How to Troubleshoot macOS Network Issues

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Networking problems can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to get some work done or just surfing the web. If you're using a macOS device, you may experience problems such as slow internet speeds, not being able to connect to Wi-Fi, or problems connecting to certain websites. This guide aims to help you troubleshoot and resolve these network problems efficiently. We'll discuss various solutions, from simple checks to more complex ones.

Understanding the problem

Before diving into the solutions, it is essential to understand the root of the problem. Network issues on macOS can occur due to several reasons, such as:

• Service provider malfunction or poor signal strength
• Software updates that break settings
• Incorrect network configuration
• Hardware problems
• Interference from other devices

Identifying which of these is causing the problem is the first step to fixing your network problems.

Basic troubleshooting steps

1. Check your internet connection

First, make sure your internet connection is active. Check your router to see if it is working properly. If other devices are using the same network, check if they have internet access. If none of your devices are able to connect, the problem may be with your internet service provider.

2. Restart your Mac and router

Restarting your device can sometimes resolve temporary glitches. To restart your Mac, click the Apple logo in the upper left corner and select "Restart." For the router, unplug it, wait for about 10 seconds, and then plug it back in. Give the router a few minutes to restart and become stable, then try connecting again.

3. Update macOS

Sometimes, macOS may have a problem that is fixed in a later update. To check for updates, open "System Preferences" and then go to "Software Update." If any updates are available, it's a good idea to install them.

4. Check Wi-Fi settings

Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on on your Mac. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar to check. Try turning Wi-Fi off and on again. If it still doesn't connect, try forgetting the network and connecting again. To do this:

1. Open "System Preferences."
2. Select "Network."
3. Click "Wi-Fi" in the list on the left.
4. Click "Advanced."
5. Select the network you’re trying to connect to and click the minus (-) button to remove it.
6. Try connecting to the network again by selecting the network from the list of available networks and entering the password again.

Advanced troubleshooting steps

5. Check your DNS settings

DNS issues can sometimes cause connectivity problems. To check your DNS settings:

1. Open "System Preferences" and go to "Network."
2. Select "Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet" depending on your connection.
3. Click "Advanced" and go to the "DNS" tab.
4. Add a public DNS server, such as Google's (8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4), by clicking the plus (+) button.
5. Click "OK," and then click "Apply."

6. Renew the DHCP lease

Renewing your DHCP lease can also solve some network problems:

1. Go to "System Preferences" and click "Network."
2. Select your network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and click "Advanced."
3. In the "TCP/IP" tab, click "Renew DHCP Lease."
4. Click "OK," and then click "Apply."

7. Reset the PRAM/NVRAM and SMC

Sometimes, network problems can be resolved by resetting the PRAM/NVRAM and SMC:

Resetting the PRAM/NVRAM:

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

Resetting the SMC:

This depends on the type of Mac you have. Here's the general process:

• Shut down your Mac.
• If it has a removable battery, remove it and press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
• If the battery is not removable, press and hold Shift + Control + Option + Power for 10 seconds.
• Release the keys and turn on the Mac.

8. Use Safe Mode

Safe Mode can help identify if login items, extensions, or other settings are causing network problems:

• Shut down your Mac.
• Turn it back on and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
• Release the Shift key when you see the login window.
• Test the network connection in Safe Mode. If it works, restart the Mac normally.

Checking for application-specific issues

Some applications may encounter connectivity issues even if the Internet is working properly on your Mac. For example, your browser may be working properly, but the email client may not be able to connect to its server. Here's how to check for application-specific problems:

1. Check your network settings of the application. Most of the applications with internet facility have settings for connectivity.
2. Make sure the app is updated to its latest version. Software developers provide updates to fix bugs and connectivity issues.
3. Check if a firewall or security software is blocking the application's access to the Internet. Modify the settings to make an exception for the application if necessary.

Wi-Fi interference and signal problems

Interference with the Wi-Fi signal can cause unstable connections. Consider the following solutions to reduce interference:

9. Change the Wi-Fi channel

If you're experiencing slow speeds or an unstable connection, the cause could be a Wi-Fi channel being jammed. You can use your router's settings to change the Wi-Fi channel. Here's how:

• Access your router by entering its IP address (which is usually found on the back of the router) into a web browser.
• Log in with your credentials (check your router's manual for the default login credentials).
• Go to the Wi-Fi settings and find the option to change the channel. Channels 1, 6, and 11 are usually good choices because they don't overlap with other channels.
• Try different channels to see which one gives the best performance. Save your preference and exit settings.

10. Reduce electronic interference

Devices such as microwaves, cordless phones, and other electronics can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal. Keep your router away from such devices to increase signal strength.

If your router supports dual-band Wi-Fi, try connecting to a 5GHz network. The 5GHz band is less prone to interference but has a shorter range than the 2.4GHz band.

Using Terminal Commands for Network Troubleshooting

Terminal commands can provide information about network connectivity and help troubleshoot problems. Open the Terminal application (found in Applications > Utilities), and try the following command:

11. Ping command

To check your connection to a specific server, such as google.com, use the ping command:

ping google.com

If you see responses listed with a timeout, it means your connection is active. If you receive "Request timed out," there may be a problem with your network connection.

12. Traceroute command

The traceroute command is useful for seeing the path your data takes to reach the server. This may indicate where the connection is failing:

traceroute google.com

This command indicates the path your data takes to each node to reach the server. If the trace stops at a certain point, there may be a problem with that node.

13. IFCONFIG command

The ifconfig command displays your current network configuration:

ifconfig

This information can help identify configuration problems or incorrect settings.

14. Network diagnostics

macOS has a built-in network diagnostics tool that can help diagnose and fix network problems:

• Press and hold the Option key and click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.
• Select "Open Wireless Diagnostics" and follow the on-screen instructions.
• This tool checks your connection and produces a report outlining possible problems and solutions.

Consider hardware and ISP issues

15. Hardware check

If none of the above solutions resolve your issue, the problem may be hardware-related. Inspect your router and cables for signs of any damage. Replacing faulty hardware may restore connectivity.

16. Contacting your ISP

If you suspect a network problem originates from your ISP, contact them for assistance. They can investigate on their end and help troubleshoot connectivity issues.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting network problems on macOS involves a combination of basic and advanced techniques. Starting with router checks and software updates, moving through network setting adjustments, and ending with advanced Terminal commands can help identify and resolve most problems. Keep following these steps, and you will find a solution to your connectivity problems.

Remember, technology can be complicated, but by following logical and structured troubleshooting, you can resolve most network problems and enjoy your Mac.

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