I hard wire my M1 Mac mini (on MacOS 15.4.1) with an Ethernet connection because it's faster and more reliable. As a consequence Wi-Fi is switched off and I can't use features like Airdrop or iPhone Mirroring. I can't see a way to configure wi-fi ON and still use my connected Ethernet cable?
Mac mini, macOS 15.4
Richard-UK wrote:
It will work on wi-fi OK if I unplug the Ethernet.
The service order is Ethernet then wi-fi, but the wi-fi status is Amber - can't get them both to green at same time.
The green connection means internet, not Wi-Fi. You can’t have two services connected to the internet. Your Mac connected to internet over Wi-Fi is not necessary for AirPlay, iPhone mirroring, or any of the other services. It must be connected to the same Wi-Fi access point as your other devices. It doesn’t require the wi-fi to be connected to the internet.
Your next post state that you cannot connect to the Internet at all over Wi-Fi (Amber Connect dot without Ethernet connected). That is a problem, but would not prevent AirPlay or iPhone Mirroring. As den.thed noted, it could be a poor wi-fi connection which would be problematic for those services.
Richard-UK wrote:
It will work on wi-fi OK if I unplug the Ethernet.
The service order is Ethernet then wi-fi, but the wi-fi status is Amber - can't get them both to green at same time.
The green connection means internet, not Wi-Fi. You can’t have two services connected to the internet. Your Mac connected to internet over Wi-Fi is not necessary for AirPlay, iPhone mirroring, or any of the other services. It must be connected to the same Wi-Fi access point as your other devices. It doesn’t require the wi-fi to be connected to the internet.
Your next post state that you cannot connect to the Internet at all over Wi-Fi (Amber Connect dot without Ethernet connected). That is a problem, but would not prevent AirPlay or iPhone Mirroring. As den.thed noted, it could be a poor wi-fi connection which would be problematic for those services.
Richard-UK wrote:
I just normally choose to use wired Ethernet which seems to give a faster connection when I use a speed tester.
As explained, AirDrop and iPhone Mirroring will not work with a Mac that is only using an Ethernet connection. You either have to connect the Mac using Wi-Fi or have both Wi-Fi and Ethernet enabled. I have the latter setup.
I have a Mac Mini on Sequoia 15.4.1 and have both Ethernet and Wifi connections.
AirDrop works fine for me.
Have you installed and run any "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus or VPN apps on your Mini?
I didn't have to do anything special. I have a Verizon FIOS router and all I did was connect my iMac to the router using the Ethernet connection, then enabled both Wi-Fi and Ethernet in System Settings > Network.
If not yet have you rebooted the router and your iPhone?
One possibility here, is a weak or poor Wi-Fi signal between the Router and Mac mini. The Mac mini's are well know for having Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues, because their wireless antenna is built into the bottom cover. To make matters worse, they can take a big hit sitting on a Hub and/or from poorly shielded cables that are plugged into the Mac mini. Normally this happens with high speed USB and Display cables, but it is possible for any cable that emits an EMF field to cause a problem.
Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference - Apple Support
For some solutions that might help improve the Wi-Fi connection and overall signal strength.
1) if possible move the Router and Mac mini closer together or use a Wi-Fi extender
2) stand the Mac mini on it's side with the bottom facing towards the Router
3) move all other cables from in-between the Router and Mac mini
It will work on wi-fi OK if I unplug the Ethernet.
The service order is Ethernet then wi-fi, but the wi-fi status is Amber - can't get them both to green at same time.
Hmm... like dialabrain, both my Ethernet and Wi-Fi are connected at the same time.
Maybe try reversing the Service Order so that Wi-Fi is on top.
Thanks but wi-fi signal is strong as the hub is less than 2 meters away from the Mac. As I have said below the Mac works fine on wi-fi with no signal problems. I just normally choose to use wired Ethernet which seems to give a faster connection when I use a speed tester. The downside being iPhone mirroring and airdrop doesn't work, as these features seem to recognise when the phone(s) are in close proximity to the Mac when it's on wi-fi. Holding the phone close to the router doesn't work even though it is still a short distance away from the Mac. If I put the Mac on wi-fi and un-plug ethernet it all works fine all the time!!
Thanks Dialabrain. In spite of some answers I agree with you and know that Airdrop and iPhone Mirroring require both bluetooth and wi-fi to be connected to my Mac. Apple documentation says: "Your iPhone is using iOS 18 or later. Your iPhone and Mac are signed in to the same Apple Account using two-factor authentication. Your iPhone and Mac have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on. Your iPhone is locked and near your Mac."
You have touched on the numb of the problem in that I am trying to get both Wi-Fi and Ethernet enabled on my Mac to the same Router. The wi-fi says it's ON (amber) but won't connect to my network, when Ethernet is connected. So how did you get both Ethernet and Wi-fi enabled? Without them both being connected I will have to drop back to wi-fi only where everything works fine.
Thanks everyone for your inputs and trying to help. After further investigation I have concluded that my BT hub doesn’t like having 2 routes to my Mac mini via ethernet and wi-fi. Consequently, I’m just going to use wi-fi only, where all the features like airdrop and iphone mirroring work fine.
What is your Service Order
Credit to @den.thed 👍
How can I fix Wi-Fi issues after updating… - Apple Community
Thanks, I've already done that but wi-fi is still off
Are you saying you Can Not Turn Wifi On at All ?
I should have added whatever the service order if I plug in Ethernet the Wi-Fi status is amber - on but not connected.
Mac mini on Ethernet not supporting Airdrop or iPhone Mirroring
