What you will achieve
More reliable Wi‑Fi on Mac by ruling out software configuration before assuming hardware failure.
1) Isolate the problem
- Test another network (iPhone hotspot). Works there → router/ISP issue on primary network.
- Test another device on same Wi‑Fi. All drop → router/channel issue.
- Ethernet USB adapter stable while Wi‑Fi fails → wireless stack or driver.
2) Forget and rejoin
- System Settings → Wi‑Fi → Details on your network → Forget This Network.
- Reboot Mac, reconnect with current password.
3) DNS and location
- System Settings → Wi‑Fi → Details → DNS — try Cloudflare
1.1.1.1or your ISP’s recommended servers. - Disable Wi‑Fi scanning location services temporarily: Privacy & Security → Location Services → System Services.
4) Create a new network location
- System Settings → Network → three-dot menu → Locations → Edit Locations.
- Add a new location, apply, reconfigure Wi‑Fi. Clears stale network preferences.
5) Reset SMC / NVRAM (Intel Macs)
Apple Silicon Macs handle equivalent resets via shutdown procedures documented for your model year. For Intel, follow Apple’s SMC and NVRAM reset guides for your Mac — only when simpler steps fail.
6) Router-side fixes
- Update router firmware.
- Split 2.4 and 5 GHz SSIDs if band steering causes roaming loops.
- Change Wi‑Fi channel width to 20 MHz on 2.4 GHz in congested areas.
Verify
Sustained browsing and video call for 30+ minutes without disconnect. Wake from sleep reconnects without manual toggle.