When your MacBook goes offline and you are in process of an online course, video conference or stream, it is frustrating because you lose WiFi connection when you are halfway through.
By 2025, the version of WiFi 6E will be used in macOS Sonoma and later WiFi, and users anticipate that the network will be completely reliable, but frequent WiFi dropouts remain experienced by many users.
Unlike the people who have never wondered why their MacBooks continue to lose WiFi connection, you are not alone.
The problem may be due to old environments, incompatible software, mal-configured routers, or even power-saving options. This step-by-step manual will cover the most recent causes of the WiFi disconnection problem, effective solutions, and tips and tricks that will allow you to maintain a functional connection in your MacBook in the year 2025.
Common Reasons Why MacBook Keeps Disconnecting from WiFi
Before leaping into solutions, it is vital to have an understanding of what is creating the problem. The WiFi connectivity issue on MacBooks of 2025 could occur as a result of several causes- software, hardware or even the interference of the network.
Here are the most common reasons:
a. Outdated macOS or Network Drivers
Apple frequently releases updates that fix hidden bugs affecting WiFi stability. If your system hasn’t been updated, old drivers might conflict with newer router firmware or security protocols like WPA3.
b. Router Incompatibility or Distance
Modern routers use WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E frequencies. Older MacBooks may struggle to maintain stable connections on the 6GHz band or when far from the router.
c. Network Interference
Other wireless devices — like Bluetooth headphones, microwaves, or neighboring routers — can interfere with your WiFi signal, especially on the 2.4GHz band.
d. Misconfigured Network Settings
Sometimes, saved network profiles, DNS caches, or corrupted system preferences cause your MacBook to drop the WiFi connection automatically.
e. Energy Saver and Sleep Mode Settings
In an effort to conserve battery, macOS may temporarily turn off WiFi when the lid is closed or when in low-power mode. This feature, while useful, can create unexpected disconnections.
f. VPN or Firewall Conflicts
Third-party VPN apps and aggressive firewall configurations might restrict WiFi access or block certain ports, leading to intermittent drops.
How to Stop MacBook from Disconnecting from WiFi
If your MacBook keeps losing WiFi connection, try these quick and effective fixes before moving to advanced troubleshooting.
1. Forget and Reconnect to Your WiFi Network
- Click on the WiFi icon > Network Settings > select your WiFi network.
- Click the “minus (-)” icon to forget it.
- Reconnect by entering your password again.
- This resets the connection and clears any corrupted settings.
2. Restart Your MacBook and Router
A simple restart often resolves temporary connectivity glitches. Restart both your MacBook and router to refresh the connection handshake.
3. Update macOS
Go to System Settings > General > Software Update and install any pending updates. macOS Sonoma (14.5 and later) has improved WiFi stability and bug fixes.
4. Reset Network Settings
Open System Settings > Network > WiFi, click on Details beside your network, and choose Reset Network Settings. This can clear hidden conflicts in DNS or IP configurations.
5. Turn Off Bluetooth Temporarily
If you’re using many Bluetooth devices, turn them off temporarily to check whether interference is the issue.
6. Disable Sleep Mode WiFi Disconnection
Go to System Settings > Battery > Options, then turn off “Put hard disks to sleep when possible.” This ensures the WiFi remains active even during low power states.
These quick steps solve about 70% of MacBook WiFi disconnection problems, according to Apple Community reports in 2025.
Advanced Troubleshooting for Persistent MacBook WiFi Issues
If you’ve tried the basic fixes and your MacBook still disconnects, it’s time for deeper troubleshooting.
a. Create a New Network Location
Sometimes, macOS stores old configurations that conflict with your router.
- Go to System Settings > Network > Location > Edit Locations.
- Add a new location and reconnect your WiFi.
- This forces macOS to generate fresh IP and DNS data.
b. Reset SMC and NVRAM
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) and NVRAM can resolve hardware-related issues, including WiFi instability.
To reset NVRAM:
- Shut down your MacBook.
- Hold Option + Command + P + R for 20 seconds.
