macbook air stoped showing ANY wifi network

[kabalove]

is it a hardware problem or can i do something about it?

 

[Audit13]

The mid-2013 to 2017 MBA obtain their wifi and Bluetooth functionality with a card that plus into the main logic board.

Does Bluetooth work? Did this happen suddenly or after a software update? Tried SMC and PRAM resets?

 

[kabalove]

yes, BT works fine. We just opened the computer in the morning and it wasn't showing any wifi networks (the other computer is fine with the networks.. thus i can write).

SMC and PRAM resets did not try. should I ?

 

[Audit13]

I would try resets as they may fix the wi-fi issue.

It shows no networks at home and other places like a Starbucks?

It's also possible that the wi-fi card is defective, although that would be strange because the Bluetooth works.

 

[kabalove]

thank you. yes, it does not show any network while other computers and phones do show.
BT works fine. good to know it's the same card.
How do I restart SMC and PRAM on Mackbook Air?
Thanks!

 

[Audit13]

NVRAM (PRAM) reset: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT204063

SMC reset: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT201295

 

[kabalove]

NVRAM (PRAM) reset: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT204063

SMC reset: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT201295

Did all that now-- problem still there... any other idea?
thanks!

 

[Audit13]

It could be software or hardware.

Do you see any wi-fi cards in system report?

 

[kabalove]

yes.

 

[Audit13]

In this case, it could be software.

Maybe re-install the OS?

 

[kabalove]

how do i do that if i have no internet connection?
[doublepost=1517631278][/doublepost]in the system report, under WIFI > Status, it says: "Not Associated"

 

[Audit13]

Do you have any USB wi-fi dongles that work with macOS? Do you have access to another Mac? Do you have a backup of all data?

 

[kabalove]

no USB wifi.
i do have another Macbook Pro which i am writing from now.
not all data backed up yet.

 

[Audit13]

Here's how I would proceed:

1. back up all data;
   
2. take it to an Apple store and let them run a diagnosis to see if they can pinpoint the problem. If it's still under warranty, I would definitely take it to them;
3. use your Macbook to download the Sierra or High Sierra dmg or iso, restore it to a USB key;
4. if you don't want to take it to an Apple store or repair centre, use the USB key to wipe the Air's drive and perform a clean install of the OS.

 

[kabalove]

thanks a lot

 

[Audit13]

You're welcome. I hope you get it sorted.

I'm not sure where you are located but, if you do need to replace the internal wi-fi card, I recommend eBay as a place to start looking. I'm in Canada and purchased a couple of used cards for $20 CAD. The wi-fi/Bluetooth cards from the mid-2013 to 2017 MBAs all use the same card.