Q: iMac stops recognizing WiFi networks randomly
In recent weeks, our iMAC has stopped recognizing WiFi networks randomly. We will be using Safari or Chrome and suddenly the task bar will state "resolving host" and internet connection will be lost. Within 2-3 minutes, all WiFi networks that were previously seen in Network preferences will vanish. If we reboot the iMAC, the WiFi network will work just fine for 15-30 minutes, then it will happen all over again. Having to restart the Mac frequently is frustrating! What is also very ironic is that when the WiFi Networks disappear for the iMac, our iPhones (2), iPad, and Laptops (Dell & HP) still recognize the wifi networks. Spoke to Apple Support and we did upgrade to El Capitan, instead of calling again I thought I would try this community.
Below is our operating system details and the actions we've taken so far. Would appreciate anyone's help to resolve this issue.
Operating Details:
- El Capitan - OS10.11.5
- iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010)
- 3.2 GHz Intel Core i3
- Processor: 4 GB 1333 MHz DDR3
- 807 GB of 1 TB storage is free
- 2 WiFi networks available through DirectTV/AT&T with 2.4G and 5.0G available
- I do not have an Ethernet cable jack nearby this iMac
Upon noticing this issue, I've already tried the following actions with no solution:
- Reboot, obviously works but irritating and not a systemic fix
- Network Preferences >> Turn WiFi Off then Back on
- Create New Location and reconnect to WiFi Networks
- Previously was on Yosemite and recently upgraded to El Capitan, didn't work
- Deleted preferences.plist, network.identification.plist, message-tracer.plist files in hope of clearing network cache
- Changed DHCP to manual IP and added incremental digit to final digit of IP address on my iPhone IP address
- Changed DNS server from Automatic to Google direct DNS server
- Renewed DHCP Lease
No luck thus far so would appreciate anyone's support out there!
Thanks
iMac, OS X El Capitan (10.11.5)
Posted on Jun 18, 2016 9:30 AM