mlippmann

Q: Problem reconnecting to WiFi after sleep with El Capitan

I have noticed that my MacBook Pro (current model) is not reconnecting to my WiFi network when waking from sleep since updating to OS X El Capitan.  The WiFi icon at the top of the desktop screen shows that the computer is connected to the network, however Safari hangs and never loads the page when attempting to navigate to any website. Mail also doesn't connect. Turning WiFi off then immediately on resolves the issue.

 

This doesn't happen when the computer is down and a full restart performed.

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015), OS X El Capitan (10.11)

Posted on Oct 13, 2015 6:28 AM

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Q: Problem reconnecting to WiFi after sleep with El Capitan

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  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Oct 13, 2015 10:30 AM in response to mlippmann
    Level 10 (207,926 points)
    Applications
    Oct 13, 2015 10:30 AM in response to mlippmann

    Please test after taking each of the following steps that you haven't already tried. Stop when the problem is resolved. Back up all data before making any changes.

    1. If possible, test on at least one other network, such as a public hotspot or the hotspot created by a mobile phone. Some Wi-Fi routers are not fully compatible with some Apple devices.

    2. 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.

    3. 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

    4. Reset the PRAM.

    5. 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.

    6. 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.

    7. 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.

    8. Repair permissions on the startup volume.

    9. Turn off Bluetooth and test.

    10. Reset the System Management Controller.

    11. 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...

    12. Reinstall OS X.

  • by ypcx,

    ypcx ypcx Oct 14, 2015 9:00 PM in response to mlippmann
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 14, 2015 9:00 PM in response to mlippmann

    Same problem, Macbook Pro 15" mid 2015.

     

    However it only appears to affect Safari (and perhaps other Apple apps, as you mention Mail).

    My other apps, e.g. Slack, reconnect without issue.

    Sometimes (only sometimes) closing and reopening the tab in Safari helps (reloading the tab does not help).

    Sometimes opening a new tab and trying to navigate to an arbitrary website does not work.

     

    Definitely an Apple bug, and I hope they are working on a fix.

     

    As for the other reply that is suggesting to reinstall OS X: thanks for the advice, just dying to waste all my time.

  • by mlippmann,

    mlippmann mlippmann Oct 15, 2015 6:21 AM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 15, 2015 6:21 AM in response to Linc Davis

    Tried suggestions 1-9 and 11 - problem not resolved.

     

    Will try the others later today.  Really want to avoid an OS X reinstall.

  • by mlippmann,

    mlippmann mlippmann Oct 15, 2015 12:05 PM in response to mlippmann
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 15, 2015 12:05 PM in response to mlippmann

    Also discovered that Bluetooth becomes unavailable after waking from sleep.  This requires a full reboot to resolve as opposed to the WiFi which only requires toggling on/off.

  • by mlippmann,

    mlippmann mlippmann Oct 15, 2015 1:59 PM in response to mlippmann
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 15, 2015 1:59 PM in response to mlippmann

    ...and now it is happening without the computer going to sleep!  I have another device connected to the same network that does not experience the same problem.  This is local to one computer...my MacBook Pro (mid 2015) running El Capitan.

  • by mlippmann,

    mlippmann mlippmann Oct 15, 2015 9:32 PM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 15, 2015 9:32 PM in response to Linc Davis

    OK, gave suggestions 1-11 a shot again in the order listed.  Bluetooth is currently off.  Will let the computer sit overnight, sleep, then try again in the morning.

     

    Not really gung ho on re-installing OS X...

  • by mlippmann,

    mlippmann mlippmann Oct 16, 2015 6:08 AM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 16, 2015 6:08 AM in response to Linc Davis

    Confirmed, none of these solved the problem

     

    Interesting side note, I had previously been enrolled in the beta testing program and with El Cap beta as the OS this was not an issue.  It started with the public release of the OS.  I only used the first iteration of the beta so in theory it should have been the same as the eventual public release

  • by ypcx,

    ypcx ypcx Dec 17, 2015 6:57 AM in response to mlippmann
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 17, 2015 6:57 AM in response to mlippmann

    Just to update this, I confirm that even after the latest "WiFi stability issues update", at the OS X version 10.11.2 (15C50), this problem still continues.

     

    The only way to get connectivity is to turn WiFi OFF and then again ON after waking the Macbook from sleep, pretty much every time.

  • by mlippmann,

    mlippmann mlippmann Dec 17, 2015 7:27 AM in response to ypcx
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 17, 2015 7:27 AM in response to ypcx

    I solved the WiFi issue by deleting a preferences file.  Posted the resolution in this thread:  Ongoing Wifi / Bluetooth issues after OS X El Capitan install

  • by Joris W.,

    Joris W. Joris W. Aug 30, 2016 1:14 AM in response to mlippmann
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Aug 30, 2016 1:14 AM in response to mlippmann

    I was able to fix my WiFi reconnect-after-wake issues by deleting the /Library/SystemConfiguration directory from my system, and creating a fresh location at System Preferences -> Network.