WiFi problem on 2012 Mac mini

[pertusis1]

Hello all, I'm thinking that this is just going to be a stupid oversight, but I'm having trouble connecting my mac mini to a wifi network. It was working fine connecting to a BandLuxe wifi router until last week, when it no longer registered an internet connection, although it can connect with the router. It likewise will not connect reliably to the internet through my iPhone 4S hotspot. It will, on the other hand connect to my iPhone via bluetooth, and if I plug the mac mini into the router by an ethernet patch cable, the internet works fine. Other devices can connect normally to the wifi router.

Does anyone know a good way to run diagnostics on my computer's wifi card? Is there something obvious that I'm overlooking?

 

[xlii]

Hold the option key down and click on the wifi symbol at the top of your screen. On the bottom of the drop down menu click on Open Wi-fi Diagnostics.

 

[pertusis1]

still befuddled

Hold the option key down and click on the wifi symbol at the top of your screen. On the bottom of the drop down menu click on Open Wi-fi Diagnostics.

Thank you for the helpful suggestion. I did not realize this 'option' was present. I'm going to have to do a little background work to figure out what to do with the information I gathered.

 

[pertusis1]

12/29/12 9:28:07.053 AM airportd[13502]: _doAutoJoin: Already associated to “Stelera”. Bailing on auto-join.

Guess all I have to do is figure out why my computer is 'bailing' on me

 

[xlii]

The good news with your machine is that it is new and under warrantee. If you don't get it resolved contact Apple and get it fixed for free.

 

[chrise2]

Didn't Apple just release a WiFi patch for late model Macs? Maybe that broke things for you. Or maybe you need to install it if you haven't already.

 

[Mojo1]

USB 3.0 external devices can interfere with a Mac Mini's WiFi. Since your Bluetooth is working that is probably not the culprit in your case. But if you happened to add an external USB 3.0 drive around the time your WiFi problem started then that may be the cause...

 

[pertusis1]

update

Didn't Apple just release a WiFi patch for late model Macs? Maybe that broke things for you. Or maybe you need to install it if you haven't already.

It's possible the update broke it, because it had been working up until a week ago. Usually, if an update breaks things, everyone's screaming on the forums. As far as I can tell, this is not a widespread problem.

USB 3.0 external devices can interfere with a Mac Mini's WiFi. Since your Bluetooth is working that is probably not the culprit in your case. But if you happened to add an external USB 3.0 drive around the time your WiFi problem started then that may be the cause...

I do use a USB 3.0 external drive, but have been using it since I got the mini. My next plan is to do a bit of homework on the diagnostic codes, etc. If that doesn't work, I'll use my warranty. Hate to do that, though, because it is usually a hassle to ship it in, etc. The closest Apple store is 240 miles away.

 

[gavdeer]

I am having a similar problem but my wifi connection degrades hugely over a period. When I turn my mini on I get about 30Mbs but after about 1 or 2 hours this becomes less than 1Mb and sometimes loses internet connectivity. Ipad 2 or iphone 4 do not experience any problems when running speedtests beside the mini.

I installed the update when it became available but only noticed the problem in the last few days so not sure if it is directly related. My router is broadcasting on 2.4Ghz range (needed for iphone 4) and I believe the fix was for stability on 5Ghz range. (I have yet to test if this problem exists on 5Ghz).

This is my first adventure into OS X coming from the windows world, I purchased a 2012 mini i7 2.3, 4GB RAM, 1TB HD about 2 months ago, so am on a steep learning curve at present but enjoying it.

I have run the wifi diagnostics and need to analyze the results- there is a lot of info so I would appreciate any pointers at all on what to look for.

 

[Mojo1]

This is my first adventure into OS X coming from the windows world, I purchased a 2012 mini i7 2.3, 4GB RAM, 1TB HD about 2 months ago, so am on a steep learning curve at present but enjoying it.

Get a copy of David Pogue's excellent Missing Manual for Mountain Lion. There is an edition for "switchers" and a standard Mountain Lion edition. Since you are coming from Windows the switcher book may be the way to go since it explains the differences in how things are done using Windows vs. OS X. It also contains most of the info found in the regular ML edition. It will really speed-up your learning process. I have recommend it to numerous former Windows users and the feedback has been universally positive.


I have been a Mac user since 1995 and I do Mac consulting for individuals and businesses. I always have a current Missing Manual so I can quickly get up to speed with a new OS. It's a lot faster and less frustrating than waiting for answers on a forum.

You can download the Kindle edition from Amazon in less than a minute. I like using the Mac Kindle app so I can read the book while working on my computer.

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I do use a USB 3.0 external drive, but have been using it since I got the mini. My next plan is to do a bit of homework on the diagnostic codes, etc. If that doesn't work, I'll use my warranty. Hate to do that, though, because it is usually a hassle to ship it in, etc. The closest Apple store is 240 miles away.

I have found USB 3.0 interference to be intermittent. Sometimes WiFi works and sometimes it doesn't. If USB 3.0 is the problem the WiFi will just work. So I suggest turning off the external drive and see if that solves the problem.

When it comes to Mac trouble-shooting I always start with the easiest possible solutions and go from there.

BTW, you don't have to take the Mac to an Apple Store to use your warranty. If there isn't a closer authorized repair center then Apple will have the Mac shipped to them. When I have had portable Macs repaired by Apple they provided a shipping box and free pick-up. The turnaround time has been a short as three days: two days in transit and one day in the shop.