My new IMac allows me to select a wifi network, but will not connect

Just purchased a new i Mac and am trying to set it up. It asks me to select my wi-fi network but won’t accept my password (which I know is correct).


Posted on Feb 12, 2024 1:12 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 12, 2024 2:58 PM

If your new iMac is not connecting to your Wi-Fi network despite entering the correct password, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:


1. Double-Check Password: Ensure that you are entering the correct Wi-Fi password. Sometimes, it's easy to mistake characters or have the Caps Lock on accidentally.


2. Restart Router: Power cycle your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it from the power source, waiting for about 30 seconds, and then plugging it back in. Once the router has restarted, try connecting your iMac to the Wi-Fi network again.


3. Forget Network: On your iMac, go to System Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi. Select your Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks, then click the "Advanced" button. In the list of preferred networks, select your Wi-Fi network and click the "-" button to forget the network. Then, try reconnecting to the Wi-Fi network and re-enter your password.


4. Reset Network Settings: If the issue persists, you can try resetting the network settings on your iMac. Go to System Preferences > Network, then click the "Advanced" button. In the "Advanced" window, click the "TCP/IP" tab, then click the "Renew DHCP Lease" button. Next, click the "DNS" tab, and then click the "DNS Servers" dropdown menu and select "Empty." Finally, click the "OK" button and try reconnecting to the Wi-Fi network.


5. Update Software: Ensure that your iMac's operating system is up to date. Go to System Preferences > Software Update to check for and install any available updates.


If none of these steps resolve the issue, it's possible that there may be an issue with the Wi-Fi network itself or with the iMac's Wi-Fi hardware. In such cases, contacting Apple Support or your internet service provider for further assistance may be necessary.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 12, 2024 2:58 PM in response to Mwschacht

If your new iMac is not connecting to your Wi-Fi network despite entering the correct password, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:


1. Double-Check Password: Ensure that you are entering the correct Wi-Fi password. Sometimes, it's easy to mistake characters or have the Caps Lock on accidentally.


2. Restart Router: Power cycle your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it from the power source, waiting for about 30 seconds, and then plugging it back in. Once the router has restarted, try connecting your iMac to the Wi-Fi network again.


3. Forget Network: On your iMac, go to System Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi. Select your Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks, then click the "Advanced" button. In the list of preferred networks, select your Wi-Fi network and click the "-" button to forget the network. Then, try reconnecting to the Wi-Fi network and re-enter your password.


4. Reset Network Settings: If the issue persists, you can try resetting the network settings on your iMac. Go to System Preferences > Network, then click the "Advanced" button. In the "Advanced" window, click the "TCP/IP" tab, then click the "Renew DHCP Lease" button. Next, click the "DNS" tab, and then click the "DNS Servers" dropdown menu and select "Empty." Finally, click the "OK" button and try reconnecting to the Wi-Fi network.


5. Update Software: Ensure that your iMac's operating system is up to date. Go to System Preferences > Software Update to check for and install any available updates.


If none of these steps resolve the issue, it's possible that there may be an issue with the Wi-Fi network itself or with the iMac's Wi-Fi hardware. In such cases, contacting Apple Support or your internet service provider for further assistance may be necessary.

Feb 12, 2024 3:12 PM in response to Mwschacht

Which exact model is your new iMac?


When setting up a new Mac, your Mac will start the Setup Assistant process. One of the steps in that process is connecting to your local network ... either by Wi-Fi or by Ethernet ... typically the former.


Is this where the process is "stuck"? ... or, did you "click thru" this part, and successfully reached the macOS Desktop ... and are now trying to get the Mac to connect to your Wi-Fi network?


During that same Setup Assistant process, did you elect to migrate your data from an older Mac or PC?


Other than retrying to enter your password, what else have you tried?

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

My new IMac allows me to select a wifi network, but will not connect

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.