Level 1

15 points

Wifi dropping in 2016 15" MacBook Pro when USB 3 device plugged in

Hi all,

I'm having an issue that when I plug a Lexar CFR1 Compact Flash card reader into my new 2016 15" MacBook Pro via a USB-B to USB-C cable the Wifi suddenly grounds to halt. The minute that I unplug the card reader the Wifi immediately goes back to normal use. Anyone have any idea whats going on here? Do we need some type of shielded USB-C cable to work on these machines?

MacBook Pro with Retina display, macOS Sierra (10.12.1), 2016 15" MacBook Pro

Posted on Nov 17, 2016 11:34 AM

Top-ranking reply

Grant Bennet-Alder

Level 10

144,693 points

Posted on Nov 18, 2017 5:05 PM

Why do I have difficulty with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth devices when USB 3 devices are attached to my computer?

Some USB 3 devices can generate radio frequency interference that can cause Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices operating in the 2.4GHz band to have issues communicating with your computer. Here are some tips to avoid this issue:

If your USB device has a cable long enough that you can move the device, place it away from your Mac—and make sure not to place it behind your Mac, or near the hinge of its display. The antennas for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are located there, and USB 3 devices placed there might interfere with your wireless connections.

If you're using adapters or dongles on a Mac computer with Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, plug them into the front port on the left side of your Mac, or into the ports on the right side (if your computer has them). These ports are the farthest away from the antennas, making interference less likely.

To avoid interference on the 2.4GHz band using Wi-Fi, try using the 5GHz band instead. You can change this on your wireless base station. Bluetooth always uses 2.4GHz, so this alternative isn't available for Bluetooth.

from:

Using USB devices with your Mac - Apple Support

also, any of these items may be involved:

• Power Adapter cable recall

Apple USB-C Charge Cable Replacement Program - Apple Support

• firmware update for the Apple Multi-Port display adapters (specifically to reduce interference).

About the USB-C Multiport Adapter Update 1.0 - Apple Support

• LG-display recall -- to address Wi-Fi interference so severe, it knocks the Router off the air if too near the Router.

https://9to5mac.com/2017/02/03/lg-fixes-wifi-interference-problems-with-ultrafin e-usb-c-5k-display-new-units-unaffected/

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20 replies

tjk

Level 9

51,262 points

Nov 21, 2016 11:17 PM in response to jfowler1326

Hi,

I think both of you should use your free 90 days of AppleCare phone support to call Apple and see what they have to say (or make an appointment and see a "genius" at an Apple Store). I suspect their answer is going to be "these are not Apple products, so they're not supported" but you won't know until you try. Get a case number so it's "official" and maybe if they get enough of these calls they'll do something about it, but first they have to know about it.

Jeddf

Level 1

4 points

Nov 22, 2016 8:17 AM in response to tjk

Appreciate the rational response, getting mad is fun though haha =D

It's nice to vent, I should have been patient and gone straight for the apple adapters but the low availability at launch has been pretty irritating.

Just spoke with Apple support and Mike there had me run the wireless diagnostics, it took a long time to run, more than 10 minutes, and when it was done, the call dropped (it was an iphone on wifi calling coincidentally hah) but simultaneously the laptop switched to the 5Ghz band on the same network and connectivity came back, something I hadn't previously tried.

So, the solution for now might be to get on 5Ghz band of your wifi if that's possible. Got back in touch with support and gave them all details, hopefully this can be helpful to others.

Jan 16, 2017 2:41 AM in response to tjk

Maybe apple should introduce a beta phase before releasing major OS upgrades.

Oh wait... :/

tlainchb

Level 1

4 points

Mar 22, 2017 4:21 PM in response to jfowler1326

WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS!! SO PAINFUL...

AfonsoC

Level 1

4 points

Aug 11, 2017 3:37 AM in response to OldEgg

Hey, I'm having the exact same problem. Only works on the right side ports. Have you managed to solve it ?

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Wifi dropping in 2016 15" MacBook Pro when USB 3 device plugged in