Networking issues

When you can’t get connected to the internet or your other devices.

What should I do when my Mac won’t connect to the internet?

If your Wi-Fi stops working, click the Wi-Fi symbol in the menu bar at the top right of the screen (if it’s not there, go to Network in System Preferences, select Wi-Fi on the left and tick “Show Wi-Fi status in menu bar”). Check that the correct network is selected and showing plenty of bars. Choose Turn Wi-Fi Off, wait a few seconds, then go back and Turn Wi-Fi On. It should connect automatically, but again, pick your network if necessary.

If it’s a wired connection that’s playing up, such as an Ethernet cable to your broadband router, go to System Preferences > Network and select the connection on the left. Switch “Configure IPv4” from “Using DHCP” to “Off,” click Apply, then switch back; or unplug and reconnect the cable.

Don’t forget to check your router, which could be the cause of no connection or a connection but no internet. Its status lights should indicate any problem, which can nearly always be resolved by turning it off, waiting 30 seconds and turning it back on. If not, turn to the router’s companion app or remind yourself how to access its web configuration interface from your Mac.

Don’t forget to check your router, which could be the cause of no connection or a connection but no internet. Its status lights should indicate any problem, which can nearly always be resolved by turning it off, waiting 30 seconds and turning it back on.