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Sometimes the device is fine — your router is the problem.
Wi-Fi drops are frustrating, especially when you're in the middle of work or a video call. The good news: most disconnections are software-based and fixable without hardware replacement. Let's troubleshoot systematically.
Corrupted network settings cause frequent disconnects. Forgetting the network clears cached credentials and forces a fresh connection.
Go to System Settings → Wi-Fi → click the info icon next to your network name → Forget This Network. Wait 10 seconds, then reconnect by selecting the network and entering your password fresh.
DHCP assigns your MacBook an IP address. A stale or conflicting lease causes disconnects.
Go to System Settings → Wi-Fi → Details (next to your connected network) → TCP/IP → Renew DHCP Lease. Your Mac will request a fresh IP address from the router.
Your router's default DNS can be slow or unstable. Switching to a public DNS (like Google's 8.8.8.8 or Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1) sometimes resolves disconnect issues.
Go to System Settings → Wi-Fi → Details → DNS → click the + button and add 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS). Click OK and test.
Wi-Fi driver bugs are fixed regularly in macOS updates.
Go to System Settings → General → Software Update. Install any available updates and restart. Test Wi-Fi stability after the update.
macOS has a built-in network diagnostic tool that identifies connection issues.
Hold Option and click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar → Diagnostics. Follow the prompts and review the results for "Recommended Actions" related to Wi-Fi.
2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (older networks) is susceptible to interference from microwaves, Bluetooth devices, and cordless phones. Modern 5 GHz networks are more stable.
In System Settings → Wi-Fi, check which band your network is using. If only 2.4 GHz is available, ask your router admin to enable 5 GHz, or move closer to the router to improve signal strength.
Your MacBook may be aggressively cutting power to the Wi-Fi card to save battery. This causes disconnects.
This setting isn't directly visible in newer macOS versions, but you can check Activity Monitor. Open Activity Monitor → search for "kernel_task" and note its CPU usage when Wi-Fi drops. If spiking, power management is active. Try adjusting Energy Saver settings: Go to System Settings → Battery (or Energy Saver) and disable aggressive power saving if available.
Connect to a different Wi-Fi network (mobile hotspot, café, friend's house). If you disconnect from multiple networks equally, it's a MacBook issue, not the router. If you only disconnect from your home network, the router needs troubleshooting.
If you've done all the above and still disconnect constantly, the Wi-Fi antenna or its connection to the logic board might be faulty. Warning signs:
Hardware antenna repair requires opening the MacBook and potentially replacing the Wi-Fi card or antenna assembly. Repair cost: $150–$300.
If DIY repair isn't for you, our certified technicians can fix it fast.
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