MacBook Pro Will Not Connect to WiFi – How to Fix It

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If your MacBook Pro is not connecting to WiFi, it could be due to network settings, software issues, or hardware problems. This guide provides step-by-step solutions to fix the issue and restore your Mac’s internet connection.

Check Basic WiFi Settings

Ensure WiFi is Enabled
  1. Click the WiFi icon in the menu bar.
  2. If WiFi is turned off, click Turn WiFi On.

Restart Your Mac and Router
  1. Restart your MacBook Pro by clicking the Apple menu > Restart.
  2. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

Forget and Reconnect to WiFi

Remove the WiFi Network
  1. Click the Apple menu > System Settings > Wi-Fi.
  2. Click Details next to your WiFi network.
  3. Click Forget This Network, then confirm.

Reconnect to WiFi
  1. Go back to System Settings > Wi-Fi.
  2. Select your WiFi network and enter the password.

Check for Software Updates

Update macOS
  1. Click the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.
  2. Install any available updates and restart your Mac.

Reset Network Settings

Reset WiFi Configuration
  1. Open Finder > Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Type the following and press Enter: 
    /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/
  3. Find and delete the following files:
    • com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
    • com.apple.network.identification.plist
    • com.apple.wifi.message-tracer.plist
    • NetworkInterfaces.plist
    • preferences.plist
  4. Restart your Mac and reconnect to WiFi.

Check Router and Internet Connection

Try Connecting to a Different WiFi Network
  • If your MacBook Pro connects to another network, the issue may be with your router.

Restart Your Modem and Router
  1. Unplug both the modem and router.
  2. Wait 30 seconds, then plug them back in.
  3. Reconnect your Mac to WiFi.

Run Wireless Diagnostics
  1. Press Command + Space and type Wireless Diagnostics.
  2. Open the tool and click Continue.
  3. Follow the instructions to check for network issues.

Reset NVRAM and SMC

Reset NVRAM (Intel Macs Only)
  1. Shut down the MacBook.
  2. Press and hold Option + Command + P + R for 20 seconds.
  3. Release the keys and turn on the Mac.

Reset SMC (Intel Macs Only)
  1. Shut down the MacBook.
  2. Press and hold Shift + Control + Option + Power button for 10 seconds.
  3. Release the keys and turn on the Mac.

Change DNS Settings
  1. Click Apple menu > System Settings > Wi-Fi.
  2. Click Details next to your network.
  3. Go to the DNS tab.
  4. Click + and enter 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS).
  5. Click OK and restart your Mac.

If your MacBook Pro still will not connect to WiFi, contact Apple Support or your internet service provider for further assistance.