Is Mac Mini or OS causing intermittent internet connection loss?

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Level 1

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Is Mac Mini or OS causing intermittent internet connection loss?

Starting a few weeks ago, I began to have a problem with my internet connection. Perhaps 7 – 10 times a day, I would lose my connection. The problem would typically resolve itself in 2 – 3 minutes. It was during a time of heavy rain and so I thought it was likely a problem with the line somewhere outside. I called my internet service provider who sent out two technicians on two different days. After the work was finished on the second day, I received a text saying that the problem had been fixed. But within an hour, the problem was back.

I called my ISP back and they ran additional diagnostic tests from their end and determined that my modem was bad and needed replacing. Accordingly, they sent me a new one which I have installed. However, it was not long before the same problem resurfaced.

Given that my ISP has looked at and worked on the line coming into my apartment and that I do now have a new modem, I am wondering if there might be a problem with my M4 Mac Mini. It is only 6 months old and has been working fine. I have not updated or installed any new software. I am currently running macOS Sequoia 15.6.1

Does anyone have any ideas as to what the problem might be or what I might try?

Mac mini, macOS 15.6

Posted on Jan 17, 2026 2:57 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

den.thed

Level 10

91,582 points

Jan 17, 2026 3:28 PM in response to ts1722

The Mac mini's wireless Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antenna is located under the bottom cover, which makes the reception prone to interference from high speed USB drives, poorly shielded USB cables and other devices that emit a high EMF like speakers, a cordless phone base, etc....

For an Apple support article that confirms and suggest solutions for this issue:

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

If you have USB devices connected to and/or in-between the Mac mini and Wi-Fi router..?

1) Disconnect all USB devices, connect them one at a time and test.

2) Move all your USB devices to one side or behind the Mac mini and test.

3) Replace any thin poorly shielded USB cables with shielded cables and test.

4) Stand the Mac mini on it side with the bottom cover facing the Wi-Fi Router and test.

To view a similar thread in the Mac mini section of the forum:

see > Mac Mini M2 Wi-Fi is slow and stutters - Apple Community

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

91,582 points

Jan 17, 2026 4:29 PM in response to ts1722

I can not see your setup or what might be causing interference in your general lay out.

After you have tested each of those devices by disconnecting them one at a time and/or moving them.

Look around for anything new appliances that has been added near the router or in-between the router and Mac mini.

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 10

91,582 points

Jan 17, 2026 7:07 PM in response to ts1722

In addition to testing and/or relocating external devices.

It would be wise to update to Sequoia 15.7.3

What's new in the updates for macOS Sequoia - Apple Support

Or..... optionally upgrade to Tahoe 26.2

What's new in the updates for macOS Tahoe - Apple Support

OS - macOS Tahoe - Apple

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Answer 4

ts1722 Author

Level 1

12 points

Jan 17, 2026 4:14 PM in response to den.thed

How can I tell if my cables are shielded?

I only have two devices directly plugged into my Mac Mini.

1) Dell monitor connected by USB-C. The cable is one supplied by Dell, so I imagine it is high quality.

2) External speakers plugged into the front headphone jack with an admittedly inexpensive cable.

Additionally, I do have an external, time machine hard drive that is connected to the monitor's USB hub. I have just temporarily disconnected and removed it to see if it might be the problem. I have also sat the computer on its side with the bottom facing the Wi-Fi modem.

The computer does sit right next to one speaker and the time machine drive. For now, I will leave the speaker where it is at and see of if sitting the computer on its side and/or moving the external hard drive clears the problem.

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