M1 Mac mini WiFi problems...

Question

M1 Mac mini WiFi problems...

The WiFi connection on my new Mac mini has recently been dropping and when it is working it is much slower than it should be.

At first I thought it was just my local network, but upon testing with several other devices, (iPad pro, iPhone se, and a 2013 MacBook Pro) they all worked flawlessly in the exact same location as the Mac mini.

The WiFi seemed to work for the first few weeks, but it has been getting more and more unreliable.

I have read about other people having trouble with Bluetooth, which I have not experienced.

But the WiFi not working is a major problem.

I hope Apple is a aware of this issue and are working on a solution.

Mac mini, macOS 11.0

Posted on Feb 22, 2021 12:41 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

hcsitas

Level 6

12,758 points

Feb 23, 2021 6:47 AM in response to jamesfromhowick

It’s nonetheless a weak signal which the mini is more picky about. I would replace your router ASAP. Besides being a more than a decade obsolete (which makes it a security hazard), it also doesn’t support WiFi AC which should bump your WiFi speed by x2-400.

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Answer 2

Mar 30, 2021 5:54 AM in response to jamesfromhowick

UPDATE:

I finally decided to spring for a new router.

After much research I settled on the TP-Link AX1500 in order to benefit from the WiFi 6 features of the new Mac mini.

Since installing the new router I haven't had a single connection issue. So it would appear that was definitely the route of the issue.

I have noticed, rather strangely, that the connection over the 2.4GHz band is not only more stable, but faster than the 5GHz band.

I imagine this is due to the fact that I am in a rather old house with solid brick walls everywhere...

Thank you to everyone for your feedback and suggestions.

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Answer 3

hcsitas

Level 6

12,758 points

Feb 23, 2021 2:46 AM in response to jamesfromhowick

The monitor hub is ok, you can leave it alone. Let’s try something else. Click on the WiFi icon with the Option key depressed, take a snapshot, crop and post here. Let’s see how good your signal is.

One more thing, if your HDMI cable is longer than 5 feet/1.2m, replace with shorter, preferably certified.

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Answer 4

Feb 23, 2021 2:49 AM in response to hcsitas

I live out in the country, and my internet connection is only 3Mbps - sometimes it spikes up to 4 or 5

So my local network speed is never really an issue when it comes to internet

I'm connecting to a 2nd gen Airport Extreme which is in the next room.

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Answer 5

Feb 23, 2021 2:41 AM in response to hcsitas

I see. I am using my Dell U2715H as a USB hub, which hasn't seemed to give me any other problems.

I shall try bypassing it and see if that resolves the WiFi problems.

Why would a USB hub interfere with the WiFi?

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Answer 6

Feb 23, 2021 2:52 AM in response to hcsitas

I have two monitors hooked up.

The Dell, which is plugged into the HDMI port on the Mac mini with an HDMI cable that is only about 1,5m.

And the second monitor is an older Samsung SyncMaster 2494HS connected via a 5m cable through a USB-C hub.

I'm not sure if either of them are certified

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Answer 7

hcsitas

Level 6

12,758 points

Mar 30, 2021 6:51 AM in response to jamesfromhowick

Happy to hear. I get steady 1053-1300 Mbps from my 5 GHz in the next room. Mileage varies, obviously. Distance too, 5 GHz travels less (which makes it more secure). 5 GHz is also immune from Bluetooth and WiFi interference. But it's not for everybody. Enjoy...

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