Mac not loading websites or apps even though connected to working internet?

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Level 1

4 points

mac not loading websites even though connected to working internet

I have deleted my vpn even though I’ve been using it for 6 months and never had this issue. I have connected my Mac to both wifi and my 5g and it still isn’t loading any websites or able to play songs on Apple Music or anything along those lines. Both WiFi and 5g works fine for all my other devices. This started two days ago and I’ve never had this issue before, I have an old MacBook Air and have tried everything. I checked if it was the firewall, I forgot the wifi, I turned everything off and on again, I deleted the system configuration from finder and turned the MacBook off and on again.
ping 1.1.1.1 → works perfectly
(4/4 packets).
curl to a normal website → times out.
Safari → doesn't load websites saying I am not connected to the internet
It happens in Safe Mode.
It happens on both Wi-Fi and your phone hotspot.

So the Mac has internet connectivity, but TCP web connections (HTTP/HTTPS) are being blocked or broken. Help!!

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 12.6

Posted on Aug 19, 2026 9:57 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Level 10

113,119 points

Your tests show that the Mac can reach 1.1.1.1, but connections to websites are timing out.

Because the same problem occurs on both Wi-Fi and your phone hotspot, changing networks has not resolved it.

Safe Mode also does not resolve it.

I would now check the Mac's network configuration rather than resetting Wi-Fi again.

First, check System Preferences >> Network >> Wi-Fi >> Advanced >> Proxies.

If you dis not intentionally use a proxy, make sure none are configured.

Apple documents the proxy settings here: Apple: Change proxy settings on Mac

Then check Network >> Wi-Fi >> Advanced >> DNS and note which DNS servers are configured. Do not change them yet unless necessary.

Because you previously had VPN software installed, also check System Preferences >> Network for any remaining VPN or other network services.

Apple notes that VPN and third-party security software can affect network connectivity, and recommends checking VPN, profiles, firewall, and filtering settings. Apple: Network connectivity issues and VPN/third-party security software

You can also check for installed system extensions with:

systemextensionsctl list

Apple confirms that macOS system extensions can include VPN and network tools. Apple: System extensions in macOS

Apple's general Mac internet troubleshooting guide is also here: Apple: Troubleshoot connecting your Mac to the internet