, tap and hold theShiftkey (on the right side of your keyboard) +Optionkey (on the left side of your keyboard) +Controlkey (on the left side of your keyboard) simultaneously. Hold them for7 seconds.

Step 3:Without releasing the three keys (in step #2), press and hold thepower 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 thepower 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 ifother devices also keep disconnectingconstantly.

Fix 4: Enable Location Services for Wi-Fi

According toApple’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 theApple logoat the top-left corner. LaunchSystem Settings.

Step 2:Navigate toPrivacy & Securityusing the left pane. Then, selectLocation Services.

Step 3:Scroll to the bottom to findSystem Services. Click on theDetailsbutton next to it.

Step 5:Ensure the toggle next toNetworking and wirelessis enabled. Once enabled, click onDone.

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 differentmethods 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 theApple logoin the top-left corner. LaunchSystem Settings.

Step 2:Navigate to theWi-Fisection in the left pane. Tap on theDetailsbutton next to the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to.

Step 3:Go to theTCP/IPtab. SelectRenew DHCP Leaseand clickOK. 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.

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

6 Ways to Fix Mac Wi-Fi Keeps Disconnecting

6 Ways to Fix Mac Wi-Fi Keeps Disconnecting

Fix 1: Run macOS Wireless Diagnostics

Fix 2: Reset SMC

Fix 3: Troubleshoot Router

Fix 4: Enable Location Services for Wi-Fi

Fix 5: Reset Wi-Fi Network Settings

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

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6 Ways to Fix Mac Wi-Fi Keeps Disconnecting#

Fix 1: Run macOS Wireless Diagnostics#

Fix 2: Reset SMC#

Fix 3: Troubleshoot Router#

Fix 4: Enable Location Services for Wi-Fi#

Fix 5: Reset Wi-Fi Network Settings#

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

Was this helpful?#

Read Next#

More in Mac#

6 Ways to Fix Google Chrome Crashes or Freezes When Uploading Files#

How to Fix Your Mac Screen Looking Blurry#

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6 Ways to Fix Mac Wi-Fi Keeps Disconnecting

Fix 1: Run macOS Wireless Diagnostics

Fix 2: Reset SMC

Fix 3: Troubleshoot Router

Fix 4: Enable Location Services for Wi-Fi

Fix 5: Reset Wi-Fi Network Settings

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

Was this helpful?

Read Next

More in Mac

6 Ways to Fix Google Chrome Crashes or Freezes When Uploading Files

How to Fix Your Mac Screen Looking Blurry

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER