HT4628: Wi-Fi: How to troubleshoot Wi-Fi connectivity

Learn about Wi-Fi: How to troubleshoot Wi-Fi connectivity
whoami1967

Q: Macbook Air loses wifi connection when in sleep mode

Seems to be an annoyingly common problem.

 

Has just started to happen, pretty much out of the blue.

 

Have tried everything I can think of but nothing works.

Any ideas?

MacBook Air, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Aug 17, 2014 7:24 AM

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Q: Macbook Air loses wifi connection when in sleep mode

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  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Aug 17, 2014 9:18 AM in response to whoami1967
    Level 10 (208,000 points)
    Applications
    Aug 17, 2014 9:18 AM in response to whoami1967

    Test after taking each of the following steps that you haven't already tried. Back up all data before making any changes.

    1. Make sure the network is on the preferred list by following these instructions. It's important to read the article carefully, as it's the starting point for any further efforts to solve the problem. If you skip any of the steps, the problem may not be solved. Make sure the box marked

              Remember networks this computer has joined

    is checked.

    2. Follow the instructions in this support article under the heading

              Symptom: After restarting or waking from sleep, my computer might not connect to the Internet

    3. Reset the PRAM.

    4. Make a note of all your settings for Wi-Fi in the Network preference pane, then delete the connection from the connection list and recreate it with the same settings. You do this by clicking the plus-sign icon below the connection list, and selecting Wi-Fi as the interface in the sheet that opens. Select Join other network from the Network Name menu, then select your network. Enter the password when prompted and save it in the keychain.

    5. From the Location menu at the top of the Network preference pane, select Edit Locations. A sheet will drop down. Click the plus-sign button to create a new location. Give it any name you want. In the new location, set up the Wi-Fi service with the same settings you used before. Click Apply and test.

    6. Launch the Keychain Access application. Search for and delete all AirPort network password items that refer to the network. Make a note of the password first.

    7. Repair permissions on the startup volume.

    8. Turn off Bluetooth and test.

    9. Reset the System Management Controller.

    10. This step shouldn't be necessary, but has been advised by Apple Support in some cases, apparently as a workaround for a bug. Open the Energy Saver pane in System Preferences. If applicable, click the padlock icon in the lower left corner to unlock the settings. Enter your administrator login password when prompted.

    Select the Power Adapter tab and uncheck the boxes marked

              Wake for Wi-Fi network access

    and

              Enable Power Nap...

    if present. Then, if the computer is a MacBook, select the Battery tab and uncheck

              Enable Power Nap...

    11. Reinstall OS X.

  • by whoami1967,

    whoami1967 whoami1967 Aug 17, 2014 10:00 AM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 17, 2014 10:00 AM in response to Linc Davis

    I've tried everything on that list, short of reinstalling the OS.

     

    It's ridiculous that after so much time Apple has still not fixed this issue.

     

    Thanks for trying to help.

  • by Eric Root,

    Eric Root Eric Root Aug 17, 2014 11:43 AM in response to whoami1967
    Level 9 (72,398 points)
    iTunes
    Aug 17, 2014 11:43 AM in response to whoami1967

    Send Apple feedback. They won't answer, but at least will know there is a problem. If enough people send feedback, it may get the problem solved sooner.


    Feedback

  • by whoami1967,

    whoami1967 whoami1967 Aug 17, 2014 11:56 AM in response to Eric Root
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 17, 2014 11:56 AM in response to Eric Root

    I've submitted the feedback as suggested.

     

    Probably won't make any difference as this issue is well know and has been a problem for some considerable time.

     

    Wifi seems to give Apple inordinate problems and I am genuinely surprised that they have a pretty unstable offering in that respect.

     

    Anyone else got any other suggestions?

  • by kelhak1,

    kelhak1 kelhak1 Aug 17, 2014 12:02 PM in response to whoami1967
    Level 2 (215 points)
    Aug 17, 2014 12:02 PM in response to whoami1967

    Hi,

     

    I have the same problems when the internet is busy since the last 1 or 2 updates. I think they'll fix this because they have something to compare with.

     

    gl,

    kel

  • by whoami1967,

    whoami1967 whoami1967 Aug 17, 2014 12:33 PM in response to kelhak1
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 17, 2014 12:33 PM in response to kelhak1

    I wish I shared your confidence.

     

    The problem has been there for years.

  • by whoami1967,

    whoami1967 whoami1967 Aug 17, 2014 3:07 PM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 17, 2014 3:07 PM in response to Linc Davis

    Any other suggestions?

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Aug 17, 2014 7:29 PM in response to whoami1967
    Level 10 (208,000 points)
    Applications
    Aug 17, 2014 7:29 PM in response to whoami1967

    You haven't yet done what I already suggested.

  • by whoami1967,

    whoami1967 whoami1967 Aug 18, 2014 3:49 AM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 18, 2014 3:49 AM in response to Linc Davis

    If you are referring to reinstalling the operating system, then no, I have not done that.

     

    I've no intention of doing it either. It may, or may not "cure" the problem. However, many people have found that they experienced the issue only after an OS upgrade.

     

    It's ironic that Apple is often touted as selling systems that "just work".

     

    I've had more issues and irritations with Apple kit than I ever did in 25 years of working with Microsoft products.