MacBook Pro 2019 16" Wifi card is dead, alternatives?

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MacBook Pro 2019 16" Wifi card is dead, alternatives?

The Bluetooth/Wifi card in my MacBook Pro 2019 16" screen is dead based on a hardware test. Research shows a USB wifi dongle (assuming with a USB-C thunderbolt adapter) will not work due to the OS (I am running Sonoma 14.5).

Anyone else have this problem and figured out a 3rd party or other workaround to get Wifi to the MacBook Pro? Right now I am using the USB-C into a multi-port adapter with ethernet line to access internet, but I want to use wifi. I am assuming the repair cost to take the laptop in will be insane since it sounds like the bluetooth/wifi card is integrated and not easily replaceable.

MacBook Pro (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Jun 23, 2024 6:46 PM

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Answer 1

Jun 24, 2024 5:28 PM in response to bartimus09

you said you HAD an Ethernet adapter. Is 2.4 GHz band ONLY enough?

you could look at this, looks like no software needed:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1203432-REG/iogear_gwu637_ethernet_2_wifi_universal_wireless_adapter.html/specs

.

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Answer 2

bartimus09 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 24, 2024 6:04 PM in response to bartimus09

Maybe both AlWeir and Grant Bennet-Alder suggestions will work together?

Use the USB-C to Ethernet adapter, then connect an ethernet cable to the Ethernet-2-WiFi Universal Wireless Adapter??? Though one of the reviewers of the USB-C adapter said they couldn't get it to work with their MacBook.

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Answer 3

Jun 23, 2024 7:03 PM in response to bartimus09

¿ in the US?

take a look at this retailer's collection of such devices. Some may not work at all, but it gives you a place to start.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/shop/wireless-adapters-for-gaming

it's better than trying to use amazon's divergent and hallucinatory search.

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Answer 4

AlWeir

Level 5

5,079 points

Jun 24, 2024 5:13 PM in response to bartimus09

Have you thought of going with a ethernet adapter, like a https://www.belkin.com/ca/usb-c-to-2.5-gb-ethernet-adapter/INC012btBK.html

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Answer 5

bartimus09 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 24, 2024 6:07 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

I have the Macbook USB-C cable running into a powered multi-port (big brick) for docking external monitors and multi-usb inputs. It has an ethernet input that sends a signal to the Macbook through the USB-C.

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Answer 6

Jun 24, 2024 6:52 PM in response to bartimus09

<< Though one of the reviewers of the USB-C adapter said they couldn't get it to work with their MacBook. >>

One of the reviewers of ANYTHING says it absolutely does not work. That is normal. You worry when EVERY reviewer says it does not work, and pay more attention when a review says that part works, that part does not.

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Answer 7

bartimus09 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 24, 2024 4:22 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thanks, but I read that those devices won't work with Apple systems using OS over 10.5, something about the software blocking it?

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Answer 8

bartimus09 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 24, 2024 5:54 PM in response to AlWeir

Using an adapter like that is what I am currently doing to get internet. I am trying to get the macbook to run off wifi and not have to keep it plugged into the ethernet cable at my desk.

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MacBook Pro 2019 16" Wifi card is dead, alternatives?

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