I have a 2019 16" MacBook Pro that keeps dropping the wifi connection. I believe the problem has to be in the computer itself, since all my other devices don't have this problem. It has just recently started doing this and I have no idea how to resolve it. Is it likely to be a hardware or software problem? Any ideas as to how to determine what the issue is and how to go about fixing it? Thanks for any ideas.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
MacBook Pro keeps losing wifi connection
- Thread starter vandrv
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Ive had a similar problem recently, and have had unstable connection messages pop up on zoom meetings. Turns out it was my anker usb hub. Dont know how or why, but as soon as I plugged it out the wifi was fine again. I never would have pinpointed the issue until I plugged it out to move closer to the router to try for a better signal during a meeting. Just bought a single usbc adaptor plug instead and that seems fine.
The OP is 5 weeks old. If it hasn't been resolved as yet I would run Wireless Diagnostics first.
Option key whilst clicking on WiFi symbol in menu bar, open and run Wireless Diagnostics. Further options also list: Enable WiFi logging and Creating Diagnostics Report.
Option key whilst clicking on WiFi symbol in menu bar, open and run Wireless Diagnostics. Further options also list: Enable WiFi logging and Creating Diagnostics Report.
So I just started having WiFi issues on my 2019 16” MBP. Only solved for a few minutes by restarting.
Here are issues I have found online:
•The problem is generally with the internet connnection over WiFi, NOT with WiFi itself.
•USC-3/ USB-C external drives interfere with WiFi connection- move them farther from your MBP.
•External Bluetooth devices interfere similarly when using the 2.4 GHz band.
I have my Time Capsule connected to my MBP with a USB-C adapter to Ethernet, Time Capsule connected as a bridge to Sparklight eero WiFi6 router.
When the internet connection goes down, the MBP will not connect directly through internal WiFi, via Ethernet using the Time Capsule connection or even to my iPhone 11 hot spot. Crazy.
I am going to unplug the USB-C to Ethernet adapter but this seems crazy that a USB adapter can cause these strange WiFi issues.
Does this happen on other MacBooks or only the 2019 MBP?
This is the first issue I’ve had with this amazing and blazing fast machine. Also the best Windows laptop I’ve ever used, for those few times I need Windows…
Here are issues I have found online:
•The problem is generally with the internet connnection over WiFi, NOT with WiFi itself.
•USC-3/ USB-C external drives interfere with WiFi connection- move them farther from your MBP.
•External Bluetooth devices interfere similarly when using the 2.4 GHz band.
I have my Time Capsule connected to my MBP with a USB-C adapter to Ethernet, Time Capsule connected as a bridge to Sparklight eero WiFi6 router.
When the internet connection goes down, the MBP will not connect directly through internal WiFi, via Ethernet using the Time Capsule connection or even to my iPhone 11 hot spot. Crazy.
I am going to unplug the USB-C to Ethernet adapter but this seems crazy that a USB adapter can cause these strange WiFi issues.
Does this happen on other MacBooks or only the 2019 MBP?
This is the first issue I’ve had with this amazing and blazing fast machine. Also the best Windows laptop I’ve ever used, for those few times I need Windows…
So first let the Apple Wireless Diagnostics Tool (as per post #3) run until the drop out, it will log the report of exactly what's happening, when it happens. You mentioned possible congestion on the 2.4 GHz band. What happens if you separate 2.4 and 5GHz for diagnostics and just try run the latter?
You could also try the free download of NetSpot for checking WiFi traffic of all devices, signal strength, channels, etc. Most useful if you live in an apartment building.
I mean, that's all assuming you don't have an intermittent issue with the internal WiFi card. I would potentially make an appointment with Apple for them just to run a hardware test on it. Shouldn't be charged for that. Many years ago I had a strange issue with the WiFi card on an old 5,3 where I could consistently replicate drop outs by running speed tests. Otherwise it was without pattern and oddly would on occasion come back on by switching the WiFi on/off. Card got replaced and all was good.
I hate WiFi issues (still partially occur with my Mesh Routers) and the reason my backups are not over NAS WiFi (what I actually wanted), but instead a couple DAS solutions. But now I digress.
Ran the Wireless Diagnostic Tool, it said there was a WiFi interruption at 1:17AM and stopped. I don’t remember what was happening then but pretty sure I was AFK.
The logs don’t show anything after 11:17 PM, not that I can figure what in the heck they are trying to tell me.
Seems fine today but the family is now having similar problems on their devices, so maybe it is not my MacBook.
Now the issue with intermittent brief pauses in audio from my HomePod is back…