what to do if macbook keeps losing wifi etrstech

what to do if macbook keeps losing wifi etrstech

By / November 23, 2025

If you’re scratching your head over what to do if MacBook keeps losing WiFi etrstech, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common annoyances Mac users face—your laptop randomly disconnects from the network, drops signal strength, or refuses to reconnect entirely. Before you panic or rush to the Genius Bar, take a look at this essential resource that covers proven solutions from basic settings to more involved fixes.

Check the Basics First

Start simple. Your MacBook might be disconnecting because of issues with the router, internet provider, or even interference from other electronics nearby. Confirm that:

  • The WiFi network is stable on other devices like your phone or tablet.
  • You’re within range of the router—WiFi signals can weaken drastically between floors or across thick walls.
  • Your MacBook isn’t in Airplane Mode or accidentally set to turn off WiFi when idle.

You can also try turning WiFi off and on or restarting your Mac. It sounds too easy, but this clears temporary glitches in network connectivity.

Update macOS and Router Firmware

Outdated software is a common culprit. Apple regularly releases updates that include network-related bug fixes. Go to Apple Menu > System Settings > General > Software Update to check for updates.

While you’re at it, check if your router needs a firmware update. Visit the manufacturer’s website or log into the router’s control panel for instructions. Keeping everything up to date ensures compatibility between your MacBook and the WiFi router.

Forget and Reconnect to the Network

Sometimes, your MacBook may hold onto corrupted network configurations. To fix this:

  1. Go to System Settings > Wi-Fi.
  2. Click on “Details” next to your connected network.
  3. Choose “Forget This Network.”
  4. Reconnect by selecting the network again and re-entering your password.

This essentially gives your Mac a fresh handshake with the WiFi and often resolves irregular drops in connection.

Reset the SMC and NVRAM

More technical, but also more effective—resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) and Non-Volatile RAM (NVRAM) can resolve persistent WiFi connectivity problems. These resets clear background settings related to power, system configuration, and networking.

Here’s how:

To reset NVRAM:

  • Shut down your Mac.
  • Turn it on and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R.
  • Hold the keys for 20 seconds, then release.

To reset the SMC:

  • Depends on your Mac model (Intel vs Apple Silicon).
  • On newer models with Apple Silicon, just restart the computer.
  • For Intel Macs: Shut down, unplug the power cord, wait 15 seconds, then plug it back in and wait another 5 seconds before starting your Mac.

Check Network Location Settings

Creating a new network location wipes out any corrupted preference files that might be causing issues with your WiFi.

  1. Open System Settings > Network.
  2. Click the dropdown next to “Location” and choose “Edit Locations.”
  3. Add a new location with any name (e.g., “Test”).
  4. Reconnect to your WiFi network within this new location.

This approach often improves your Mac’s ability to maintain stable WiFi connections.

Use Wireless Diagnostics

macOS has a built-in Wireless Diagnostics tool that’s surprisingly powerful.

  1. Hold the Option key and click the WiFi icon in the menu bar.
  2. Select “Open Wireless Diagnostics.”
  3. Ignore the wizard—go to the menu bar and click Window.
  4. Choose “Scan” and “Performance” to see detailed stats about your network and nearby interference.

Use the scan results to select a less congested WiFi channel manually via your router, especially if your building has overlapping networks.

Change DNS Servers

Default DNS servers provided by ISPs are often slow or unreliable, which can cause frequent disconnections. You can switch to more robust options like Google DNS or Cloudflare.

  1. Go to System Settings > Network > WiFi.
  2. Click “Details” next to your network.
  3. Scroll to “DNS” and enter:
  • Google: 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4
  • Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1

This won’t just stabilize your connection—it can also improve browsing speed.

Create a New User Profile

Sometimes user-specific settings get corrupted. Create a temporary user profile and test WiFi stability there:

  1. Go to System Settings > Users & Groups.
  2. Click the ‘+’ button to add a new user.
  3. Log into the new profile and test your internet connection.

If the problem disappears, the issue is likely in your original user settings—particularly login items or application-level configurations.

Consider External Factors

Microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, and even fish tanks (yes, really) can interfere with WiFi. Try moving your router or MacBook to different spots. Also, avoid stacking too many Bluetooth devices close to your Mac—Bluetooth and WiFi share a frequency band and can clash.

Hardware Diagnostics and Last Resorts

Still losing connection after all that? It may be a hardware issue—possibly a dying WiFi card or antenna inside the MacBook.

You can run Apple’s Hardware Test:

  1. Turn off your Mac.
  2. Turn it back on and immediately press and hold D.
  3. Follow the prompts to scan for hardware issues.

If a fault shows up, it’s time to contact Apple Support or visit a technician.

Otherwise, if you’re still stuck wondering what to do if MacBook keeps losing WiFi etrstech, returning to this essential resource could help you spot something you missed.

Final Thoughts

Your MacBook losing WiFi isn’t the end of the world, but it can slow your productivity to a crawl. Fortunately, most fixes—from DNS changes to resetting your SMC—don’t require a trip to the Apple Store.

If you’ve gone through each section and still find no relief and are still muttering “what to do if MacBook keeps losing WiFi etrstech,” that’s your signal to get hands-on support. Until then, these approaches are your best bet to minimize drops and stay connected.

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