It can be quite annoying when your MacBook Pro keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi. While this problem is mostly uncommon, it still happens and can put a damper on your work day or night of scrolling through Safari. So, what should you do If your MacBook Pro keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi?
Unplug your Wi-Fi router for 30 seconds and plug it back in if your MacBook Pro keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi. You can also solve this problem if you update your MacBook to the latest macOS software and restart it. Otherwise, you may simply need to leave the Wi-Fi network, reenter the password, and join it again.
You may also need to reset the system management controller on your MacBook Pro if you still experience connectivity issues. Follow along as we explore what to do when your MacBook Pro keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi.
Why Does My MacBook Keep Losing Wi-Fi Connection?
Faulty Router
No Wi-Fi router is without its problems. If your MacBook Pro keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi, it’s likely because of a problem with the router or modem. It’s typically recommended that you restart your Wi-Fi router once per month to ensure it operates as quickly as possible.
To reset your Wi-Fi router, simply unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in. You can do the same thing with the modem as well. Ideally, you should replace your router once every 3-5 years or sooner if you keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi.
Overcrowded Network
How many people have access to the Wi-Fi network you are on? Your MacBook Pro will keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi if too many people are on it. This is a common problem for public Wi-Fi networks, but it can happen on private networks at home as well.
The average Wi-Fi network can support up to 250 devices at once. However, that doesn’t mean that they will all receive a smooth Internet connection. The more people that connect to a single Wi-Fi network, the slower the connection will be.
Wait until you get home and connect to a private Wi-Fi network to see if your MacBook Pro keeps disconnecting. If the problem persists, it likely points to a problem with your MacBook Pro’s operating system, and you must keep troubleshooting.
How Do I Fix My MacBook Disconnected From Wi-Fi?
Outdated Software
Each year, MacBook users get at least one major update. Minor updates are released throughout the year up to 5-6 times, and they are necessary for your MacBook Pro to perform at the highest capacity. If your MacBook Pro keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi, it may simply be because you have an outdated version of macOS.
Go to the menu bar at the top of the screen on your MacBook Pro and click on the Apple icon. Click “System Settings”, click “General”, scroll down, and select “Software Update”. If an update is available, simply click “Update Now” and wait for it to install.
Turn on Wi-Fi Location Services
Apple uses your location for more than just sending you local ads. Your MacBook Pro’s Wi-Fi can only work as well as it should if you turn on Wi-Fi location services. Enabling location services for Wi-Fi lets your MacBook Pro optimize your connection for the smoothest performance possible.
To turn on Wi-Fi location services, click the Apple logo on the menu bar, then select “System Preferences”. Select “Security & Privacy”, then click “Location Services”. Enter your password when the prompt appears and select “Wi-Fi Networking” to turn on location services for your Wi-Fi connection.
Restart Your MacBook Pro
The easiest way to fix your MacBook Pro when it keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi is to simply restart it. This will close all of the running apps and Safari tabs that can overload your MacBook and make it run slowly. You will also temporarily disconnect from the Wi-Fi network and reconnect to it when your MacBook Pro turns back on.
Click the Apple icon on the menu bar to open the menu. Scroll down, select “Restart”, and wait a moment for the system to reboot.
Adjust the DNS Setting
The Domain Name System, or DNS, on your MacBook Pro is responsible for letting you reach servers and websites. This system takes domain names and turns them into IP addresses that you can visit. When there is a problem with our DNS settings, your MacBook Pro will struggle to reach websites.
In some cases, your MacBook Pro can respond by intermittently disconnecting from Wi-Fi. To change the settings, click the Apple logo, then “System Settings”, and “Wi-Fi”. Click “Details”, then scroll down and click the + sign to add a new DNS server address.
Move Your Router
Your router’s location has everything to do with how strong your Wi-Fi connection is. If your MacBook Pro keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi, it could simply be because the router is too far away from where you typically use it. In that case, you must move your router closer to where you typically use your MacBook Pro so it maintains a consistent connection.
