How to fix it when Mac keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi

Does your Mac keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi? It's an annoying occurrence that can instantly stop you and your workflow in your tracks. Frustrating as it is, it's a relatively common issue, and it just requires a little troubleshooting.

Keep dropping in and out of work meetings? Unable to save your work online? Not able to stream your favorite film. Just a few annoyances of an unstable Wi-Fi connection.

With so much of our lives dependent on a stable internet connection, you need to jump into action when it stops functioning correctly. And that's where we come in; we'll help you troubleshoot your Wi-Fi back into order, so let's get started and get this issue fixed quickly.

Why does my MacBook keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?

Before we get started with the tips, it's a wise idea to try to understand why your MacBook Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting. Here's a look at some of the common culprits:

• Outdated software
• Router issues
• Network interference
• Overloaded Wi-Fi channels

We'll help you troubleshoot using the steps below, so let's begin.

Solved: Why does my Mac keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi

1. Restart your Mac and your router

Sometimes, all you need is a quick restart, so take a moment to restart your MacBook from the main menu and restart your router (usually on the back of the device). By resetting your network settings, you can refresh your connection, which often resolves any kind of temporary glitches that are causing annoying disconnections.

Before we move on, if your Wi-Fi issue seems connected to when you wake your Mac from sleep mode, let's address that quickly.

MacBook disconnects from Wi-Fi when waking from sleep mode

This can happen because of a glitch with your macOS failing to reconnect to the network automatically. Running regular maintenance tasks like repairing disk permissions, reindexing Spotlight, or flushing the DNS cache can improve your MacBook's overall performance and potentially resolve connectivity issues, too, and thankfully, it's pretty easy to do if you use a tool like CleanMyMac, which comes with a powerful Performance tool built exactly for these kinds of tasks; here's how to use it:

1. Open the app and click Performance > Scan.
2. Once it's finished, take a look through the categories by clicking View All Tasks.
3. Select items to perform and click Run.

Download CleanMyMac and run maintenance tasks with a click.

If this didn't help, keep on reading.

2. Check for Mac software updates

Out-of-date software can contribute to all kinds of issues, including Mac disconnecting from Wi-Fi. If it's been a while since you last installed updates, take a few moments to make sure your device is up-to-date. Here's a reminder of where to find the settings on your Mac:

• Go to the main menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.
• Follow the install instructions.

If updating your Mac's software doesn't seem to solve your connectivity issues, we've got more tips.

3. Forget your network

Next up, if your Wi-Fi network settings have become corrupted, forgetting and then reconnecting to the network can quickly resolve the issue. Here's how:

• Open System Settings from the main menu and go to Wi-Fi.
• Select your network, and click Details > Forget Network.
• Now reconnect by re-entering the password.

4. Check for network interruptions

You might not realize, but signal interference from other connected devices might be causing your Wi-Fi to drop in and out. Here are a few things to do:

1. Disconnect any unneeded Bluetooth devices, or turn your Bluetooth off from the Bluetooth settings menu.
2. Move closer to your router.

If that still doesn't help, don't worry, move to the next tip.

5. Renew DHCP Lease

Sometimes, your Mac's IP address can conflict with other devices on the network. Renewing your DHCP can help, here's how:

1. Open your System Settings > Wi-Fi and select your network.
2. Click Details > TCP/IP > Renew DHCP Lease.

6. Check with your internet provider

Finally, if nothing has helped so far, it's time to reach out to your internet provider and check if there are any known or reported network issues that could be causing your Mac Wi-Fi to keep disconnecting.

There's not much worse when your Mac keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi, but hopefully, one of these easy-to-follow tips has helped you solve the issue. We all run into Wi-Fi issues; you're not on your own, so bookmark this for later — just in case.

FAQs: Why does my MacBook keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi

Why does my MacBook lose Wi-Fi when I go to different rooms?

This is probably connected to your Wi-Fi signal strength. This varies depending on your distance from the router. You might not realize, but walls or other electronic devices can also interfere. Sticking close to your router will help. You can also speak to your internet provider to install boosters around your home to help stretch the signal coverage.

Could my MacBook's Wi-Fi hardware be causing disconnections?

It's rare, but it is, of course, a possibility, and one worth exploring if nothing in this article has helped you. You'll need to make an appointment with your local Mac repair center if you suspect it.

Why does my Mac disconnect from Wi-Fi when using certain apps or services?

It's not an uncommon issue; some resource-heavy apps or streaming services can temporarily cause bandwidth issues, especially if your network speed is already limited. This essentially results in dropped connections, and your router struggles to assign bandwidth across all connected devices and applications.

Can router placement cause my MacBook to lose connection?

100% yes, placing your router in a corner, behind walls, or near devices like TVs and microwaves can cause weak signals or interference. Your internet provider should give you tips on ideal placement. Check to see what they recommend.