Mac Studio - Wireless Connection Too Weak For Apple Watch To Unlock This Mac

My 2019 iMac never had an issue but my new Mac Studio with Apple Studio Display is always getting the message "Wireless connection too weak for Apple Watch to unlock this Mac". My setup is the same and distance is the same. My monitor and Mac Studio are on my desk and yet it is always saying signal is too weak. I have the Series 5 watch, M1 Max with Studio Display. I am running all the latest updates. I am usually about 24" or so away when I wake up the Mac.


Apple Watch Series 5

Posted on Apr 25, 2023 9:41 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 25, 2023 9:46 AM

Why do I have difficulty with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth devices when USB 3 devices are attached to my computer?


Some USB 3 devices can generate radio frequency interference that can cause Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices operating in the 2.4GHz band to have issues communicating with your computer. Here are some tips to avoid this issue:

• If your USB device has a cable long enough that you can move the device, place it away from your Mac—and make sure not to place it behind your Mac, or near the hinge of its display. The antennas for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are located there, and USB 3 devices placed there might interfere with your wireless connections.

• If you're using adapters or dongles on a Mac computer with Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, plug them into the front port on the left side of your Mac, or into the ports on the right side (if your computer has them). These ports are the farthest away from the antennas, making interference less likely.

• To avoid interference on the 2.4GHz band using Wi-Fi, try using the 5GHz band instead. You can change this on your wireless base station. Bluetooth always uses 2.4GHz, so this alternative isn't available for Bluetooth.

from:

About USB on Mac computers - Apple Support

Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference

Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference - Apple Support



5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 25, 2023 9:46 AM in response to Filmcan2112

Why do I have difficulty with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth devices when USB 3 devices are attached to my computer?


Some USB 3 devices can generate radio frequency interference that can cause Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices operating in the 2.4GHz band to have issues communicating with your computer. Here are some tips to avoid this issue:

• If your USB device has a cable long enough that you can move the device, place it away from your Mac—and make sure not to place it behind your Mac, or near the hinge of its display. The antennas for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are located there, and USB 3 devices placed there might interfere with your wireless connections.

• If you're using adapters or dongles on a Mac computer with Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, plug them into the front port on the left side of your Mac, or into the ports on the right side (if your computer has them). These ports are the farthest away from the antennas, making interference less likely.

• To avoid interference on the 2.4GHz band using Wi-Fi, try using the 5GHz band instead. You can change this on your wireless base station. Bluetooth always uses 2.4GHz, so this alternative isn't available for Bluetooth.

from:

About USB on Mac computers - Apple Support

Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference

Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference - Apple Support



Apr 25, 2023 10:00 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thanks for the info!


The only difference from my iMac to the Mac Studio is I have the Studio Display plugged in to the Mac Studio. I don't have any dongles and my wifi is 5G.


So having my Mac Studio placed just under my monitor, may be causing interference? Seems like a design flaw then. I'll try moving the Mac Studio forward a little bit.


I am running the same setup as before, wireless charger for my phone, I have external drives but they are not plugged in currently.

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Mac Studio - Wireless Connection Too Weak For Apple Watch To Unlock This Mac

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