FlippingDingo

Q: My iMac will not connect to the internet

I have a 21.5inch 2013 iMac. Yesterday I was unable to connect to the internet and the problem persists today.

 

It states that I am connected to wifi with full signal and my other devices such as my iPad, iPod and windows laptop are connected and working, so it is not a problem with my internet service provider.

 

I have tried Network Diagnostics, have restarted my router and computer several times, and have tried removing all preferred networks from my iMac and reconnecting.

 

If some suggestions or advice can be provided it would be much appreciated as I need it working again urgently.

 

Many thanks

iMac, iOS 7.1

Posted on May 25, 2014 1:44 AM

Close

Q: My iMac will not connect to the internet

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

Previous Page 2
  • by rtd1,

    rtd1 rtd1 May 25, 2014 2:32 PM in response to FlippingDingo
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 25, 2014 2:32 PM in response to FlippingDingo

    You say the Wifi ip is different than Ethernet?

     

    It is possible your router has assigned that IP to two devices which would result in a loss of internet connectivity for both devices. I don't know the command off the top of my head but try releasing your IP and getting the DHCP to assign you a new one. I apologize if that is a confusing answer.

  • by FlippingDingo,

    FlippingDingo FlippingDingo May 25, 2014 2:54 PM in response to rtd1
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 25, 2014 2:54 PM in response to rtd1

    That was true for a time but after plugging in and unplugging the Ethernet a few times when fiddling with the computer the IP addresses became identical. I just tried it again and the IP address changed when using the Ethernet, but when I unplugged, the wireless IP had changed to what was the Ethernet IP. It now says I am connected via wifi again, but still nothing will load.

     

    I don't think the same IP has accidentally been assigned to two devices, because all devices are working other than my iMac, and I have been fiddling with the IP all day, trying to change it/reassign a new one. It has changed a few times throughout the course of the day, but the internet still won't load, so it may not even be an IP problem, but since I am not very knowledgable about IP addresses, I am unsure.

     

    If I try to renew my IP address by clicking the 'Renew DHCP Lease' button in System Preferences-Network-Wifi-Advanced-TPC/IP, which according to http://support.apple.com/kb/PH10743 is how you force your computer to renew your IP, the IP number does not change. Instead all the fields go blank for a couple of seconds, as if something will change, and then the same numbers reappear.

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis May 25, 2014 3:04 PM in response to FlippingDingo
    Level 10 (208,000 points)
    Applications
    May 25, 2014 3:04 PM in response to FlippingDingo

    If you're connected to the router with Ethernet, turn Wi-Fi off. Otherwise, as far as I can tell you've ruled out any problem with the computer, except perhaps a hardware fault. If possible, try connecting to a different network, such as the mobile hotspot created by a phone.

  • by FlippingDingo,

    FlippingDingo FlippingDingo May 25, 2014 3:59 PM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 25, 2014 3:59 PM in response to Linc Davis

    Yes, I understand it seems this way, but clearly something is still amis. There's nothing that could have directly caused a hardware fault, it would have had to happen spontaniously, which I do not understand, especially since this is not an old computer.

     

    The only thing I can think I did around the time this problem started was empty my trash, which I hadn't done for a few weeks. Is it possible an important file was moved to the trash and removed? I am clueless as to how this would have happened though, and I suppose starting the Mac in recovery mode should have worked had it been down to this.

     

    I cannot connect to another network because there aren't any others within range and don't have the option of creating a mobile hotspot.

     

    I just updated Safari, along with some other updates, via Ethernet, but when I remove the cable and connect via Wifi, Safari again fails to load any page.

     

    Does this seem like a problem which may need to be dealt with by Apple, by sending it to them to be repaired? I am not keen on this since I do not have a care plan.

  • by rtd1,

    rtd1 rtd1 May 25, 2014 4:07 PM in response to FlippingDingo
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 25, 2014 4:07 PM in response to FlippingDingo

    Do you have anything nearby that would cause interference with the WiFi?

    * Smart TV

    * Cordless phones

     

    They all operate on similar frequencies.

     

    What type of network is this ( forgive me if you answered already ) home or work?

     

    How far away is the router?   Same floor?  Down the Hall?

     

    I can understand being upset; I'd go crazy with out internet.

  • by FlippingDingo,

    FlippingDingo FlippingDingo May 25, 2014 4:13 PM in response to rtd1
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 25, 2014 4:13 PM in response to rtd1

    I have a cordless phone, but not near my Mac and they've been working together just fine for a few years, I see no reason for them to interfere now, especially when all other devices a working well.

     

    The router is normally downstairs, with full connectivity, but I have moved it upstairs temporarily, very close to my iMac, so I can change from Wifi to Ethernet.

     

    It is a home network.

     

    Yes, and it's so frustrating not being able to find a cause!

    Many Thanks

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis May 25, 2014 4:15 PM in response to FlippingDingo
    Level 10 (208,000 points)
    Applications
    May 25, 2014 4:15 PM in response to FlippingDingo

    You have ruled out system corruption as a cause of the problem.

  • by rtd1,

    rtd1 rtd1 May 25, 2014 4:20 PM in response to FlippingDingo
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 25, 2014 4:20 PM in response to FlippingDingo

    When you lost connectivity what were you doing at the time?  Were you using the computer?

  • by FlippingDingo,

    FlippingDingo FlippingDingo May 26, 2014 5:02 AM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 26, 2014 5:02 AM in response to Linc Davis

    Okay, thanks very much for your help!

  • by FlippingDingo,

    FlippingDingo FlippingDingo May 26, 2014 5:04 AM in response to rtd1
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 26, 2014 5:04 AM in response to rtd1

    I think I was just listening to music, or might have been editing some music. Then I clicked on Safari and nothing would load.

  • by FlippingDingo,

    FlippingDingo FlippingDingo May 26, 2014 8:00 AM in response to FlippingDingo
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 26, 2014 8:00 AM in response to FlippingDingo

    I have just found this post: http://forums.cnet.com/7723-6126_102-570230/imac-won-t-connect-to-internet-anymo re-using-wireless/

     

    This person had an identical problem to mine and it went away unprompted after a few days. Hopefully my computer will do the same!

  • by FlippingDingo,

    FlippingDingo FlippingDingo May 27, 2014 10:59 AM in response to FlippingDingo
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 27, 2014 10:59 AM in response to FlippingDingo

    For anybody else suffering from the same problem: After having shut down my computer for 24 hours my wifi is now working again, just like the person in the link above. I don't understand why, it makes no sense, but I'm very glad it is.

Previous Page 2