Wi-fi problems

Question

Level 1

4 points

Wi-fi problems

I'm running the latest operating system on my macbook, and update everything regularly. Yet, I still have trouble connecting to public wi-fi spots. Often the connection drops, or it takes ages to get connected to begin with. I've brought this up with the various institutions offering free wi-fi, and have brought my computer into mac stores to get checked over, and nothing seems to work. One advisor even said it's 'just a mac thing', indicating it was all MacBooks that had a problem connecting with the wifi (the local library's in this instance). Why can I not do something as simple as connect to a public wi-fi without it being a saga every time?!

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X El Capitan (10.11.6)

Posted on Aug 31, 2016 6:46 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Johnb-one

Level 6

9,180 points

Sep 1, 2016 5:01 PM in response to sdmcburney

Dunno...Have you tried the usual stuff----zap the pram on reboot, resetting the PMU/SMC, instructions on how to do that can be found on Apple's support page or if you're lazy like me, google or yahoo will work fine. If that doesn't do

diddly-squat, then might I suggest making an appointment with your local Genius Bar at your local Apple Place. Could be a hardware thing. It shouldn't be "just a mac thing", and I can't imagine that all MacBooks should have a problem connecting with your local library's wifi. You could also try changing your wifi's channel, turn on interference robustness

and I think there's a setting there that automatically searches out and shows you all available wifi networks, but I'm not sure exactly where it is... I know it's there somewhere, as far as I know it (wifi) either works or it doesn't, so maybe asking the library to reboot its router might be an option....

sorry I couldn't help you more

JB

Reply

Answer 2

Loner T

Level 9

59,536 points

Sep 1, 2016 5:10 PM in response to sdmcburney

If you hold Alt/Option key and click on the Wireless icon in the Menu bar, it has a Diagnostics option. Do you see the specific SSID listed if you run Utilities -> Scan Now? Do you have problems specifically with secure SSIDs? Open SSIDs may require portal authentication.

Please also see Use Wireless Diagnostics to help you resolve Wi-Fi issues on your Mac - Apple Support .

If you have an iPhone, does it successfully connect to the same SSID, which the Mac cannot connect to?

What is the year/model of your Mac?

Reply

Answer 3

tygb

Level 9

65,010 points

Sep 1, 2016 6:44 PM in response to sdmcburney

Wireless (Wi-Fi) hotspots are like a home or wireless network, but may be open to the public. Wi-Fi hotspot services may be offered around town at coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, book stores, or other retailers. Some cities offer municipal Wi-Fi Internet access.

Joining a Wi-Fi network is as easy as clicking the Wi-Fi menu and choosing a hotspot network from the list. If the wireless network is password-protected, enter the password.

Some hotspots may require additional authentication before you can use Internet services. When this happens, a web page may appear asking you to agree to terms of service before connecting. Authorize the connection if you agree, then open your web browser to verify the connection is working.

Reply