MacBook does not connect to WLAN – what to do?

by Flo

If your MacBook’s wifi is not working, this can have various causes. We have summarised the best and quickest solutions for you.

MacBook wifi not working – Solution: Restart

Sometimes it is enough to switch off the WLAN on the MacBook briefly and then activate it again.

  • If the WLAN still does not work, it often helps to simply restart your MacBook so that the WLAN module can do its job again.
  • Save all programmes, therefore, and always try a restart first before taking other measures. This way you avoid unnecessary changes.

Repair MacBook WLAN – create new IP address

No or poor wifi signal may be due to an incorrectly assigned IP address, so you need to get a new address.

  • Open the system settings and select the “Network” field.
  • On the right, you can select the network service for which you want to renew the IP address. Click on “Details”.
  • Click on “More Details” and in the next window select “TCP/IP” and then “Renew DHCP Lease”.
  • Confirm with “OK”, you will receive a new IP address.

WLAN not working – other possible causes

It may not be your MacBook connecting to the WLAN at all. To find and fix other possible sources of error, proceed as follows:

  • If you cannot get a WLAN connection with other devices either, restart your router. You may need to update the software if the router is missing an update.
  • Sometimes Apple Wireless Direct Link (AWDL) causes problems with network connections. To turn off this technology, launch Terminal on your MacBook and enter the command “sudo ifconfig awdl0 down” (without quotes).
  • Note: If you switch off Apple Wireless Direct Link, AirDrop will no longer work. To turn the service back on, enter the command “sudo ifconfig awdl0 up” in the terminal.
  • Note: If you turn off Apple Wireless Direct Link, AirDrop will stop working.

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