Why does my MacBook Pro keep disconnecting from WiFi?
The reason your MacBook Pro keeps disconnecting from WiFi is because it is running on an older version of macOS, there is possible interference in signals due to thick walls or metal objects or the router is far away.
Table of Contents
Possible Causes
- Malware
- Interferences in signals
- Software errors
- Distance from the router
Malware
Any virus in the system can lead to big problems for your system. It is always preferred to ensure that you have an anti-virus app that regularly checks for any malware infection. Malware in the system also causes performance issues.
Older version of macOS
Apple regularly notifies its users about available updates. If you keep delaying them, there will come the point when the laptop’s efficiency starts going down. The first issue comes in the device’s lack of ability to turn itself on flawlessly. So, if your device keeps getting disconnected to WiFi, it may be a sign for getting the updates installed.
Interferences in signals
Thick walls and metal objects create disturbances and disallow your laptop to connect easily to WiFi. Ensure that there are no hindrances in the path of your router.
Distance from the router
If your laptop is too far away from the router – more than 150 feet – it may not get connected to WiFi. Ensure that you are near to your laptop to avoid such issues.
How do I fix the WiFi on my MacBook Pro laptop?
To fix the WiFi on your MacBook Pro laptop, you should reset the SMC, update macOS, reset the PRAM or go for a full shutdown.
Reset the SMC [Method 1]
- Turn off your Mac.
- Hold the Control, Option (Alt), and Shift keys
- Keep holding themfor 7 seconds
- Press and hold the power button
- The laptop will turn off
- Keep holding all four keys for 7 seconds
- Release them
- Wait a few seconds
- Press the power button to turn on your Mac
Update macOS [Method 2]
- Open Menu
- Select the Software Update option
- Install the available updates
Another method of fixing the issue is to reinstall macOS. For that, you will have to follow these steps:
- Restart MacBook
- Hold the Command + R keys
- Select Reinstall Mac OS
Reset the PRAM [Method 3]
- Power on your system.
- Press the Option[Alt] + Command+ P + Rkeys together.
- Keep them pressed for 20 secs.
Go for a full shutdown [Method 4]
- Turn your MacBook on.
- Press the Control + Option[alt] +Esc keys for a force shut down — if you have some non-responding apps.
- Go to Menu
- Choose shutdown.
- After the proper shutdown is complete, turn on Mac and check if it’s getting reconnected to WiFi.
Check for Malware [Method 5]
Malware can have a great impact on your MacBook’s performance. You should always have an anti-virus app running in the background, informing you about potential malware. If you don’t have one, install it and see if the laptop is under attack by a virus.
Wireless Diagnostic [Method 6]
- Press the Option key.
- Click the WiFi symbol.
- Choose Open Wireless Diagnostic.
- Click on Continue.
- Run the diagnostics.
- If it’s turned up empty, you should set up Wireless Monitoring.
- Click on Monitor my WiFi connection.
- Select Continue.
Check DNS Settings [Method 7]
- Open Network Preferences.
- Click on the Advanced button.
- Select DNS.
- Hit the plus sign.
- Add Google DNS addresses: 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4
- Click OK.
- Browse the internet to see if the problem has been resolved.
Turn on Safe Mode [Method 8]
- Shut down your Mac.
- Turn on the laptop and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
- Don’t release the Shift key until the login screen appears.
- Then log in. You may have to log in twice.
A second method for turning off safe mode is:
- Turn off your Mac.
- Press and hold the power button.
- I kept holding it until the startup options window appeared.
- Choose your startup disk.
- Press and hold the Shift key.
- Click Continue in Safe Mode.
- Then login.
Now, restart MacOS networking using Terminal.
- Go to Applications.
- Choose Utilities.
- Click on Terminal.
- Enter the command networksetup -setairportpower en0 off
- Press Enter.
- Enter the command networksetup -setairportpower en0 on
The laptop has now been turned on. And the problem may well be resolved.
Note: If these methods don’t help, take your device to the nearest Apple center and get it fixed.
Why is my WiFi disabled on my MacBook Pro?
The reason your WiFi is disabled on your MacBook Pro is because of outdated software or possible interferences in your Parameter RAM or PRAM.
