MacBook Pro owners have shared that the machine is not connecting to the internet. Most MacBooks don’t have a physical LAN port in the machine, so they have to use the dock or rely on the Wi-Fi network. The port limitations and excessive accessory usage to connect to the internet frustrate most Apple notebook owners. I have compiled a list of solutions that helps you identify the network problems and resolve the wireless connectivity issues.
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What is stopping the MacBook Pro from connecting to the internet?
The MBP is a popular machine among content creators and content producers. Apple’s R&D team focuses on portability and power in a smaller form factor. The R&D team has created a powerhouse that can produce high-quality content on a notebook, and you can carry the machine anywhere. Let us look at why MBP is not connecting to the internet.
No Rest:
Machines need rest from time to time, and they are not invincible.
How many times did you shut down the computer for more than eight hours?
Most MBP users put the machine in standby mode and come back tomorrow to start from where they left off. Apple optimized the macOS to improve the performance of the internal components, but they are hardware at the end of the day. I have shown you how to fix the problem in the first solution.
Software Clutter:
macOS is optimized when compared to Windows operating system. However, Apple software accumulates junk over time, and it also depends on user usage. There are cleaners available in the market, but I recommend one open-source cleaner to remove unnecessary files from the system.
Incorrect Internet Configuration:
You may have customized the Wi-FI or LAN settings in the Network. One incorrect configuration can trigger internet connection issues in the macOS machine. We have to double-check the configuration for consistency and take action.
Wi-Fi Router:
Most Wi-Fi routers never get enough sleep time, and they keep on working for months without rest. Hardware suffers from faster wear and tear when the owners don’t give enough sleep time. There’s some problem with your router, and it could be reaching the end of the life cycle.
Removable Devices:
Many MBP has multiple accessories connected to the machine. Apple should take part of the blame for forcing the consumers to use the removable devices. Nonetheless, a removable device could be preventing the Mac computer from connecting to the internet.
Program:
One of the installed programs or tools could be preventing the macOS machine from connecting to the internet. A third-party firewall might be the culprit since unsecured connections are considered dangerous.
macOS Bugs:
The Cupertino-based manufacturer assembled a team to develop the macOS software. However, the team has a time limit to work on the software and release a new version each year. Any organization can release a new software version within a year, but it takes time to stabilize it.
FIX: MacBook Pro is Not Connecting To Internet
I have suggested one third-party cleaner in the guide, but it’s an open-source program and free-to-use. You don’t need any paid tool to fix the problem apart from the suggested system cleaner.
Restart Mac
How many days or weeks did you put the Mac computer in standby mode? It’s time to let the computer sleep for half an hour. The MBP discharges the electricity from the hardware, and it will give sufficient time to cool off the internals. I’m insisting you allow a minimum of five minutes of sleep time for the MacBook Pro.
1. Save all documents and close background programs.
2. Click on the Apple menu logo.
3. Click on the “Shut down” button from the drop-down menu.
4. Confirm the action by clicking the “Shut down” button.
5. Let the PC shut down and remain in the state for a minimum of five minutes.
The system dumps temporary files in the trash can, and it fixes any software-related problems. The drivers, services, and apps will load in the next boot-up.
Disconnect Removable Devices
How many accessories have you connected to the MacBook Pro? Remove all, including dock, adapters, and flash drives. The connected devices might be interrupting the Wi-Fi or LAN port from connecting to the internet.
a. Dock
b. USB flash drive
c. External SSD/HDD
d. Adapters
e. External display
Remove all sorts of cables and devices from the Mac computer. Shut down the MBP and let it sleep for five minutes. Power on the machine and connect to the internet.
Correct Region and Timings
Internet service requires an SSL certificate to verify the connection. Incorrect time, region, and location contradict the SSL certificate mentioned timings. Ultimately, the MacBook Pro gets rejected by the internet service protocol. Correct the time, date, and region to comply with the secure connection certificates.
1. Click on the Apple logo.
2. Go to System Preferences.
3. Choose “Date & Time” from the pop-up window.
4. Click on the “Time Zone” and correct the time zone.
You can automate the timings in the macOS.
5. Go back and choose “Security & Privacy” to view more.
6. Click on the “Privacy” option.
7. Select the “Location Services” in the sidebar.
8. Select “Enable Location Services” to let the internet detect the macOS machine location.
You have the right to protect your privacy and prevent browsers, websites, and services detect your location. Allow the location services for the time being, and disable the feature once the connection is restored.
