Macbook Air’s wifi keeps disconnecting every 5-10 seconds

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Level 1

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Macbook Air’s wifi keeps disconnecting every 5-10 seconds

Hello! I’ve been having some wifi problems with my Mac recently, which has really started to impact its use. When I connect it to wifi, it stays connected for about 5-10 seconds, before disconnecting and reconnecting almost instantly, though not staying connected enough for tabs to load. The top right icon always shows that I’m connected, but in the Wi-Fi and Network panels in System Settings, it shows that I keep disconnecting from my wifi network and rejoining (autojoin is enabled) every 5-10 seconds. The problem doesnt seem to be with the router, because the other members of my family can use the network just fine, and it happens with every network I join. Anybody know how to fix this? Thanks!

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 13.4

Posted on Jun 17, 2024 11:47 AM

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Answer 1

TheLittles

Level 10

193,432 points

Jun 21, 2024 9:15 PM in response to DeclanF221

eclanF221 Said:

"Macbook Air’s wifi keeps disconnecting every 5-10 seconds: [...]The problem doesnt seem to be with the router, because the other members of my family can use the network just fine, and it happens with every network I join. Anybody know how to fix this? Thanks!"

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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:

Power: off the router
Wait: 30 seconds
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.

V. Reset your SMC and your NVRAM:

(Applies to Intel-Basel Macs Only) 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:

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Answer 2

Jun 21, 2024 2:50 PM in response to DeclanF221

Hey DeclanF22, same problem here on a MacBook Air 13" 2018, os 14.5. Wish I had a solution. I've tried all the main things:

* disconnecting any USB devices

* removing the password from the keychain

* removing the adapters from "Network"

* creating a new location

* running Wifi diagnostics - nothing

* i had some temporary success resetting the entire network, but only for a few minutes

Anyone else have any success?

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Answer 3

DeclanF221 Author

Level 1

5 points

Jun 21, 2024 8:49 PM in response to nttimmermann

I actually managed to fix the issue by resetting the computer until it failed to connect to wifi at all, and then restarted again which managed to fix it somehow. I’m assuming you already have, but you might want to try resetting a ton if you haven’t. Good luck!

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