Mac Won't Connect to WiFi - 10 Fixes That Actually Work

Whether your Mac refuses to join a network, shows a spinning gear forever, or connects but immediately drops, work through these fixes in order. Most users solve the problem at step 2 or 3.

1. Turn WiFi off and on - System Settings → Wi-Fi → toggle the switch off, wait 10 seconds, turn it back on. Simple but effective for firmware glitches.
2. Forget the network and rejoin - Click the network name → Forget This Network → rejoin with the password. This clears any corrupted connection profile.
3. Renew DHCP lease - System Settings → Network → Wi-Fi → Details → TCP/IP → Renew DHCP Lease. Forces your router to assign a fresh IP address.
4. Flush DNS cache - Open Terminal and run: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder. Enter your password. This clears stale DNS records that may be blocking connections.
5. Check your router - Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Check if other devices connect to the same network.
6. Delete WiFi preference files - In Finder, press Cmd+Shift+G and go to /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/. Delete these files: com.apple.airport.preferences.plist, com.apple.network.identification.plist, NetworkInterfaces.plist, preferences.plist. Restart your Mac. This resets your entire network configuration.
7. Change DNS servers - System Settings → Network → Wi-Fi → Details → DNS → add 1.1.1.1 and 8.8.8.8. Your ISP's DNS may be failing.
8. Disable VPN and security software - Temporarily disable any VPN, firewall, or antivirus software and retry. These can block connections when misconfigured.
9. Run Wireless Diagnostics - Hold Option and click the WiFi icon in the menu bar → Open Wireless Diagnostics. Let it scan and follow the recommendations.
10. Create a new Network Location - System Settings → Network → click the location name at top → Edit Locations → add a new location. This creates a clean network profile and often fixes persistent issues.

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