Macbook pro retina drops wifi when usb 3.0 stick connected

Hi

I am facing the same issue, and i got a chance to find a solution that is working probably now for 30 min, i have changed wifi band on my wifi router from 2.4 to 5G, I have tested this change on Windows 10 installed on MacBook pro 15 2016 using boot camp.

I hope this solution will help you to use your hub and using USB 3.0 with your device.

Thank you

Thank you for your response Jaon.

I called Apple Service so I tried some manipulation over the phone. One manipulation was involving holding "Shift, Control, Option, Power" but he wanted me to turn off the computer before holding the buttons and it didn't work. He asked one advice to his boss who told him the usb-c device was taking power from the computer, or something like that. So the technician set me an appointment for tomorrow Tuesday at a Apple Store to really know what's happening.

I'll let you know what they say.

I never had the occasion to experience the "shocks" you are talking about, as I never used the computer while it was charging ... for the moment.

Okay so I had a meeting at the Apple Store to sort this out.

The guy was helping and sorry to tell me there is no solution from apple ... for the moment.

They see more and more people complaining about this issue, so technology should adapt.

Apple is just not selling USB Hub.

They worked with Belkin for a USB 3.0 USB port. So they might make a USB C Hub in the future. But nothing ready yet. The issu could also get fixed in a next Mac OS update.

His solution to wait was to buy the 9$ USB-C to USB Apple adapter and to link it with a regular USB Hub.

Searching on amazone I was still seeing people complaining about this wifi issu using a regular USB Hub. So I was considering buying the Belkin USB 3.0 Hub. But 50$ or 60$, was too expensive when I just want something that works.

THE SOLUTION:

I finally found a Aukey USB-C to USB 3.0, 4 ports hub, that works without turning off the wifi !

So without having to plug the Apple USB-C et USB cable.

What convinced me to try it was a lot of very recent comment on this product on amazone. The only complaint seemed to be the HDMI port only working if you turn the computer on while the hub plugged. But I just care about the USB ports, and it's totally fine.

It arrived yesterday and it definitely works. It has 4 USB ports, 1 USB-C and 1 HDMI port.

Also it's a "plug and play". 44.99$ on amazone. Not to be confuse with other Aukey product that have that same wifi issu.

Also I told the Apple Store guy about that manipulation you're doing "Shift, Control, Option, Power", you should stop doing it. It forces your computer to shut down as if you unplugged it. It could be bad to do it to many times. And it doesn't really fix the issu.

I am absolutely gobsmacked!

I bought a brand new MacBook Pro 15 early Jan this year 2017 and was loving it, working everywhere WiFi etc no probs.

When I came back to work from Jan 9 / 16 the WiFi started dropping out ..... all the time.

5 hours on the phone to Mac to date! cannot solve the problem

1 Visit to the Mac store in Sydney, Australia ....

They replaced the MacBook Pro at the Mac Store which was first class service ....

So after another 5 hours myself playing and another 5 hours on the phone (yes exaggerating a bit) ...

BINGO the WiFi was fine in the office next door, fine in the boardroom etc fine in my office

The problem when I connect the Targus USB C Hub! it drops out the WiFi.

I cannot believe this and cannot believe no one asked me if I use a hub .....

After reading all these comments and articles I have now connected the HUB to the right hand side of the MacBook and moved the seagate hard drive to the front of the macbook as far away as possible and we are working 100%.

Im still coming to terms with this! 3rd coffee today and its only mid morning!

Have a great day all.

Darren

Hi Mario,

Thanks a lot, finally I could find the root cause and now I have to disconnect my WD Passport every time I want connect to internet. However, personally I don't think if HDD radio interference is the culprit. Why? This is how do I replicate the issue:

1. I placed MacBook Pro 13inch Late 2016 (touchbar) side by side with MacBook Pro 15 inch Mid 2015,

2. I put WD passport between them (picture attached),

3. Run Wireless Diagnostics > Window > Scan, both laptops gives the same Wi-Fi signal strength,

4. Tried connecting to Wireless Router using both Macs. Obviously, the one with USB-C (Late 2016) failed to connect, but the one without it (Mid 2015) is fine,

5. Tried to move troubled mac nearby wireless router. Result still the same,

6. Tried using personal hotspot using iPhone 7 Plus. Same result.

Could you / somebody explain above situation? I strongly believe, this is Apple hardware design fault.

The Wavlink 4 Port USB 3.1 has the same problem, unfortunately. Very frustrating. Some are suggesting if you have the 15 inch that by using the USB C port on the right it might help. Doesn't seem to help me, unfortunately.

Thanks for all these posts, very helpful.

Basically the situation is a disgrace. Apple are charging a lot of money for a DEFECTIVE product and they don§t want to admit it. They know there is an issue and if everybody knew it would have a huge impact on their sales. They have removed the ports so we have to use hubs and it is clear they create an issue and who wants a laptop that wont connect to the internet without a cable. I have no problems when connected with a cable, everything works fine including any external plugin, but try and connect over wifi and I can no longer use any external,, that is if I want to go on the net. WELL DONE APPLE you are to be congratulated for your FUC**** incompetence.

Hello,

I have just bought a new MacBook Pro and it has the same issue.

When I place my hard drive as much far away as I can from my Mac, the wifi is OK

Is this something that I need to take my Mac to a service center for a repair/work around ?

Or shall I just have to get a lengthy cable and use it and that's it?

Hasn't Apple handled this design issue by now ?

Sorry forgot to attach picture.

Update: Swap the USB 3.0 cable that came with western digital to USB 2.0 (micro usb) and it works!

Apple please fix this issue..!

With USB 3.0 cable:

With USB 2.0 cable:

There's a simple solution exist. You need to wrap your adapter w/ aluminum foil.

Aluminum foil blocks all radio waves, so everything gonna work perfect.

Hello Juraj SK,

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.

For more information on this, take a look at:

Using USB 3 devices on Mac computers FAQ

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5172#15

I sometimes have difficulty with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth devices when USB 3 devices are attached to my computer. What could be wrong?

Some USB 3 devices, hard drives in particular, can generate radio frequency interference that can cause Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices operating in the 2.4GHz band to have issues communicating with your computer. Do not place hard drives or other USB devices behind the rear of your Mac near at the hinge of your screen. The antennas for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are located there, and USB 3 devices placed there may interfere with your wireless connections. See this white paper for more information.

Best of luck,

Mario

Thanks this helped my problem 100%. I'm staying with a friend. My USB 3 hub was nearly touching the back of my MBP. After moving to the extent of the USB 3 hub cable and under the table i went from very unreliable 1Mbps to > 15Mbps. that was doing my head in!

Hi,

I had the exact same problem and the solution helped me.

Thanks a lot

Solved my problem too!

I am experiencing a similar issue (see Losing Wi-fi and Internet Connectivity with Anker AH240 Hub Connected) however, I am not connecting a drive. Does the hub itself generate interference, it is presently located next to my MBP