Macbook M1 pro keeps dropping wifi randomly

spenceratx Said:

"Macbook M1 pro keeps dropping wifi randomly: network is fine, other systems, phones, etc work just fine, the M1 just keeps dropping. I've restarted router, mesh, MBP, etc. Everything short of resetting NVRAM/SMC. Does anyone have a solution yet?"

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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:

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. For instructions, go here: How to Use safe Mode on your Mac - Apple Support

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.

Hi there spenceratx,

We’re happy to see that you posted to the Apple Support Community for assistance and I understand your Mac is intermittently disconnecting from your Wi-Fi network. We're happy to help out with this.

Please start with the steps in this article: If your Mac doesn't connect to the Internet over Wi-Fi

In addition to the steps above, you might want to check for potential sources of interference: Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference

Best regards.

This problem is really frustrating, has anyone gotten a response from Apple or Cisco? I have the issue every couple of days with a WIRED internet connection on a new 2021 14" MBP. Restarting always fixes it; nothing else does: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253597438?page=1

Does anyone know if there is a way to reset the network without restarting the Mac and losing all open apps etc?

spenceratx,

Thanks for letting us know that you're still having issues. Even though the title of the article isn't an exact match, we assure you that the steps will still be helpful. If you've tried them and the issue persists, connect with Apple Support using this link: Get Support

Have a great day!

It is super frustrating, but I remove all Cisco Anyconnect Packet Filter entries from the Network Preferences & stop all Cisco processes, my internet stays on just fine for days (tested over the weekend). The problem is, then I need to restart my machine to get the Cisco VPN to work again. Something wrong with the Cisco Anyconnect client because the M1 pro on its own seems to work just fine.

I had the same issue in October 2021 on my M1 MacBook Pro while it was on Big Sur. I worked with the apple technician to run all troubleshooting/diagnostic tests, collecting logs, screen recordings while monitoring frequent wifi signal drops, continuous ping test showing failed responses and a ton of documentation over a 2 week, multiple calls triage.

Eventually, he escalated it and agreed to send me to genius bar with recommendation to get it repaired. They shipped it back with replacing the bar on the back over the air went which has the network adapter.

It worked fine for 4 months before the issue resurfaced last week 2/11/22 . Connected with apple support and they escalated immediately, added a code to wave out of warranty repair cost and agreed to send for repair. I received the device back on 2/18/22, yesterday.

This time they replaced the logic board (part# 605-07701) and Touch ID (part # 605-08116), restored the machine back to MacOS Big Sur. I updated it to latest version MacOS Monterey 12.2.1 yesterday

Today, 2/19/22, at 10:30 pm, the issue has resurfaced. I recorded the screen as the signal dropped 4 times in a matter of 6 minutes and the ping test corresponds to the time when it starts flickering and fails.

Per my research (along with apple support Rep), this is definitely a hardware issue, independent of OS versions or wifi router/networks, or specific time of the day.

Apple needs to identify the root cause of this issue ASAP or replace the device with a working device.

@spenceratx Do you have Cisco AnyConnect installed and do you use it? This issue is affecting myself and another coworker on 2021 14" MBPs with M1 Max but not affecting a coworker with same machine who has it installed but does not use the VPN client in her work. IT gave me a new version of the Cisco app, trying that now. If that doesn't work they promise to let me talk to Cisco.

I just got the machine back with a newly installed MacOS Big Sur. Only thing I did was upgrade it to MacOS Monterrey 12.2.1. I do not have any new apps installed except the pre installed apps. And this is my personal Mac so I won’t be installing Cisco any connect on it.

Oh, I see your issue is different than mine since there is no flicker and nothing to do with wifi. Mine shows that ethernet and wifi are both green and working properly. I can actually switch wifi/ethernet networks etc. when the problem happens. Rather, when I actually try to make a TCP/IP connection to something (both VPN and non-VPN sites) it times out like it's hitting an outbound firewall. Software OS restart always fixes the issue.

This isn't just you. This is happening on my brand new M1X. On two different routers where other devices including my iPad and iPhone have ZERO issue connecting. The suggested basic page is a joke.

spenceratx Said:

"Macbook M1 pro keeps dropping wifi randomly: […]No drops for 18 hours.. Fingers crossed.“

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Thanks for the updates. Keep us posted.

did it work for you? I have the same problem and I'm also running Cisco Anyconect..