WiFi chip bad- need workaround

Hi,

Try to check the WiFi module with Apple Diagnostics if it reports WiFi related error.

Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac - Apple Support

If it reports error, you need to get WiFi dongle like following.

https://www.amazon.com/D-Link-Wireless-Internet-Supported-DWA-181-US/dp/B07YYL3RYJ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=34DZO0AQ09HIL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EhoPh2Vs16YvnpepWMe9Vow7Ik8pxHz1HATYPJYaI7U-4e48-nMtZKXu_-YJi0Z-5esHex-eFiTDmQUhsASh36tSrDdn68T3PBlbt2CDq0hdeIEhbv9HXxdQveuUJGNMQjLzCbhPdNJ9LrLD0Dv6HXw5Qzn2aDYrXe7udQ-8Ly5pa98IVlU4a9YIXo5zjJhoHrfLg9mrvsHbKpjDFHBK-zH6JgCXxOXNvs-f_jUR4h0.D5enVOHB_9DrQgUzc4JcuzJeXBTswdrkoxkHc3WKS8Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=WiFi+dongle+for+macbook+pro&qid=1721435760&s=computers-intl-ship&sprefix=wifi+dongle+for+macbook+pro%2Ccomputers-intl-ship%2C282&sr=1-3

Connect an ethernet adapter for about US$30.

then either connect the US$50 wifi 2.4 Ghz adapter mentioned in the other link:

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

... or the one I called out above, or

connect a small Router of your liking to connect Ethernet to Wi-Fi. None of those costs anywhere near US$1400.

We kicked some of those adapters around last month, for a similar MacBook Pro. All the simple adapters that plugged into a USB port had no Mac support, or their support stopped at MacOS 10.14 Mojave (after which MacOS transitioned to 64-bit for everything including drivers).

The possible solution was to install an Ethernet adapter and [wait for it] use an Ethernet to Wi-FI adapter as well.

if all you need is 2.4 GHz, the adapter discussed there by IOGear would suffice. it uses a USB-A to Mircro USB cable for its power.

MacBook Pro 2019 16" Wifi card is dead, a… - Apple Community

I later found this other wonky-looking adapter that gets it power by being plugged DIRECTLY into a wall socket. it has 2.4 and 5 GHz bands and supports higher speeds, but seems less portable. Two antennas means 867 Max

https://www.amazon.com/BrosTrend-600Mbps-Adapter-Wireless-WNA016/dp/B0118SPFCK

.

bronsonpc68 Said:

"WiFi chip bad- need workaround: [...]I need a new way to connect to wi-fi. An external dongle or adapter? Please and thank you"

-------

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.

The ad for that device says supports:

MacOS 10.09-10.14

suggesting it does NOT have support for 64-bit drivers, or has not been updated

Hi,

Oh, oh, thanks for telling me my misleading.