MacBook Neo frequently disconnects from Wi-Fi

I just received my MacBook Neo this week and it disconnects frequently from the wifi. I have rebooted my router and modem, but I do not have this issue on my Windows laptop or on my iPad, so I don't think that's the issue.


I have disconnected and reconnected my Neo from the wifi, refreshed the connection, and renewed the DHCP lease. It still happens every 15-20 minutes while I'm using it. Although after I renew the lease, it's good for up to a day. While I can do that step, I feel like I shouldn't have to renew the lease every day.


What am I missing to fix this? I have followed all the steps I have found online to fix this, but it is still happening.

Posted on Aug 8, 2026 1:32 PM

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Posted on Aug 9, 2026 1:00 AM

Since renewing the DHCP lease temporarily restores the connection, I would troubleshoot this as a possible network configuration or software conflict rather than immediately assuming the router is at fault. 


1 - First, make sure macOS is fully updated, then forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network and temporarily turn off Private Wi-Fi Address for that network. 


Apple provides guidance for Mac Wi-Fi connection problems, including checking for VPN or other security software that may interfere with network connections.


2 - If you are using a commercial VPN or third-party security, antivirus, firewall, network-filtering, or “internet protection” software, temporarily disable it and test the connection again. Apple specifically recommends checking VPN and other security software when troubleshooting Wi-Fi problems.


3 - When the disconnect occurs, check whether the Mac still has a valid IP address and whether renewing the DHCP lease immediately restores connectivity. Apple explains how to renew the DHCP lease on a Mac and notes that this can sometimes resolve connection issues.


4 - I would also test the Mac on another Wi-Fi network, such as a phone hotspot. If it remains connected there, the issue is more likely an interaction between the Mac and your home network. You can also check Apple's recommended Wi-Fi router and access point settings.


For the Private Wi-Fi Address setting, Apple provides instructions for changing it on a Mac. As a troubleshooting step, temporarily set it to Off for your home network and see whether the disconnects stop.


5 - Finally, while the problem is occurring, run Apple's Wireless Diagnostics by holding Option while clicking the Wi-Fi icon and selecting Open Wireless Diagnostics. Apple's Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide explains this process.


6 - If the Mac continues disconnecting from multiple Wi-Fi networks with VPN and third-party security software disabled, especially on a brand-new machine, I would contact Apple Support and have them run diagnostics to rule out a hardware or macOS issue.



2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 9, 2026 1:00 AM in response to HIZEV77

Since renewing the DHCP lease temporarily restores the connection, I would troubleshoot this as a possible network configuration or software conflict rather than immediately assuming the router is at fault. 


1 - First, make sure macOS is fully updated, then forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network and temporarily turn off Private Wi-Fi Address for that network. 


Apple provides guidance for Mac Wi-Fi connection problems, including checking for VPN or other security software that may interfere with network connections.


2 - If you are using a commercial VPN or third-party security, antivirus, firewall, network-filtering, or “internet protection” software, temporarily disable it and test the connection again. Apple specifically recommends checking VPN and other security software when troubleshooting Wi-Fi problems.


3 - When the disconnect occurs, check whether the Mac still has a valid IP address and whether renewing the DHCP lease immediately restores connectivity. Apple explains how to renew the DHCP lease on a Mac and notes that this can sometimes resolve connection issues.


4 - I would also test the Mac on another Wi-Fi network, such as a phone hotspot. If it remains connected there, the issue is more likely an interaction between the Mac and your home network. You can also check Apple's recommended Wi-Fi router and access point settings.


For the Private Wi-Fi Address setting, Apple provides instructions for changing it on a Mac. As a troubleshooting step, temporarily set it to Off for your home network and see whether the disconnects stop.


5 - Finally, while the problem is occurring, run Apple's Wireless Diagnostics by holding Option while clicking the Wi-Fi icon and selecting Open Wireless Diagnostics. Apple's Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide explains this process.


6 - If the Mac continues disconnecting from multiple Wi-Fi networks with VPN and third-party security software disabled, especially on a brand-new machine, I would contact Apple Support and have them run diagnostics to rule out a hardware or macOS issue.



Aug 8, 2026 2:11 PM in response to HIZEV77

The fact that renewing your DHCP lease fixes the issue for up to a day points strongly to a local IP address conflict or an aggressive lease expiration/handshake failure between macOS and your router, even if your other devices work fine. MacBooks handle power states and Wi-Fi handshakes differently than Windows or iOS. 


Try and set a static IP address for your Neo to see if the issues persist

MacBook Neo frequently disconnects from Wi-Fi

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