M2Pro Mini dropping WiFi

Question

M2Pro Mini dropping WiFi

My M2Pro Mini, currently running macOS 15.1 (but the problem pre-dates that) keeps dropping connection to my local network. It is located just a few feet away from one of the stations in my Orbi mesh network, so there's no problem of intervening distance. And the same thing happens whether the Mini is directly connected to the router station via ethernet or over the air. I can always get the connection back by clicking on the network name in the Wi-Fi panel of System Settings, but this is of course impossible when that window isn't visible (e.g. during a Zoom session). Other devices in the home have no such problem. Is this a hardware or software problem? Any ideas for how to fix it?

Mac mini, macOS 15.1

Posted on Nov 2, 2024 1:34 PM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 10

82,570 points

Nov 3, 2024 5:55 PM in response to Yale Linguist

That close, the Mac mini could be in a shadow or dead spot.

I would try moving the Mesh and the Mac mini father apart or use an Ethernet cable.

That close, the Wi-Fi signal could be blocked or getting interference from High Speed USB cables, USB drives, the display or any number of other devices. see > Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference - Apple Support

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Answer 2

hcsitas

Level 6

12,902 points

Nov 2, 2024 8:44 PM in response to Yale Linguist

First step would be to schedule an in-store Apple repair appointment to check out the network hardware. Diagnosis and repair estimate is free, after that it’s your call. Until then, avoid mesh and keep it direct. Mesh networks are essentially fake based on gimmicky tech and not the real thing and can trigger mystery problems including excessive wear on the hardware, like the ones you are experiencing. Best avoided.

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Answer 3

Nov 3, 2024 12:28 PM in response to hcsitas

Perhaps. But all of the (many) Apple devices in our house have worked fine on this network for years, including the Mini, up until the time I upgraded to macOS15. I should say, that machine shows some other problems: when multiple windows are open in Safari, CPU usage for that app climbs until it hits 100%, at which point I have to Force-quit. Safari also shows some strange menus, with the appropriate content and then a sequence of "Menu n" (for n=0-9) choosing one of which does nothing. Also, some Apple apps (including Safari and Preview) sometimes hang (beachball) when initiating a file search. I guess I have to take the Mini to a repair place.

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Answer 4

hcsitas

Level 6

12,902 points

Nov 3, 2024 12:41 PM in response to Yale Linguist

The hangs are likely related to poor networking.

“Worked fine” does not mean not degrading, wearing and tearing over time. Meshes work extra hard keeping their fake connections alive which means extra CPU load on the accessing device. Avoid whenever possible.

Anyway, best to schedule Apple repair, not “a repair place” (unless you want to revisit). All the best.

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Answer 5

tbirdvet

Level 6

14,489 points

Nov 3, 2024 2:11 PM in response to Yale Linguist

test the following;

Turn off firewall and test.

Turn off "limit ip address tracking" in the network details section for both ethernet and WiFi and test.

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