Mac mini (2nd generation) Wi-Fi button won't toggle on
I have a 9 y.o. Gen2 mac mini , trying to use wifi for the first time.
I am not able to toggle the wifi button on. Is this obsolete device not capable ?
Mac mini, macOS 12.7
I have a 9 y.o. Gen2 mac mini , trying to use wifi for the first time.
I am not able to toggle the wifi button on. Is this obsolete device not capable ?
Mac mini, macOS 12.7
What year model is your Mac mini...?
see > Identify your Mac mini model - Apple Support
All of the 2010 thru 2018 Mac mini's have built-in Wireless Wi-Fi chips.
Have you installed any third-party AV, Protecting software or a VPN, that could be blocking the use of Wi-Fi...?
Have you replaced or upgrade the internal drive, if so then perhaps the Wi-Fi chip is damaged or disconnected...?
To setup and test the Wireless Wi-Fi chip in your Mac mini.
see > If your Mac isn't connecting to the internet over Wi-Fi - Apple Support
To run a full hardware test on that Mac mini.
see > Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac - Apple Support
What year model is your Mac mini...?
see > Identify your Mac mini model - Apple Support
All of the 2010 thru 2018 Mac mini's have built-in Wireless Wi-Fi chips.
Have you installed any third-party AV, Protecting software or a VPN, that could be blocking the use of Wi-Fi...?
Have you replaced or upgrade the internal drive, if so then perhaps the Wi-Fi chip is damaged or disconnected...?
To setup and test the Wireless Wi-Fi chip in your Mac mini.
see > If your Mac isn't connecting to the internet over Wi-Fi - Apple Support
To run a full hardware test on that Mac mini.
see > Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac - Apple Support
Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.
NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following;
• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed
• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)
• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically
• Disables user-installed fonts
• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files
NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.
The Mini has had built-in wireless for about twenty years.
Does it appear in System Information: System Information User Guide for Mac - Apple Support?
Does it appear as an available service in Network Preferences: Change Wi-Fi settings in Network preferences on Mac - Apple Support?
Does Apple Diagnostics reveal any failures: Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac?
Mac mini (2nd generation) Wi-Fi button won't toggle on