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Things to Know
- Many users found their MacOS Tahoe WiFi not working properly after the most recent updates.
- Some reported an unstable connection that cuts in and out, while others couldn’t connect at all.
- Switching the network connection on and off or resetting the connection can help.
When working or playing on a Mac, unstable Wi-Fi connections can be a major frustration. It can slow you down, mean you miss out on important conversations, or make you look unprofessional in meetings. Unfortunately, some Mac users have reported that since recent updates to Tahoe, their usually stable connections are not working correctly.
Follow these steps to get your Mac connected and running smoothly again.
MacOS Tahoe Wi-Fi Not Working: Toggle WiFi Off and On
Step 1. The simplest fix is to turn Wi-Fi off, then back on. Start by going to Settings > Wi-Fi.
Step 2. Click the toggle button next to Wi-Fi. It should turn grey, and all available or connected Wi-Fi networks should vanish.
Step 3. Wait for five minutes, and then toggle Wi-Fi back on. You should find that you can connect with no issues to your chosen network. If not, move on to the next fix in this guide.
Fix Mac Unstable Wi-Fi Connection: Forget Networks and Re-Add
Step 1. If the network settings became corrupt during the software update, forgetting and re-adding the network can fix this. Make sure you have access to your network password before you take this step. The password is usually on the back of your router. Head to Settings > Wi-Fi > and click the “Details…” button next to the network you want to forget.
Step 2. Click on Forget This Network. You’ll see a screen asking if you definitely want to do this. Click “Remove.” Once done, you can then simply click the network from the list of available networks and re-enter the password.
MacOS Tahoe Wi-Fi Not Working: Renew DHCP Lease
Step 1. This sounds complicated, but it’s actually very simple. DHCP means Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol and refers to the method that devices get IP (Internet Protocol) addresses given to them. IP addresses for devices like your Mac are temporary, so renewing the DHCP lease can generate a new IP address and, in many cases, fix any internet connectivity issues. Once again, head to Settings > Wi-Fi > and click the “Details…” button next to the problematic network.
Step 2. Scroll down until you see DHCP lease (it’s under the TCP/IP menu) and click the button next to it that says Renew DHCP Lease.
Step 3. Confirm you want to apply your changes and wait for the Mac to confirm this has occurred. You should now find that you have a stable internet connection.
MacOS Tahoe Wi-Fi Not Working: Further Tips
You can also try:
- Switching your Mac off and on again.
- Switching your router off and on again.
- Testing the wireless connection on another device. If it’s also problematic on different devices, report the problem to your internet service provider.
As an avid gamer, I’ve run into my fair share of error codes and weird faults that have forced me to find fixes to problems I never anticipated. That gave me a passion for sharing those fixes with others so we can all game without feeling like our hardware is rebelling against us.