M1 Mac mini no internet, either wireless or ethernet

Question

Level 1

5 points

M1 Mac mini no internet, either wireless or ethernet

My 2020 M1 Mac mini has suddenly quit being able to get on the internet. i still have my old mac mini and it hooks up to the internet just fine, using the same wireless hub, or, if I want, via ethernet. I removed the wireless router and hooked both up using just an ethernet switch. The old computer continues to work just fine, while the M1 still has no internet access.

At one point yesterday, before I hooked up via ethernet, the M1 did pick up a wireless signal from one of the other buildings on the property (I first set it up in that building last year when I got the computer so it has that password as well as the password at the current location). I've tried to repeat that connection but it now says it is too weak to use (it is 250 feet away). But regardless, I am now hooked up via ethernet now, and it still does not work. I've reset the IP address, both automatically and manually, to no avail. The IP address does not conflict with any other device (iPhone, an Amazon Echo and an Amazon Fire tablet). I gave my old iPad Pro away last month. Bad timing.

But it gets even stranger. When I had the wireless router set up, both of the Amazon products had wireless connectivity (as well as the old mini). With the wireless router removed from the system, neither Amazon product has connectivity, so they were not getting a signal from elsewhere. My M1 AND my iPhone did not have wifi connectivity. My iPhone works fine with other routers in other locations though. And it works fine using the cell signal.

I've not tried to move the M1 to another location, though I obviously should. But if the ethernet is not working, something is very wrong regardless.

I do have a new wireless router on order and should get it in a few days. In the meantime, is there anything I can do, like check settings or something?

Losing only wireless or only ethernet would confuse me far less than losing both at the same time. Do I just have a fried circuit in my computer?

Mac mini, macOS 11.4

Posted on Jun 21, 2021 10:22 PM

Reply

Answer 1

bobhenr Author

Level 1

5 points

Jun 22, 2021 9:57 AM in response to hcsitas

hcsitas

That's probably what I'm going to have to do, but I've had at least a dozen Mac's since the first one that I bought in January of 1985 and I've never had to take one in for service. But I guess there is always a first time.

Sadly I can't do it exactly the way given in the article, since I don't have an internet connection. But Apple has phones.

I live in a rural western state with no Apple Stores, and the nearest authorized dealer is an unpleasant distance away. Which means I'll have to send it off. Not a crisis, but also not fun.

Thanks for the link. I've never had to know about such things before. But now I do..

Reply

Answer 2

bobhenr Author

Level 1

5 points

Jun 22, 2021 11:17 AM in response to hcsitas

I'm just getting an inexpensive Netgear AC1600. My computer is only four feet from the router, so I don't need wireless for that. I was using wireless until I had the problem, but its close enough to use ethernet.

I do need wireless for the phone and the Amazon stuff.And a future iPad that I'll be ordering soon. I have a similar router in another building and its worked for eight years just fine.

I have slow internet (again, I live in the middle of nowhere.). I'm paying a grand a year just to have 10mb speed on a good day. Actually, it is 20 meg speed, but it is divided between two buildings. My signal comes off of a mountain ten miles away into a receiver, which splits and transmits the signal wirelessly from there to my two routers. Both buildings are small, so expensive wireless units capable of reaching the far end of McMansions are not a requirement of mine.

If you're asking about my computer, it is the first M1 mini, with 16 gigs of ram. I got it last year right after they came out.

Reply

Answer 3

hcsitas

Level 6

12,896 points

Jun 22, 2021 11:52 AM in response to bobhenr

Interesting, thanks for sharing. Hard to believe it’s that slow in the boondocks. On the flip side the folks must be friendly & down to earth and the scenery, breathtaking. In the urban areas we have podcasts and screensavers for that. Some of the podcasts can put you in a deep sleep while the screensavers can hide nasty viruses that play havoc with the puter. On a net basis, I think you aren’t doing that bad…

Reply