How to resolve unstable Wi-Fi connection between iPhone 11 and MacBook Pro M1 Pro after iOS 26 update?

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tecdigy Author

Level 1

4 points

How to resolve unstable Wi-Fi connection between iPhone 11 and MacBook Pro M1 Pro after iOS 26 update?

My Phone is iPhone 11 (iOS 26.0.1)

My MacBook is MacBook Pro 14 M1 Pro (macOS 26.0.1)

Hello, After the iOS 26 update I've noticed weird wi-fi connection behavior.

Often I have to retry 5-10 times in order to connect to my mobile hotspot.

My MacBook detects the hotspot, but shows an error like "unable to connect, please check if the hotspot is not too far from the device".

Also, sometimes my MacBook does detect other wi-fi hotspots when searching via "WiFi Settings", but does not detect my iPhone

I'm sorry if my explanation looks confusing, I tried my best

Appreciate any help!

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: MacBook Pro Unstable Wi-Fi

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 26.0

Posted on Nov 12, 2025 4:12 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 12, 2025 7:49 AM in response to tecdigy

Why do I have difficulty with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth devices when USB 3 devices are attached to my computer?

Some USB 3 devices can generate radio frequency interference that can cause Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices operating in the 2.4GHz band to have issues communicating with your computer. Here are some tips to avoid this issue:

• If your USB device has a cable long enough that you can move the device, place it away from your Mac—and make sure not to place it behind your Mac, or near the hinge of its display. The antennas for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are located there, and USB 3 devices placed there might interfere with your wireless connections.

• If you're using adapters or dongles on a Mac computer with Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, plug them into the front port on the left side of your Mac, or into the ports on the right side (if your computer has them). These ports are the farthest away from the antennas, making interference less likely.

• To avoid interference on the 2.4GHz band using Wi-Fi, try using the 5GHz band instead. You can change this on your wireless base station. Bluetooth always uses 2.4GHz, so this alternative isn't available for Bluetooth.

from:

About USB on Mac computers - Apple Support

Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference

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

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