Delete Wi-Fi Connections
The active Wi-Fi connection must have some problems. We don’t know what’s preventing the network to connect with the macOS machine. Delete the added Wi-Fi connections and reconnect with them. It’s an effective solution to get rid of the old configuration and update the files in the system.
1. Click on the Apple menu logo.
2. Open “System Preferences” from the drop-down menu.
3. Choose “Network” from the options.
4. Click on “Wi-Fi” in the sidebar menu.
5. Choose “Advanced” inside the pane.
6. Select your Wi-Fi network.
7. Delete the Wi-Fi network using the Minus (–) button.
8. Click the “OK” button.
9. Click on the “Apply” button.
Close all programs, then Restart the Mac computer and start a new session. Find the Wi-Fi network and reconnect again in the next boot up.
Wi-Fi Device Limit
Many budget-oriented Wi-Fi routers have limitations, even though they do a great job. Most affordable routers have device limitations. The Wi-Fi router cannot handle the above device at a time. We have multiple smart devices in the house these days, and we use Wi-Fi to access the internet.
However, your Wi-Fi device rejects your macOS machine after the five devices limit hits. I request the readers to disable the connection on one device. I have an iPhone connected to the same Wi-Fi network and turned off the feature for the time being.
Reset SMC
An SMC or System Management Controller Reset plays a crucial role in passing power to the internal hardware components. Resetting the SMC fixes power related issues in the MacBook. The Wi-Fi board might have power issues, and you can reset the SMC to stabilize the power distribution system.
MacBooks with the T2 Security Chip:
1. Choose the Apple menu from the top menu.
2. Choose the “Shut down” button.
Let your Mac shut down.
3. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds.
4. Release the power button.
5. Press the power button again after a few seconds.
The SMC reset might have failed if the problem seems unresolved. Follow the below tutorial to reset the SMC in the T2 Chip notebooks.
1. Choose the Apple menu from the top menu.
2. Choose the “Shut down” button.
3. Press and hold the three keys below.
a. Right “Shift” key,
b. The left “Option” key.
c. The left “Control” key for 7 seconds.
4. Do not release the buttons even when the Apple logo appears on the screen.
5. Keep holding the keys.
6. Press and hold the power button for another seven seconds.
7. Release all three keys and the power button.
Do not make a move and rest a few seconds, then turn on the MacBook machine.
Faulty Router
The Wi-Fi router must have aged well and suffered from wear & tear over the years. The device owners should find a replacement to confirm the suspicions. Most users don’t have a replacement ready to go, so I have a roundabout method to ascertain the problem.
1. Access the Wi-Fi router dashboard and change the password.
Now, no one can connect to the Wi-Fi network.
2. Delete your Wi-Fi network in the macOS machine.
3. Restart the Mac computer.
4. Restart the Wi-Fi router.
5. Access the Wi-Fi settings in the macOS machine.
6. Reconnect with the Wi-Fi network using the new password.
7. The internet should be restored shortly, and keep testing the performance.
The router will stop working after a few minutes or hours, thus confirming the hardware failure. You can do the same with a smartphone to ascertain the macOS software problem. There is a network problem in the MBP if your iPhone or Android device is working smoothly.
Purchase LAN Adapter
Modern MacBook Pro doesn’t come with a LAN port in the machine. The missing ports in the MacBook force users to buy an inexpensive dock. Your dock must have an average LAN port and has good transfer speeds.
I recommend the MBP owners purchase Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter from the Apple online store. The latest Apple M1 silicon Pro base model has two thunderbolts and USB 4 ports.
The genuine adapter does come at a price, but it’s a viable option for MacBook Pro models. Most Pro model owners don’t have the machine covered under warranty, and I don’t think you want to pay a hefty price for repairing the Wi-Fi board. Gigabit LAN is faster than Wi-Fi connectivity and suits most power users.
Update macOS Software
macOS is not perfect and has shortcomings. The Apple in-house team works every day to release new patch updates, security updates, and feature updates. You shouldn’t miss any of them, but I have two rules when updating the software. You should follow the two rules strictly to prevent frustration later.
1. Do not update the software on the first day.
2. Read online news, test videos, and video reviews regarding the latest update.
Apple has a trillion-dollar market cap, but they do mess up with the updates. You shouldn’t find out about the shortcomings firsthand. Create a backup in the external drive and iCloud as a precaution.
Bottom Line
The time has come to meet the Apple support team because this could be a faulty hardware issue. You should consult the certified Apple engineers to rectify the matter and find out the hardware-level truth. Let us know which solution helped you resolve MacBook Pro not connecting to the internet issue.