To fix the issue:
- Update your macOS
- Reset the PRAM
- Reset the SMC
How do I fix the network adapter on my MacBook Pro laptop?
To fix the network adapter on your MacBook Pro laptop,you may have to change around some network settings.
Follow these easy steps:
- On the top-left corner of your screen, you will find the Apple icon.
- Choose System Preferences.
- Select Network.
- Click on WiFi connection from the list of connections.
- Select the Minus icon.
- Select Apply.
- Choose the Plus icon.
- Readd the WiFi network as you did the first step.
This method usually works; however, if you encounter any issues, you may try these steps:
In the right-top corner, you will find the WiFi internet symbol; click on it.
- Turn off the WiFi switch.
- Click Go.
- Select Go to Folder.
- Enter Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration.
- Select these files:
- apple.airport.preferences.plist
- apple.network.identification.plistor com.apple.network.eapolclient/configuration.plist
- apple.wifi.message-tracer.plist
- plist
- plist
- Copy these files and paste them onto Desktop.
- In their original location, right-click on these files and delete them.
- Confirm the deletion process.
- Restart your laptop.
Why is my MacBook Pro laptop WiFi not working?
The reason your MacBook Pro laptop’s WiFi is not working is because you are not using the right connection, the device’s software isn’t updated or there’s a possible issue in the SMC or PRAM.
To fix it:
- You should verify that the network is right – and a preferred one.
- You can also install the available updates; any delays in the updates also have a negative impact on the overall performance of your laptop.
- You should check Wireless Diagnostics to figure out the problem.
- You may consider resetting the SMC and PRAM.
The first – and the most obvious – step could be to restart your laptop. Such restarts “reset” your laptop’s system and close down all those applications that may be causing any troubles.
How do I stop my MacBook Pro from disconnecting from my WiFi?
To stop your MacBook Pro from disconnecting from WiFi, you should update its software, reset the SMC or PRAM, or check your router’s health.
If your router is overheating, it displays some performance issues.
To maintain your router’s good health:
- Don’t cover it up.
- Don’t put it in a place with no proper ventilation.
- Don’t place it near metal surfaces.
- Don’t put it next to a radiator.
- Don’t place it near a filing cabinet.
If the laptop finds it difficult to connect to the device, you should move it closer to the router. If it starts to work fine, it means that some interferences are disturbing your WiFi signal. Thick walls and metals within the router’s range cause your WiFi signals to drop.
A good way of dealing with this particular issue is to install a third-party app like NetSpot that can help you figure out which part of your house/workplace has strong signal strength.
MacBook Pro laptop WiFi not working after sleep.
To fix aMacBook Pro laptop with a WiFi not working after sleep, check its preferred networks list. A cluttered list often leads to the problem of constant WiFi disconnections. To resolve the issue:
- Go to Systems Preferences.
- Select Network.
- Choose Advanced.
- Choose the WiFi tab.
- Drag your main network to the top of the list called Preferred Networks.
- Click OK.
- Click Apply.
If the problem remains unresolved, you should try a new network location. This step will not make you lose your preferred network; you can always set it back. Follow these steps:
- SelectSystem Preferences.
- Choose Network.
- Click on Menu, beside Location.
- Click onEdit Locations.
- Click the plus (+) button.
- Type a location name.
- Click Done.
- SelectApply.
At times, the reason why your laptop is unable to detect signals is because of a faulty router. To check whether the router is at fault, you should open the hotspot on your phone and connect to the mobile network. This step will verify that the router is not sending signals for a strong connection.
How to Fix MacBook Pro Laptop that keeps disconnecting WiFi
To fix a MacBook Pro laptop that keeps disconnecting from WiFi,you should try using an ethernet adapter, update its software or reset the PRAM.
Follow the steps below:
- Switch off your WiFi router
- Connect the laptop directly to the router
This step helps you identify if WiFi is a factor or not. It will allow you to figure out that there might be a configuration issue if the laptop doesn’t pick up signals even when it is connected with an ethernet adapter.
Another quick fix is to restart the router. It will help fix router-related problems. To better understand if the router is the problem, check if other devices are connected to WiFi. If not, it indicates that your router needs to be reset.