MacBook won't connect to Wi-Fi? How to fix it

⚡️Fast fix

• Restart your MacBook. It may be a temporary glitch.
• Toggle the Wi-Fi setting. Turning Wi-Fi off and on forces your computer to search for a connection.
• Reboot your router. Unplug your router and wait 30 seconds before plugging it back in.

You power up your MacBook®, ready to start a busy workday. But when you open the Safari® browser and enter a web address, nothing happens. Your device isn't connected to the internet. That's strange — it was working fine yesterday. How can you get back online?

Asurion Experts keep your favorite devices running smoothly. Whether your Mac® isn't updating or you need help choosing the best Wi-Fi router for your home, we can help you with your tech. Here's what to do when your MacBook won't connect to Wi-Fi.

Refresh your network settings

If your Wi-Fi doesn't work after trying the quick fixes, there may be a glitch in your network settings. These troubleshooting tricks explain how to reset Wi-Fi settings on a MacBook.

Forget your network

Removing the Wi-Fi network from your MacBook and re-establishing the connection can help resolve connectivity problems. Before trying this option, make sure you have the current Wi-Fi password. Then, take these steps:

1. Click Apple menu> System Settings.
2. Click Wi-Fi.
3. Click Details> Forget This Network.

After forgetting the network, re-add it to your available connection options using these steps:

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.
2. Locate the Wi-Fi network you want to join and click its name.
   • If the Wi-Fi network isn't listed, click Other Networks. It should appear as an option.
3. Enter the password for the network. Click Join.

Reassign the DHCP lease

Some server networks provide temporary Internet Protocol (IP) addresses under a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) lease. This is common in businesses, where too many connected devices can clog up the network. Some home networks may use a DHCP lease, too.

You can check whether your device is using DHCP and request a lease renewal by taking these steps:

1. Click Apple menu> System Settings.
2. Click Network.
3. Click the network service that you want to renew your IP address for.
4. Click Details > TCP/IP> Renew DHCP Lease.
5. Click OK.

Check for software and system conflicts

If your laptop won't connect to Wi-Fi after refreshing the network, there may be a conflict between your device and its software. Try each of these troubleshooting alternatives to see if they resolve the issue.

Clear out VPN interference

If you use a virtual private network (VPN) when surfing the web, turn it off. Your Wi-Fi network's settings may not be configured to work with VPN, which can cause the connection to drop.

You can also try changing your VPN location to another city. Sometimes, VPNs get overloaded with users, and moving to another location can fix connection issues.

Verify device time and date

An incorrect date and time on your MacBook can affect your Wi-Fi connection. That's because your router uses the information to verify security certificates for websites and applications. To adjust your MacBook's date and time settings, take these steps:

1. Click System Settings.
2. Click General > Date & Time.
3. Enable "Set time and date automatically." Click Set.
4. Select a network time for your region. Click Done.
5. Enable "Set time zone automatically using your current location."

Update your system software

Apple® releases frequent system software updates to fix bugs and introduce new features. If it's been a while since you last updated your software, you may have a system conflict that's interfering with your Wi-Fi connection. Take these steps to download any available system updates:

1. Click Apple menu> System Settings.
2. Click General > Software Update.
3. Click Update Now.

If there are no available updates, you'll see a message stating that your MacBook is up-to-date.

Reset the SMC and NVRAM on Intel Macs

If you have an Intel Mac, resetting its System Management Controller (SMC) and Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM) can clear up odd internet connectivity issues. The SMC and NVRAM control certain basic startup settings, and if they have a conflict, it can interfere with your Wi-Fi.

Reset the SMC on a MacBook

Take these steps to reset the SMC on a MacBook without a T2 chip or removable battery:

1. Shut your MacBook down.
2. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, then release it.
3. Press the power button again to turn the device on.

Reset the NVRAM on a MacBook

To reset the NVRAM on a MacBook, take these steps:

1. Shut your MacBook down.
2. Press the power button.
3. When your device starts to boot, press the Command, Option, P, and R keys. Hold the keys for 20 seconds.
4. Allow the MacBook to finish booting.

If you have a newer MacBook with Apple Silicon, you don't need to manually reset the NVRAM or SMC. Your device handles resets automatically.