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User profile for user: Eph28
Eph28 Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Problems connecting M1 Mac mini to wifi WHILE USB-C to HDMI adapter is plugged in

Brand new M1 Mac Mini (OS 11.2.2)

Home wi-fi connection is unstable and disconnects when a secondary monitor is connected to one of the mac mini USB-C inputs using a HDMI to USB-C adapter (J5Create is the brand of the adapter)https://en.j5create.com/collections/usb-type-c-display-adapters/products/jca153g


As soon as I unplug the USB-C adapter to the secondary monitor, the wi-fi connection works with no problem (this is verified through speed tests and the fact that I can come to this website and type this when the monitor is unplugged from the Mac Mini). Primary monitor is connected via the mac mini's HDMI input.


Tried wrapping the J5Create adapter in aluminum foil and metallic contact paper to act as a shield; neither help.


Any suggestions on how to fix this, or if there even is a fix?

Thanks much!

Mac mini, macOS 11.1

Posted on Mar 6, 2021 3:48 PM

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User profile for user: den.thed
den.thed
User level: Level 10
82,066 points

Posted on Mar 6, 2021 5:08 PM

What router do you have and far away is it from the Mac Mini?


see > https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201542


Try re-arranging your setup, so that none of the adapters, cables and devices are between the router and Mac Mini. Also keep in mind that the Mac Mini’s wireless antenna is inside of the bottom cover and that it may help to stand the Mac Mini on it’s side with the bottom facing in the direction of the router.


Optionally and if possible, connect the Mac Mini to the router using a Cat6 Ethernet cable and turn the Wi-Fi off.


FWIW this is not a new problem. It also happens to my older 2012 Mac Mini using poorly shielded USB 3.0 cables, drives and to my 2018 Mac Mini using USB-C adapters, cables and drives.

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User profile for user: den.thed
den.thed
User level: Level 10
82,066 points

Mar 6, 2021 5:08 PM in response to Eph28

What router do you have and far away is it from the Mac Mini?


see > https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201542


Try re-arranging your setup, so that none of the adapters, cables and devices are between the router and Mac Mini. Also keep in mind that the Mac Mini’s wireless antenna is inside of the bottom cover and that it may help to stand the Mac Mini on it’s side with the bottom facing in the direction of the router.


Optionally and if possible, connect the Mac Mini to the router using a Cat6 Ethernet cable and turn the Wi-Fi off.


FWIW this is not a new problem. It also happens to my older 2012 Mac Mini using poorly shielded USB 3.0 cables, drives and to my 2018 Mac Mini using USB-C adapters, cables and drives.

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Problems connecting M1 Mac mini to wifi WHILE USB-C to HDMI adapter is plugged in

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