MacBook – Unable to detect any wi-fi networks

MacBook – Unable to detect any wi-fi networks

Problem:

You are unable to connect or see any available wireless networks even when wireless is turned on.

Resolution:

Please try solutions in sequence trying to connect to wireless after applying each solution.

Method 1: Restart

Restart your MacBook and where possible the wireless router or access point. Then try reconnecting afterwards.

Method 2: Open wireless diagnostics

  1. Hold down option key and click the wireless symbol in the top menu bar.
  2. Then select “Open Wireless diagnostics”.
  3. Then click “Continue” and follow the on-screen instructions.

Method 3: Forget problem wireless connection

Before carrying out these steps make sure you have the credentials to log back onto the wireless network. These are usually printed on a domestic router.

  1. Click Apple symbol > System Preferences > Network.
  2. On the left menu click “Wi-Fi” and then click the “Advanced” button.
  3. You will now see a list of preferred networks, select the Wi-Fi network you are unable to join and then click the “-“ minus button to remove it.
  4. Then click “OK” and “Apply” buttons.

Method 4: Delete configuration files

  1. Close your Wi-Fi from MacBook
  2. From menu bar select -> Go -> Go To Folder.
  3. Then paste this address /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/
  4. Locate and delete these files and delete them:
com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
com.apple.network.identification.plist
com.apple.wifi.message-tracer.plist
NetworkInterfaces.plist
preferences.plist
  1. Now shut down and restart your MacBook.

Method 5: Reset non-volatile RAM

  1. Turn off your Mac.
  2. Locate these four keys and do not press them yet: Option, Command, P, and R.
  3. Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold these keys.
  4. Keep holding them for 20 seconds. Then release them. This will reset PRAM or NVRAM. This will reset some of your settings such as display, volume, time zone, etc. Open
    • Related Articles

    • Connect HIMS Polaris series notetakers to Wi-Fi wireless network

      Information Use the steps below to join Wi-Fi wireless network. Applies to Polaris Polaris Mini Steps Press key chord Backspace-1-4-5-6 to turn on wireless adaptor. Press F1 to open Start menu and select “Set up Internet” then “Wireless LAN” and ...
    • Connecting HIMS U2 series notetakers to Wi-Fi wireless network

      Information Use the steps below to connect any U2 series HIMS notetaker to a wireless notetaker. Note Please note the key must be entered in computer Braille, not English Grade 2 braille. Steps Press key chord Backspace-1-4-5-6 to turn on wireless ...
    • Connect HIMS BrailleSense 6/BrailleSense 6 Mini notetaker to Wi-Fi wireless network

      Information Use the steps below to join Wi-Fi wireless network. Applies to BrailleSense 6 BrailleSense 6 Mini Steps Press key chord Backspace-1-4-5-6 to turn on wireless adaptor. Press F1 to open Start menu and select “Set up Internet” then “Wireless ...
    • Obtain Wi-Fi reception and noise data (Mac)

      Information This document coves Wi-Fi reception which can be a frequent customer issue. Since internet speed is a somewhat subjective issue it may be helpful to gather empirical data to help analyse the issue to use the rule of thumb values below to ...
    • No Wi-Fi connection on Medion Akoya laptop.

      Problem Wireless is no longer functional and device manager shows the Intel AC 3165 adaptor with warning yellow triangle indicating a driver issue. Applies to Medion Akoya E1503 Resolution Run through these steps in sequence to fix the issue: ...