- To reset SMC:
- For Apple Silicon Macs: Restart.
- For Intel Macs: Press Shift + Control + Option + Power for 10 seconds.
c. Manually Set DNS Servers
Switch to Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) for faster, more stable connectivity.
Navigate to System Settings > Network > WiFi > Details > DNS.
d. Safe Mode Test
Restart your MacBook in Safe Mode by holding Shift during startup. If WiFi works fine in Safe Mode, a third-party app is likely causing interference.
e. Check Your Router’s Firmware
Log into your router’s admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1) and update the firmware. Manufacturers like TP-Link, Netgear, and ASUS released updates in 2025, improving macOS compatibility with WiFi 6E.
f. Contact Apple Support or Visit Genius Bar
If none of these steps fix the issue, you may have a faulty WiFi card or antenna. In such cases, a hardware inspection by Apple technicians is necessary.
5. How macOS Updates Affect WiFi Connectivity on MacBook
Each new macOS release brings performance upgrades, but it can also temporarily cause WiFi problems until patches are released. For example:
- macOS Sonoma 14.3 introduced a known bug causing WiFi disconnections on MacBook Air M2 models when connected to 5GHz networks.
- The issue was later resolved in version 14.5, which improved WiFi 6E compatibility.
- Some users on macOS Ventura also reported disconnections after sleep mode, fixed through Terminal network resets.
It’s always best to keep your system updated, but also wait a week or two after a major release to ensure Apple resolves any connectivity bugs before you upgrade.
Expert Tips to Improve MacBook WiFi Performance and Stability
Once your WiFi is stable, use these pro tips to keep it strong and fast:
1. Use the 5GHz or 6GHz Band
Most modern routers offer dual or tri-band connectivity. The 5GHz and 6GHz frequencies are faster and less prone to interference compared to 2.4GHz.
2. Position Your Router Strategically
Place your router in a central location, elevated and free from obstructions. Avoid corners, metal surfaces, and microwaves.
3. Turn Off Auto Proxy Discovery
Go to System Settings > Network > WiFi > Details > Proxies and uncheck Auto Proxy Discovery. This prevents unnecessary background network scans.
4. Clean Up Login Items
Remove unnecessary startup apps under System Settings > General > Login Items. Some background apps continuously scan networks, causing WiFi dropouts.
5. Use WiFi Analyzer Tools
Apps like NetSpot or WiFi Explorer can help you identify weak signal areas and overlapping channels to fine-tune your network setup.
6. Upgrade Your Router
If your router is older than 4 years, upgrading to a WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E router can dramatically improve performance and stability, especially for M1 and M2 MacBooks.
Conclusion
Everything that we do depends on a stable WiFi connection, be it working remotely and attending classes online, cloud backups, and entertainment. Your MacBook keeps dropping off Wi-Fi, it is often either because of a software update that is old, a router compatibility problem, or in conflict with network settings.
With the tips of quick fixes, advanced troubleshooting tips and professional optimization tips mentioned above, it is possible to make sure that the connection will be smooth every time you open your MacBook.
The best way to avoid this situation of getting off the internet is to keep up and keep your network configuration on track, without fail, even in 2025, when Apple has improved its wireless technologies.
FAQs
Why does my Mac keep losing Wi-Fi connection?
Your Mac may keep losing Wi-Fi due to outdated macOS, router incompatibility, or network interference. Updating your system and resetting network settings usually fixes the issue.
Why does my laptop keep disconnecting from a specific Wi-Fi?
It often happens because of saved network conflicts, weak signal strength, or mismatched security settings. Forgetting and reconnecting to that Wi-Fi usually resolves it.
How to fix Wi-Fi issues in a MacBook?
Restart your router and MacBook, update macOS, and reset network settings. If problems persist, create a new network location or manually set DNS servers.
Why is my Wi-Fi connection getting disconnected frequently?
Frequent disconnections can occur due to interference, overloaded routers, or power-saving settings. Switching to a 5GHz network and adjusting sleep settings can help stabilize your connection.