How to Trou­bleshoot and Reset Wi-Fi Set­tings on Mac

Struggling with a Mac that just won’t connect to Wi-Fi? Slow speeds, dropped connections, or the dreaded “No Internet” message can drive anyone nuts. Fortunately, most Wi-Fi issues on a Mac are fixable without a trip to the Genius Bar. Here’s how to troubleshoot and reset your Wi-Fi settings to get back online fast.

Step 1: Start with the Basics

Before diving deep, try the simplest fixes first:

• Turn Wi-Fi off and back on: Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar > Turn Wi-Fi Off > wait a few seconds > Turn Wi-Fi On.
• Restart your Mac: A fresh boot can clear temporary glitches.
• Reboot your router/modem: Unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
• Try another network: Connect to a different Wi-Fi to see if the issue is isolated.

If that didn’t do the trick, move on to more targeted steps.

Step 2: Forget and Reconnect to Your Wi-Fi Network

Sometimes, your Mac just needs to start fresh with a network.

1. Go to System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi.
2. Click Details next to your network.
3. Click Forget This Network.
4. Reconnect by selecting your Wi-Fi from the list and entering the password again.

Step 3: Check for Interference or Signal Issues

Poor performance? Check these:

• Are you far from the router? Move closer.
• Too many devices connected? Try disconnecting unused ones.
• Microwaves, baby monitors, thick walls—all can mess with Wi-Fi. Try relocating your router.

Use the Wireless Diagnostics tool:

1. Hold Option and click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.
2. Select Open Wireless Diagnostics.
3. Follow the prompts or go to Window > Scan for network recommendations.

Step 4: Reset Network Settings (Manually)

macOS doesn’t have a “reset network settings” button like iOS, but you can still manually delete and recreate your Wi-Fi configuration:

Here’s how:

1. Turn off Wi-Fi.
2. Open Finder > Go > Go to Folder.
3. Enter: /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/
4. Locate and delete these files:
   • com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
   • com.apple.network.identification.plist
   • com.apple.wifi.message-tracer.plist
   • NetworkInterfaces.plist
   • preferences.plist
5. Empty the Trash and restart your Mac.
6. Turn Wi-Fi back on and reconnect to your network.

This resets all saved networks and configurations—basically giving your Mac a clean networking slate.

Step 5: Reset SMC and NVRAM (Last Resort)

If all else fails, reset your Mac’s System Management Controller (SMC) and NVRAM. These store low-level settings that might affect networking.

Reset SMC:

For M1/M2 Macs: Just shut down your Mac and wait 30 seconds before restarting.

For Intel Macs:

1. Shut down.
2. Hold Shift + Control + Option (on the left side) and the power button for 10 seconds.
3. Release all keys and turn on the Mac.

Reset NVRAM:

1. Turn off your Mac.
2. Turn it on and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R.
3. Keep holding for 20 seconds, then release.

Final Thoughts

Wi-Fi issues can be a pain, but they’re rarely permanent. Whether it’s a simple network reset or a deeper system fix, these steps cover most common Mac Wi-Fi problems. Bookmark this guide so the next time your internet ghosts you, you’ll know exactly how to bring it back.

Got another Mac issue you’d like help with? Drop it in the comments or get in touch—we’re here to make tech easier.