WiFi only works in safe mode

Create a new location in Network Settings, and add and configure your Wi-Fi settings there, and test again.

If there an add-on VPN involved here, or any add-on anti-malware or cleaner apps installed, remove it all per the vendors’ instructions, and test again.

drk00230 Said:

"WiFi only works in safe mode: My MacBook recently got caught in a reboot loop so I reinstalled macOS to fix it. Since then I haven’t been able to connect to the internet through WiFi outside of safe mode. Wireless Diagnostics says it’s a DNS resolution failure. I’ve tried changing my DNS to both GoogleDNS and OpenDNS but have had no success."

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Troubleshooting Mac Wi-Fi:

A few thoughts to try

I. Clear the Temporary Internet Files:

• Cookies perform remembrance of certain site-entered data.
• Cache keeps a snapshot of the last time you visited a site.
• Go Here: Clear your browsing history in Safari on Mac - Apple Support

II. Restart your Router:

1. Power: off the router
2. Wait: 30 seconds
3. Power: It back on

III. Boot in Safe Mode:

[Hold Down: shift key, upon boot], In Safe Mode, Login Items do not run at login, certain preferences are set aside, and damaged system files are then reset. So, once booted in to Safe Mode, wait 30 seconds, and then boot up normally, attempting another update install.

IV. Try a New Admin User:

What happens when you create a new administrator user, and log into it? Do you still get this error? If not, then it is likely an error with the current user. If so, then it is likely an error with your Mac.

V. Reset your SMC and your NVRAM:

Sometimes changes (i.e. Installations) are made to the system and then settings (i.e. Networking) become corrupted, technically. So, reset both on your Mac. So, reset the SMC and reset the NVRAM or PRAM. It might take three tries. to fix this. So, be certain you have the time to do so.

Start With This:

• Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac - Apple Support
• How to Reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support

drk00230 Said:

“I’ve tried these and still nothing. This all happened after updating to Big Sur 11.5.2 which caused the reboot loop. I’ve tried my MacBook in two different locations and still nothing. Only connects to the internet in safe mode.”

So, Report this to Apple:

Apple won't get back to you directly, but the more they hear of this, the more they'll know what to fix. So, provide your feedback.

1. Go Here: Feedback - macOS - Apple
2. Select: "Bug Report" for the "Feature Type"
3. Select: "Software/Firmware Update" for the "Feedback Area"
4. Proceed from there as Necessary