No WiFi, not even after reinstalling system

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Level 1

4 points

No WiFi, not even after reinstalling system

A few weeks ago my 2017 MacBook Air lost the ability to get online despite appearing to be connected to different wifi networks and even the iPhone hotspot. Every browser and app would seemingly get stuck loading without ever delivering an error message. It’s not a hardware problem since this doesn’t happen on Boot Camp partition

In the end I had to restore and reinstall the system. I created a new user, updated the system (currently rocking the latest version) and everything worked fine, was able to connect. It was now time to use migration assistant to restore the backup. Because I had already important files in the new user, when asked I decided to keep two separate users, new and old. I also specifically decided not to import the system configurations, fearing these might be the culprit.

I was shocked to see both the new *and* previous user losing access to Internet. Apple Support keeps telling me to reinstall the system to no avail. I followed every step suggested by their website (NVRAM, DNS, deleting WiFi)... I really don't know what to do anymore, it does feel like a serious bug to me.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 12.0

Posted on Sep 15, 2022 11:21 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

brbo

Level 8

35,560 points

Sep 15, 2022 10:41 PM in response to flucena

Hi flucena,

Welcome to the Apple Community ... we are all Apple users, like yourself.

Commiserations! You have been through a lot, and tried many things already with no success.

I am no expert in this area, yet your efforts, and carefully prepared post surely deserves a reply.

Sometimes turning the modem off, and back on works wonders at this end, especially after an ISP has been doing maintenance in the area, and the wi-fi connection has been (seemingly) entirely lost.

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Re: Every browser and app would seemingly get stuck loading without ever delivering an error message.

Wondering if your Mac has plenty of memory / storage space (at least 50Gb free) in order to operate smoothly. ie: How to: Free up storage space on your Mac - Apple Support

If an app on your Mac stops responding, closes unexpectedly or won’t open – Apple Support

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Re: I really don't know what to do anymore

Does the wi-fi issue persist in Safe Mode ?

Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

How to use safe mode on your Mac – Apple Support

If the wi-fi issue doesn't continue while in safe mode,

leave safe mode by restarting your Mac normally.

Then test for the issue again. The issue may have been resolved.

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Sometimes third-party (non-Apple) apps (eg: ad-blockers, virus checkers etc.) can cause unusual conflicts or interference.(Virus checkers are un-necessary on Macs, and careful use of un-installers from the app developers can prove advantageous to the Mac OS.)

Also, after an update of the MacOS, some older non-Apple apps may need updating, to be compatible.

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Wondering if these Apple Support articles may contain a missing clue, or something you haven't yet tried.

If your Mac isn't connecting to the internet over Wi-Fi - Apple Support

Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference - Apple Support

Solve internet connection problems on Mac – Apple Support

Use Wireless Diagnostics on your Mac – Apple Support

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Re: it does feel like a serious bug to me.

If you wish you can send feedback to Apple.

They likely won't reply, but if others are also reporting similar difficulties they may make improvements.

Feedback - MacBook Air - Apple