Mac Connected to Wifi But No Internet – How to Solved

Just like the WiFi keeps disconnecting on MacBook, many users face these WiFi issues and some may lose internet connection after upgrading to macOS Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, or other versions of macOS.

Your Mac is connected to Wi-Fi but has no internet. Don’t worry. Here are some solutions to try before taking the laptop to professional repair shops:

The WiFi icon clearly shows a connection as it doesn’t have an exclamation mark, but you can’t open apps, try what you try. You may have excluded the router because your Mac won’t connect to WiFi, but other devices will.

Why is my Mac connected to Wi-Fi but not the internet?

Most of us treat WiFi the same way we treat the Internet, even though WiFi is simply a tool that connects you to a local area network that routes you to the Internet. That said, a Wi-Fi connection doesn’t guarantee you access to the internet, although it usually does. The problem is mainly with your router, network provider, and Mac.

If other devices also can’t connect to the internet, something is wrong with your router or internet service provider.

If you can’t access the internet from your mobile data through a hotspot, your internet service provider or your Mac is causing problems.

The reasons why the Mac connects to Wi-Fi but not the Internet are as follows:

  • DHCP lease expired
  • Incorrect date, time, or location
  • Incorrect router configuration
  • Corrupt settings file
  • problem profiles
  • operating system error
  • Internet blocking software
  • Outdated router firmware

Solve Mac that is connected to WiFi but not working

If restarting doesn’t help a Mac that’s connected to Wi-Fi but has no Internet and you have USB accessories plugged in, unplug them, since unshielded USB peripherals can affect your Mac’s Wi-Fi connection.

Fix Mac WiFi connected but no internet

1-Create a new network location:

Your Mac usually sets the network location for you automatically. However, if your Mac is connected to Wi-Fi but not the internet, you’ll need to create a new one.

  • Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Network.
  • Open the Location drop-down menu.
  • Click Edit Locations, then click the + icon to add a new location.
  • Click Done > Apply to configure the new settings.

2-Delete the profiles installed on your Mac:

Fix WiFi is connected but no internet on Mac:

  • Open the Apple menu > System Preferences > Profiles.
  • Select a profile, press the key – and then click Delete.

3-Delete network settings files:

A common way to fix an issue is to reset the device to restore default settings, the same goes for internet issues. Since there is no easy network settings reset button, you can delete the settings files to reset network settings on Mac.

4-Fix MacBook Pro Won’t Connect to WiFi:

  • Open Finder.
  • On the top menu bar, click Go > Go to Folder.
  • Paste this path: /Library/Preferences/System Configuration and press Enter.
  • Locate and delete the following files:
  • com.apple.network.id.plist
  • com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
  • NetworkInterfaces.plist
  • Settings.plist
  • Configuration.plist

5-Prioritize the network:

If you’ve noticed that your MacBook is on Wi-Fi but not connected to the Internet in Catalina or other versions of macOS, you may have connected to a saved Wi-Fi network that is currently idle. It is best to check that the working WiFi is organized in addition to the preferred networks.

6-Fix Wi-Fi connection but no internet on Mac:

Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Network.
Select Wi-Fi in the left pane.
If you have two entries from the same network, it is recommended to delete one.
Click Advanced.
Pull up your preferred network.
Tap OK.

7-Restart MacBook and router:

As always, a reboot can do wonders. Shut down your Mac and restart it after a while. Do the same with your router. If your setup includes an optical network unit, turn it off as well.

Now check if the WiFi problem is resolved after the reset. If the problem persists, continue to the next troubleshooting step.

8-Date, time, and location settings:

It may sound strange, but the date, time, and location may cause internet problems. Let’s review the settings and make some changes if needed.

  • Open System Preferences.
  • Click Date and Time → Time Zone.
  • Tap the lock icon on the bottom left and enter your password (use Touch ID).
  • Next, select the Set time zone automatically using the location current check box.

9-Change DNS on Mac:

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a protocol that browsers use to interact with the Internet. Every time we type in a domain name, the DNS translates it into IP addresses for the browser. Sometimes changing DNS helps to solve connection problems on Mac.

  • Close all browsers.
  • Open System Preferences → Network → Select Wi-Fi.
  • Select Advanced and navigate to the DNS tab.
  • Click the + button to add the IPv6 DNS server of your choice.
  • Google uses 8.8.8.8 as the main and 8.8.4.4.
  • Cloudflare uses 1.1.1.1 for primary and 1.0.0.1 for secondary.
  • When you’re done, select OK.

10-Check for macOS updates:

Outdated or older versions of macOS can cause connection problems. The best way out is to update to the latest version of macOS. Once you have access to the Internet update to the latest version of macOS and go to a coffee shop or public place with Wi-Fi access.

On the other hand, you need an internet connection to update. Skip this step if your Mac isn’t connected to a Wi-Fi network. If possible, choose Ethernet to download the update.

11-Disconnect the USB accessory:

Malfunctioning USB accessories can affect your connectivity. Software conflicts or driver settings could be preventing your Mac from connecting to the internet. Unplug any USB accessories from your Mac and see if it makes a difference. When the Internet works, the accessories are to blame.

12-Use the MacBook Wireless Diagnostic Tool:

The MacBook Wireless Diagnostic Tool is the best option if you don’t want to rack your brains. The tool is fully automated and fixes network issues with a single click.

Open Spotlight by pressing Command + Spacebar.
Look for wireless diagnostics.
Run diagnostics.
Monitor my Wi-Fi continuously diagnoses your wireless network.
If you notice a problem, you can review the summary.

Conclusion

if your Mac is connected to wifi but you are not getting online, there are a few things you can do. First, try restarting your modem and/or router. Second, make sure your computer is plugged into an outlet and that the power is on. Third, check to see if your internet service provider (ISP) has any updates for your router or modem. Lastly, try using a different router or modem if possible. These tips should help solve the problem.

Leave a Comment