Mac Mini M4 Wifi unresponsive

Question

Level 1

14 points

Mac Mini M4 Wifi unresponsive

I have a Mac Mini since 4 days ago and it had already presented wifi problems.

After some hours of working perfectly the Mac Mini disconnects from Wifi and sometimes bluetooth as well. When that happens, I go to Settings/WIFI and I find that the toggle is disabled and greyed out (I cannot enable it) and also shows a "red dot" saying "not available".

The first time it happened, I restarted the computer and everything went back to normal. However, now even with a restart, the WIFI does not recover.

I have found some threads in reddit showing up the same problem. Does anybody have experienced something like this? What can I do?

Thanks!

Mac mini, macOS 15.1

Posted on Nov 26, 2024 1:31 AM

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Answer 1

Escarcha Author

Level 1

14 points

Dec 2, 2024 9:03 AM in response to Escarcha

After testing the new cable during the weekend, it has been resolved. Apparently the cable that came with the Lacie was a crap. I assume the new cable has a proper shielding and no issues have been found with the HDD.

Thanks to everyone!

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Answer 2

Nov 26, 2024 8:10 PM in response to Escarcha

Good work spotting the issue.

It is a know fact that high speed USB devices and cables can cause both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interference.

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

This problem is worse with the Mac mini's than other Mac's because the antenna is built into the bottom cover and in close proximity to the high speed ports. One thing to try is to stand the Mac mini on it's side with the bottom facing the router and then place your USB devices and cables on the opposite side. If standing the Mac mini on it's side is not an option, try replacing the LaCie cable with a better shielded cable and move it to the opposite side of the Mac mini.

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Answer 3

Dec 31, 2024 8:08 AM in response to toma197

toma197 wrote:

I've been thinking of buying a new M4 to replace my old i5 machine, and I was wondering if they fixed the WiFi reception problem. Anything connected to my i5 Mac Mini affects the reception, and HHDs are the worst, but even SSDs and other things effect the reception. OWC used to sell an internal shield, but I never bough one, and I read they are a bit of work to install.

Nope' all of the late model Mac mini's have their wireless antenna built into the bottom cover. The reception will very depending on Router strength, Distances from Router and other factors like interference from external high speed USB, devices, cables, displays, etc...

It is a know fact that high speed USB devices and cables can cause both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interference.

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

Somethings you can do.

1) Get and use a Wi-Fi Extender.

2) Get and use a stronger Wi-Fi Router.

3) Move the Router and Mac mini closer together.

4) Move your USB devices and cables to one side of the Mac mini.

5) Stand the Mac mini on it's side with the bottom facing towards Router.

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Answer 4

Escarcha Author

Level 1

14 points

Nov 26, 2024 4:22 PM in response to hcsitas

Thanks for your answer. while you are might be right, I had continued some test and realized that the Wifi disconnection has something to do with a Lacie external HDD (Lacie 2big Quadra, USB 3.0) that I had connected with a USB-C to a USB-A converter.

A moment ago, when the Wifi became unresponsive again, I disconnected the Lacie and everything went back to normal. also, If I keep it connected, it even provokes a Mac mini restart. I have read in other posts that HDD could potentially cause interference in the antennas. The thing is that I have been working with his Lacie for the past 2 days and until yesterday I haven't experienced any issue.

Besides, I have tried with another external HDD through (WD MyBook) and no issues. Does this means I have to throw the Lacie to the garbage? a pretty expensive garbage though...

Let me add some pictures for you to see at what state the Lacie puts the Mac mini into...

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Answer 5

Nov 26, 2024 4:59 PM in response to Escarcha

BTW, do you have any of the following third party apps installed on your Mac?

• Antivirus Apps

• Cleaning Apps

• Security Apps

• VPN Apps

• Maintenance Apps

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Answer 6

Nov 27, 2024 7:32 AM in response to Escarcha

You're welcome. That alone may not completely fix. Also make sure that the line of sight between the Mac mini and the Router, is clear of high speed USB cables, devices and other electromagnetic devices.

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Answer 7

hcsitas

Level 6

13,304 points

Dec 2, 2024 9:10 AM in response to Escarcha

Thanks for the update but be aware that your gigantic external drive is probably generating above-average radio noise. If you encounter problems with BT dropouts/mouse lag etc., you know what to do 😁

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Answer 8

toma197

Level 1

0 points

Dec 30, 2024 9:01 PM in response to Escarcha

I've been thinking of buying a new M4 to replace my old i5 machine, and I was wondering if they fixed the WiFi reception problem. Anything connected to my i5 Mac Mini affects the reception, and HHDs are the worst, but even SSDs and other things effect the reception. OWC used to sell an internal shield, but I never bough one, and I read they are a bit of work to install.

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Answer 9

hcsitas

Level 6

13,304 points

Nov 26, 2024 3:51 AM in response to Escarcha

This is a tough one. Assuming the problem is unique to your new Mini and doesn’t happen to an older Mac placed at the same place, I would return it first, then ask questions.

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Answer 10

hcsitas

Level 6

13,304 points

Nov 26, 2024 9:59 PM in response to Escarcha

Yes, the Quadra is indeed a piece of bloated, obsolete garbage from the pre-historic 2011 era. It’s worth nothing today. Discard and replace with new.

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Answer 11

Escarcha Author

Level 1

14 points

Nov 26, 2024 11:04 PM in response to den.thed

Thank you. I have just bought a new cable from Amazon. When it arrives and I am able to run some tests I will let you know.

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Answer 12

Dec 2, 2024 9:11 AM in response to Escarcha

You're welcome.

Glad to hear that it was just a poorly shielded USB cable that was causing the problem.

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