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Why my wifi doesn't connect automatically?

iMac purchased Feb 2013

OS X version 10.9.2 Mavericks

Processor 2.9 GHz Intel Core i5

Memory 8GB 1600 MHz DDR3


I am having difficulty connecting wifi automatically when it wakes up from sleep and after restarting after some updates couple of weeks ago. It used to work fine without any incident now I have to connect wifi manually every time when my desktop wakes up or after restarting. I power cycled my router to factory default, a complete new configuration. As for the ethernet, it works just fine. Checked "Remember networks this computer has joined", preferred network in the list, set up the wifi service order. I did whatever way possible BUT nothing seems like working. Community members I need your help to solve this issues. Thanks.

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9.1)

Posted on Apr 17, 2014 5:30 PM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Apr 17, 2014 5:44 PM

Might be corrupted network preferences ...



Open the Finder. From the Finder menu bar click Go > Go to Folder


Type or copy paste the following:


/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration


Click Go then move all the files in the SystemConfiguration folder to the Trash.



Turn off the base station for about ten seconds then turn it back on.


See if that makes a difference.


Your Mac will generate a new SystemConfiguration folder for you.

6 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Apr 17, 2014 5:44 PM in response to nabinusa

Might be corrupted network preferences ...



Open the Finder. From the Finder menu bar click Go > Go to Folder


Type or copy paste the following:


/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration


Click Go then move all the files in the SystemConfiguration folder to the Trash.



Turn off the base station for about ten seconds then turn it back on.


See if that makes a difference.


Your Mac will generate a new SystemConfiguration folder for you.

Apr 17, 2014 7:08 PM in response to nabinusa

Test after taking each of the following steps that you haven't already tried. Back up all data before making any changes.

1. Make sure the network is on the preferred list by following these instructions. It's important to read the article carefully, as it's the starting point for any further efforts to solve the problem. If you skip any of the steps, the problem may not be solved. Make sure the box marked

Remember networks this computer has joined

is checked.

2. Follow the instructions in this support article under the heading

Symptom: After restarting or waking from sleep, my computer might not connect to the Internet

3. Reset the PRAM.

4. Make a note of all your settings for Wi-Fi in the Network preference pane, then delete the connection from the connection list and recreate it with the same settings. You do this by clicking the plus-sign icon below the connection list, and selecting Wi-Fi as the interface in the sheet that opens. Select Join other network from the Network Name menu, then select your network. Enter the password when prompted and save it in the keychain.

5. From the Location menu at the top of the Network preference pane, select Edit Locations. A sheet will drop down. Click the plus-sign button to create a new location. Give it any name you want. In the new location, set up the Wi-Fi service with the same settings you used before. Click Apply and test.

6. Launch the Keychain Access application. Search for and delete all AirPort network password items that refer to the network. Make a note of the password first.

7. Repair permissions on the startup volume.

8. Turn off Bluetoothand test.

9. Reset the System Management Controller.

10. This step shouldn't be necessary, but has been advised by Apple Support in some cases, apparently as a workaround for a bug. Open the Energy Saver pane in System Preferences. If applicable, click the padlock icon in the lower left corner to unlock the settings. Enter your administrator login password when prompted.

Select the Power Adapter tab and uncheck the boxes marked

Wake for Wi-Fi network access

and

Enable Power Nap...

if present. Then, if the computer is a MacBook, select the Battery tab and uncheck

Enable Power Nap...

11. Reinstall OS X.

Apr 18, 2014 10:32 AM in response to Linc Davis

I FOUND A SOLUTION 🙂

I was having problems with my wifi not connecting automatically sometimes. Sometimes it worked sometimes it didin't. I could not figure out what the difference was. Then I read the above post about the bluetooth. That was the difference. I turned the bluetooth off and now it is fine. I realized that is what is making the difference.


Turn off the bluetooth and the wifi will connect automatically. Now how to have both on and it work I don't know but I'm happy to have at least figured out what is making the difference!

Apr 18, 2014 10:32 AM in response to nabinusa

I FOUND A SOLUTION 🙂

I was having problems with my wifi not connecting automatically sometimes. Sometimes it worked sometimes it didin't. I could not figure out what the difference was. Then I read the above post about the bluetooth. That was the difference. I turned the bluetooth off and now it is fine. I realized that is what is making the difference.


Turn off the bluetooth and the wifi will connect automatically. Now how to have both on and it work I don't know but I'm happy to have at least figured out what is making the difference!

Why my wifi doesn't connect automatically?

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