Troubleshooting Guide: Mac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Not Working

Experiencing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues on your Mac? Don't worry; you can try troubleshooting them yourself with the help of this comprehensive guide. Our experts have compiled a set of solutions to help you resolve these connectivity problems. Give these troubleshooting steps a try, and if you need further assistance, feel free to contact us using the information provided below.

 

Table of Contents

  • Check Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Settings
  • Restart Your Mac
  • Reset NVRAM
  • Reset SMC
  • Update your software
  • Remove Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Preferences
  • Reset Network Settings
  • Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

 

Check Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Settings

Incorrect settings can sometimes cause Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity issues on your Mac. Follow these steps to check the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings:

  1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences.”
  1. In the System Preferences window, click on "Network" for Wi-Fi settings or "Bluetooth" for Bluetooth settings.
  1. Make sure the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is turned on and that your network or device is listed.
  1. If you're experiencing Wi-Fi issues, select your network and click on the "Advanced" button to review and adjust the network settings.
  1. For Bluetooth issues, ensure that Bluetooth is discoverable, and try removing and re-pairing your devices if necessary.
  1. Verify that your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth settings are correctly configured based on your network requirements.

 

Restart Your Mac

A simple restart can often resolve temporary software glitches that may be affecting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Follow these steps to restart your Mac:

  1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
  1. Select "Restart" from the drop-down menu.
  1. Allow your Mac to fully shut down and restart.

Once your Mac has restarted, check if the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are working properly.

 

Reset NVRAM

Resetting the NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory) on your Mac can help reset certain settings and potentially resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues. Follow these steps to reset the NVRAM:

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  1. Turn on your computer and immediately press and hold the Option (⌥)-Command (⌘)-P-R keys simultaneously.
  1. Continue holding the keys until you hear the startup sound for the second time, then release them.
  1. Once your Mac has restarted, check if the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are functioning properly.

 

Reset SMC

Resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) on your Mac can help resolve power and hardware-related issues, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity problems. Follow these steps to reset the SMC:

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  1. Depending on your Mac model, perform the appropriate steps:
        • For Macs with Apple silicon: Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds, then release it. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn on your Mac.
        • For Intel-based Macs: Disconnect the power cord from your Mac and wait for 15 seconds. Reconnect the power cord, then wait for another 5 seconds before pressing the power button to turn on your Mac.
  1. Once your Mac has restarted, check if the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues have been resolved.

 

Update your software

Keeping your macOS and relevant software up to date is crucial for optimal Wi-Fi and Bluetooth performance. Follow these steps to check for software updates:

  1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences.”
  1. In the System Preferences window, click on "Software Update.”
  1. If updates are available, click on "Update Now" or "Upgrade Now" to install them. You may be prompted to enter your password or restart your computer.
  1. After installing the updates, check if the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity have improved.

 

Remove Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Preferences

Removing the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth preferences files can sometimes resolve persistent connectivity issues. Follow these steps to remove these preferences:

  1. Close any open applications on your Mac.
  1. Go to the Finder and select the "Go" menu in the menu bar.
  1. Press and hold the Option (⌥) key on your keyboard, and the Library folder will appear in the drop-down menu.
  1. Click on the Library folder to open it.
  1. Locate the following preferences files and move them to the Trash (you may need to enter your password):
        • `/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.airport.preferences.plist`
        • `/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.network.eapolclient.configuration.plist`
        • `/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.wifi.message-tracer.plist`
        • `/Library/Preferences/com.apple.Bluetooth.plist`
  1. Empty the Trash.
  1. Restart your Mac.

After restarting, your Mac will generate new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth preferences files. Check if the connectivity issues have been resolved.

 

Reset Network Settings

Resetting the network settings on your Mac can help resolve complex network configuration issues that may be affecting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Follow these steps to reset the network settings:

  1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences.”
  1. In the System Preferences window, click on “Network.”
  1. Select the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network connection that is experiencing issues.
  1. Click on the "-" button to remove the network connection.
  1. Confirm the removal by clicking on “Remove.”
  1. Restart your Mac.
  1. After restarting, reconnect to the Wi-Fi network or re-pair your Bluetooth devices and check if the connectivity issues have been resolved.

 

Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

If you've followed the above steps and are still experiencing Wi-Fi connectivity issues, it's advisable to contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP). They can help diagnose any potential network-related problems and provide appropriate solutions.