Don’t worry! In this article, I will explain what to do when your MacBook is connected to your Wi-Fi network but has no Internet. But first, let’s understand why it happens.
Why is my MacBook connecting to WiFi but not Internet?
Wrong settings or your router could cause the underlying issue. We also need to understand that Wi-Fi and the internet are separate entities. Successful connection to a Wi-Fi router doesn’t mean you are connected to the internet. Before proceeding, try connecting your laptop to a mobile hotspot. The fault probably lies in your Wi-Fi connection if you can access the internet. If the problem persists, move ahead with this guide!
How to fix the internet connectivity issue on my MacBook?
DNS settings, macOS, Date, Time, Location, and other issues could break the internet on your Mac. Here’s a list of fixes that should help fix the issue.
1. Restart MacBook and router
As always, a restart could work wonders. Turn off your Mac and restart it after a while. Do the same with your router. If your setup includes Optical Network Unit, switch it off too. Now, check if the Wi-Fi issue is sorted after the restart. If you are still facing the issue, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.
2. Forget Wi-Fi Network and Reconnect
Sometimes conflicting network information can wreak havoc. In such cases, a fresh Wi-Fi connection could work wonders. Follow the steps to forget Wi-Fi on Mac.
3. Setup date, time, and location
It might sound weird, but the date, time, and location can cause internet issues. Let us check the settings and make some changes if needed.
4. Check for macOS updates
Outdated or older versions of macOS could potentially cause connectivity issues. The best way out is to update to the latest macOS. Head over to a cafe or any public place with Wi-Fi access once you get access to the internet update to the latest macOS. On the flip side, you need an internet connection to update. Skip this step if your Mac is not connecting to any Wi-Fi networks. If possible, use Ethernet and download the update.
5. Change DNS on Mac
Domain Name System (DNS) is a protocol through which browsers interact with the internet. Whenever we type in a domain name, the DNS translates it to IP addresses for the browser. Sometimes changing DNS helps resolve connectivity issues on Mac. Follow the steps below to change DNS.
6. Use MacBook wireless diagnostic tool
MacBook wireless diagnostic tool is the best option if you don’t want to rack your brain. The tool is entirely automated and troubleshoots the network with a single click.
7. Disconnect USB accessories
Malfunctioning USB accessories can hamper your connectivity. Software conflicts or driver settings could prevent your Mac from connecting to the internet. Remove USB accessories from your Mac and see if it makes any difference. If the internet is working, the accessory is to be blamed.
8. Renew DHCP lease
DHCP lease is when a temporary ID is assigned to a device on the network. It is useful for managing multiple devices connected to the same network. The IP address for every device on the network is assigned temporarily, thus the term “lease.” Internet on Mac might not work if there are any DHCP Lease issues. Let us renew the DHCP lease with the help of the following steps.
9. Clean up usernames and profiles
Sometimes user profile data could prevent the internet from working. Remove profiles and check if Wi-Fi starts working on Mac. Now, restart Wi-Fi and check if you can access the internet. Repeat it after deleting each user profile. If this doesn’t help, proceed to the next step.
10. Create a new network location
Mac assigns a location whenever you connect to the internet. If there are any errors in the set location, the internet will cease to work. Manually setting a new network location is the right thing to do.
11. Reset Network Preferences
Certain network preferences might be playing foul and causing connectivity issues. I would suggest you backup all settings and reset network preferences. Follow the steps below to reset network preferences.
12. Stop mDNSResponder
mDNS is part of Apple’s Bonjour network configuring process. It is a critical part of the system that helps scan other Apple devices. Programs like iTunes require mDNSResponder to work. However, when things are not right, the process could cause problems with the internet. Here is how you can stop mDNSResponder. That should help you resolve the problem. Have more questions? See if we have covered your query in the below section. I hope this guide covered all the bases and helped you regain internet access on your MacBook. If you have more queries, feel free to drop them in the comments below. Read more:
How to change Wi-Fi network in Control Center on iPhoneHow to clear DNS cache on MacBest Wi-Fi routersHow to use Chromebook as Mac monitor
