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Why do I need to restart Mac to connect to wifi?

When switching to new wifi source, or upon returning to previously used one, Mac will not connect unless I restart. Why?


MacBook Air (2020 or later)

Posted on Nov 5, 2021 8:24 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 6, 2021 7:53 AM

k-hazlewood wrote:

When switching to new wifi source, or upon returning to previously used one, Mac will not connect unless I restart. Why?



Old issue, new issue, what changed?


Uninstall all third party apps that are Cleaners/Optimizers/Anti-Virus/VPN


If you upgraded your macOS hace you reboot more than once since the upgrade...


Have you tried a Safeboot to both clear cache files and disable third party interference as a test environment...

Are you allowing the Mac to remember past connections?


Manage the Wi-Fi connection on your Mac - Apple Support

Connect to the internet with your Mac - Apple Support

If your Mac doesn't connect to the Internet over Wi-Fi


if no resolve to trouble shoot further

Test issue in another user (or guest user) account

 https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/set-up-other-users-on-your-mac-mtusr001/mac

This will tell you if it a universal issue or isolated to your user/admin account. 




1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 6, 2021 7:53 AM in response to k-hazlewood

k-hazlewood wrote:

When switching to new wifi source, or upon returning to previously used one, Mac will not connect unless I restart. Why?



Old issue, new issue, what changed?


Uninstall all third party apps that are Cleaners/Optimizers/Anti-Virus/VPN


If you upgraded your macOS hace you reboot more than once since the upgrade...


Have you tried a Safeboot to both clear cache files and disable third party interference as a test environment...

Are you allowing the Mac to remember past connections?


Manage the Wi-Fi connection on your Mac - Apple Support

Connect to the internet with your Mac - Apple Support

If your Mac doesn't connect to the Internet over Wi-Fi


if no resolve to trouble shoot further

Test issue in another user (or guest user) account

 https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/set-up-other-users-on-your-mac-mtusr001/mac

This will tell you if it a universal issue or isolated to your user/admin account. 




Why do I need to restart Mac to connect to wifi?

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