A Mac that refuses to connect to Wi-Fi is a frustrating and inconvenient experience. The internet has become an essential part of our daily lives, and when our Macs cannot connect, we can miss out on crucial work, entertainment, and social interactions. If your Mac has refused to connect to Wi-Fi, don’t panic; we’ve compiled several steps to get you back online.

Step 1: Check Your Wi-Fi Network

Before rushing to troubleshoot your Mac’s Wi-Fi connection, ensure that your Wi-Fi network is working correctly. Verify that your router is powered on, and there are no connectivity issues in your local area. If you’re unsure of your network status, restart your router, and wait for it to power up. Try connecting to your network again.

Step 2: Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength

Ensure that your Mac is within range of your Wi-Fi network. Poor signal strength is a common reason why a Mac refuses to connect to Wi-Fi. If possible, move closer to your router and try to connect to your network again. You can also try moving the router to a more central location in your home, eliminating any physical barriers, including walls, that may obstruct the Wi-Fi signal.

Step 3: Check Wi-Fi Settings

Ensure your Mac’s Wi-Fi settings are correct. Click on the Wi-Fi icon in your menu bar and select “Open Network Preferences.” Check that your Wi-Fi connection is enabled and that you’ve selected the correct network. If you’re unsure, select “Advanced” and choose your network name from the list of preferred networks.

Step 4: Forget Wi-Fi Network

If you’ve previously connected to your Wi-Fi network but can no longer connect, “forgetting” the network and reconnecting can help. Select your Wi-Fi network from the Wi-Fi settings window, click on the “minus sign” (-), and delete the network. Restart your Mac and try to connect to your Wi-Fi network again.

Step 5: Restart Your Mac

Restarting your Mac can sometimes help to fix Wi-Fi connection issues. Select the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen and choose “Restart.” Once your Mac has powered up, try connecting to your Wi-Fi network again.

Step 6: Reset Network Settings

Resetting your Mac’s network settings can also help to fix Wi-Fi connection issues. Select “Open Network Preferences” from the Wi-Fi icon in your menu bar, click the “Advanced” button, select the “TCP/IP” tab, and click “Renew DHCP Lease.” Try connecting to your Wi-Fi network again.