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9 Way to Fix MacBook Says Connected But No Internet
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Has your MacBook ever connected to Wi-Fi but you still have no internet access? This frustrating problem prevents you from browsing the web and using internet-dependent apps. While it may seem like your Mac is broken, the issue is usually an easy fix. In most cases, simple troubleshooting steps can get your Mac back online. In this article, we'll walk through the top 9 ways to troubleshoot and fix an internet connection when your MacBook connects to Wi-Fi but has no internet. Following these steps will get you back up and running in no time.
Method 1: Check your router
The problem may be with your router rather than your Mac. First, verify that your router is powered on and working. Look for flashing lights on the front. If they are off, unplug the router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This will reset the connection. While rebooting the router, also check that the ethernet cable connecting to your modem is plugged in firmly on both ends.
If resetting doesn't work, you may need to check for router firmware updates or factory reset it. Refer to your router manufacturer's instructions.
Method 2: Verify the network name
Make sure your Mac is trying to connect to the correct network name (SSID) for your Wi-Fi router. Go to System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi and look at the name of the network you are joined to. Verify it matches the network name on your router (typically on a label on the bottom).
If they don't match, click the Wi-Fi icon, select the proper network, and reconnect.
Method 3: Forget the network
If your router's settings are correct but your Mac still won't connect, try forcing it to forget the network:
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Go to System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi
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Select the Wi-Fi network
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Click the "..." button next to your wifi name, & select "Forget this network" & then click on Remove it
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Reconnect to the network and re-enter the password if prompted
This will clear any corrupt network settings saved on your Mac and force a fresh connection.
Method 4: Check for an IP address
If your Mac connects to the network but doesn't pull an IP address, you won't get internet access. To check this:
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Go to System Settings > Network
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Click your Wi-Fi connection
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Look for "Status: Connected" and then click on details to view IP address listed
If there's no IP address, your Mac isn't properly communicating with the router.
Method 5: Renew DHCP lease
If your Mac has an IP conflict or stale DHCP lease, you may need a fresh IP address from the router. To force this:
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Go to System Settings > Network
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Click your Wi-Fi connection
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Click on the "details" button next to your wifi name
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Now select the TCP/IP tab
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Then Click the Renew DHCP lease button.
This will clear the old IP address and renew it.
Method 6: DNS issues
Problems with your DNS (Domain Name System) servers could prevent web browsing. To check this:
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Go to System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Details > DNS
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Click the "+" and enter 8.8.8.8 then click OK
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Click Apply to save the changes
This will switch DNS to Google's servers. See if web browsing now works. If it does, your ISP's DNS servers may be having issues.
Method 7: Check connection sharing
Internet Sharing allows your Mac to share its internet connection with other devices. If this is accidentally enabled, your Mac may connect to the network but not get internet itself.
Go to System Settings > Sharing and make sure Internet Sharing is unchecked for all interfaces (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, etc).
Method 8: Restart devices
As simple as it sounds, restarting your devices is a common solution.
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Force quit any apps using the internet
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Restart your MacBook
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Power cycle your cable modem and router (unplug them for 30 seconds)
This will clear any software bugs or memory leaks affecting connectivity.
Method 9: Hardware issues
If you still can't connect after trying all of the above, the Wi-Fi/network adapter hardware in your Mac may be faulty.
Try using an external USB Wi-Fi adapter to see if that works. If it does, the Wi-Fi card inside your MacBook needs repaired or replaced. An Apple Genius Bar can help diagnose hardware problems.
Conclusion
Connection problems can often be fixed with simple troubleshooting steps. Verify router connections, renew IP settings, and restart devices. Checking for DNS and IP conflicts can also get your Mac back online. If problems persist after trying these fixes, don't hesitate to contact Apple support. They can diagnose stubborn network issues and hardware failures affecting connectivity.
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