You must also move your Wi-Fi router if it’s in a spot where it could easily overheat. When your router overheats, you will repeatedly disconnect from Wi-Fi, or it may break altogether. Never put your Wi-Fi router in a spot where it’s confined in a tight space or cramped between two objects.
Rejoin the Network
If your MacBook Pro keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi on a network that typically works, you may simply need to leave it temporarily. Apple lets you “Forget This Network” so you don’t automatically join it, and it’s a great option if you keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi.
Open the Apple menu, click “System Settings”, and select “Wi-Fi” on the left side. Select the network that you keep disconnecting from, click “Details”, then “Forget This Network”.
Now, you must select the network again and reenter your password. This should keep you from disconnecting from your Wi-Fi network if you haven’t logged out in a while.
Use a Wi-Fi Signal Booster
If your router is in good condition but your MacBook Pro keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi, it may be a range issue. This is especially true if you live in a big house with a single router. Luckily, you can fix this problem if you set up a Wi-Fi signal booster to increase the range.
Wi-Fi signal boosters cost between $18 and $90 depending on the brand and range. Some signal boosters can even increase your Wi-Fi range by up to 2,000 feet.
Reset the PRAM/NVRAM/SMC
The system management controller (SMC) on your MacBook Pro regulates and controls many of its features. Over time, this feature can fail after extended use, especially if you haven’t reset it in a while. To reset the SMC, you must turn your MacBook Pro off.
After a moment, hold Shift, Control, and Option for 10-20 seconds. Let go of the keys and quickly press the power button to reset the SMC. You may also need to reset the PRAM and NVRAM if your MacBook Pro keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi.
Turn your MacBook Pro off, turn it back on, and simultaneously hold the Option, Command, P, and R keys. This will reset the PRAM and NVRAM, and you will hear the MacBook Pro startup sound.
Adjust Your Wi-Fi Band
Wi-Fi networks sometimes default to run on the same operating channel as nearby Wi-Fi services. Whether it be your neighbor or a local business by your home, this will interfere with your MacBook Pro’s Wi-Fi connection. You may instantly set your Wi-Fi to 5GHz or 6GHz for the best performance, but that may not be the best for your location.
For example, if your home or workplace has thick walls, then 2.4GHz is the best option. That’s because the frequency is low enough to penetrate thick walls. Instead of defaulting to the same 5GHz or 6GHz channel as your neighbors, you will have a unique connection that can get through thick walls that they may not be able to.
Run Wireless Diagnostics
Each MacBook Pro comes with a built-in tool that makes it easy to check what’s wrong with your Wi-Fi connection. The MacBook Wireless Diagnostics tool will scan your Wi-Fi network to see what’s wrong and suggest troubleshooting tips. Pull up the Wi-Fi network you are connected to in the System Settings menu.
Hold the Option key, click the Wi-Fi icon beside the network, and click “Open Wireless Diagnostics”. Click through each of the onscreen prompts, and a list of causes and solutions will appear.
Contact Your Internet Service Provider
If your MacBook Pro keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi and you cannot fix the problem, you may simply need to contact your Internet service provider. You may be overdue to replace your router or modem. Most Internet Service Providers recommend you replace your router every 3-5 years, and you will experience connection problems if you wait too long.
So, Why Is My MacBook Pro Disconnecting From Wi-Fi?
Your MacBook Pro may keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi because the network is overcrowded or you are out of the optimal range. This can also happen if Wi-Fi location services are disabled. Otherwise, this can happen because you don’t have the latest macOS version or if you haven’t turned off and restarted your MacBook Pro in a while.
David Miller is a seasoned tech aficionado with a profound expertise in NGINX and Ubuntu. With a career spanning over a decade, David has honed his skills in optimizing web servers and enhancing server performance to perfection. His deep-rooted passion for open-source technologies has led him to become a go-to resource in the field. Whether it’s crafting intricate NGINX configurations or troubleshooting complex Ubuntu server issues, David’s problem-solving prowess shines through.