MacBook Connected to WiFi But No Internet? 7 Ways to Fix It

Have you ever experienced your MacBook connected to WiFi but no internet signals appear? Don’t worry; it is a common issue that can occur anytime. But it hinders the smooth functioning of your daily workflow as you cannot access any website or browse anything. 

In this article, we will explain the workaround methods you can implement to resolve the WiFi issue. 

Why Is There No Internet While MacBook Is Connected to WiFi

One of the major reasons that lead to the underlying problem is the wrong network settings. It is important to understand that the internet and WiFi are two separate entities. Even if you are connected successfully to WiFi doesn’t mean the connection to the internet is established. 

Before you proceed further, try to connect your MacBook to a mobile hotspot. The WiFi connection must be at fault, and you need to fix it to gain access to the internet. Several fixes can help you establish a stable connection and run the internet smoothly. 

Sometimes, cleaning up usernames and profiles helps fix the persisting issue. You can delete your user profile by navigating to the System Preferences. In addition, you can also change computer name Mac to check if this helps. Else, proceed with the below fixes. 

Restart Your MacBook 

Similar to many technical glitches, a restart can be an easy way to fix internet connectivity issues on your MacBook. So, before you initiate any other process, turn off your MacBook and then restart it after a few seconds. You can also reset your router. 

Check if the WiFi seems to run smoothly after restarting the laptop or resetting the router. If the problem exists, try to forget the WiFi network and then reconnect, following the steps mentioned in the next workaround. 

Forget WiFi Network 

Your network information might be conflicting, and you are facing issues connecting to the internet. In this case, make sure to establish fresh connections. To do this, click on the Apple icon displayed at the top-left section of the screen.

Click System Preferences and then tap on Network. Next, click on the WiFi option available on the left panel and click on Advanced. Now, select the network name and tap on the – below the box. Now re-enter the password and reconnect. 

Check for macOS Updates

Outdated macOS versions can be another potential reason why you experience your MacBook connected to WiFi but no Internet. So, try updating to the latest version of the Mac operating system, but you need a stable internet connection for that. 

To update macOS, you can visit the nearest cafe or the library. Connecting an Ethernet cable is the best way to ensure speedy internet while updating the macOS. Before you initiate the process, make sure the internet connection you are trying to connect with is secure.

Set Up Date, Time, Location Settings

Another common reason that stops you from accessing the internet is the inaccurate date and time settings on your MacBook. If the date and time information is wrong, make changes by navigating to the System Preferences and clicking the Date & Time button. 

Next, click on Time Zone, and press the lock icon displayed at the bottom-left section. Enter the password and check the box that says Set time zone automatically using the current location. This will set up the accurate date and time on your MacBook. 

Create New Network Location

When you connect to the internet, the Mac assigns a location, and if there is any error in the existing location, the internet will not connect. You can manually set up your network location by following a few simple steps, as mentioned in this section. 

Open System Preferences and click Network. Tap to expand the drop-down menu and select Edit Location. Now, click on the + icon to add a new location, click Done, and then click Apply. Now connect to the internet to check if it works. 

Reset Network Preferences

Some of the fixes mentioned in this article are simple, while others require an extensive workaround. Certain network preferences need to be changed as they might be playing foul, resulting in bad or no internet connectivity issues. 

To change the network preferences on your MacBook, open Finder and tap on the Go option displayed in the top menu bar. Next, select computer, click to open Macintosh HD and tap on the Library folder. Next, go to Preferences and select System Configuration.

You need to search and delete several files, including:

• com.apple.network.identification.plist
• com.apple.airport.preference.plist
• NetworkInterfaces.plist
• Settings.plist
• preferences.plist

Disconnect USB Accessories 

This seems to be a simple solution, but effective when you are not able to access the internet even after connecting to the WiFi. Sometimes, multiple wired and wireless accessories are connected to your MacBook, which might be causing conflicts. 
Disconnect all USB accessories from the MacBook for a while. Now connect to the internet to check if it works normally. If you can access the internet, update the macOS version without delay and update USB drivers, as this will ensure smooth internet connectivity.