Level 6

17,588 points

10.13 High Sierra Wi-fi issue

Update process from 10.12 to 10.13 on mid-2011 iMac was uneventful. However, an issue is that after a shutdown/restart or waking from sleep, wi-fi won't automatically connect. Turning wifi off/on doesn't change anything. Wireless network SSIDs are hidden, so they don't usually (sometimes do) show up in the network list. After clicking "turn wifi on", when they show up in the network list, choosing one will make the connection. Steps I've taken:

Reboot wireless router
Remove existing wifi configuration files from /library/preferences/systemconfiguration, followed by reboot
Create new profile, reboot, still no automatic connection
Added a couple of DNS servers (8.8.8.8 and .4 for now). This didn't change anything
For the first time in forever, did an SMC reset, which didn't change anything

There were no wifi issues with Sierra 10.12, so this is new.

Open to any ideas. TIA!

null-OTHER, macOS High Sierra (10.13), null

Posted on Sep 25, 2017 3:35 PM

Top-ranking reply

KikeVera

Level 1

4 points

Posted on Nov 28, 2017 9:43 AM

I had the same issue you guys have and after serious hours of troubleshooting I figured that my AT&T router has a feature called Band staring. For the feature to work you have to setup both band SSIDs 2.4Ghz and 5.0Ghz) with the same name, So the computer will decide to connect to the band that offers a better signal levels. Apparently High Sierra does not handle this very well and gets confuse. As a temporary fix, I have set diferent names for the SSIDs and now I can connect to either band with no issues. It will connect at wake ups or reboots. Apple still need to come out with a solution for this.

Hopefully this would work for you guys.

MBP 13’ mid 2012.

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139 replies

maerti

Level 1

4 points

Nov 5, 2017 12:07 AM in response to BGreg

This Site helped me clear up the issue

http://osxdaily.com/2012/11/30/resolving-stubborn-wi-fi-connection-problems-in-m ac-os-x/

Nov 13, 2017 7:54 AM in response to BGreg

Anyone have already try Command-Shift-Option-R to Downgrade ?

Only work with Mac user who shipped with Mac OS 10.12.4 or letter versions on theirs mac

thornr

Level 1

8 points

Dec 8, 2017 8:12 AM in response to Mac_slide

Thanks Mac. I keep them separate already. I've seen someone say that changing the 5Ghz SSID and Password will help. I may try that next.

Dec 10, 2017 11:57 PM in response to BGreg

All users who are facing this issue should open a ticket to Apple, otherwise no changes will be applied to the Operating System.

Dec 25, 2017 6:51 PM in response to carphotos

Explain it here, great, but please report it to Apple as well. https://developer.apple.com/bug-reporting/

Jan 2, 2018 8:53 AM in response to fail99

Quick update: in my case it’s most likely hardware issue with latest iMac 27” 5K 2017. Formatted hard drive and reinstall steps of MacOS give same issue. I’ll go to Apple service point for solution.

BGreg Author

Level 6

17,588 points

Jan 13, 2018 3:55 PM in response to chioru

This is a frustrating situation, however, Apple support doesn't officially read our discussion here. Please provide your online input on previously posted links, or if possible, talk to Apple.

Petxi

Level 1

8 points

Oct 3, 2017 7:31 AM in response to BGreg

The have the same issue on a late 2009 iMac update from Sierra to High Sierra. I've manualy deleted the Wi-Fi and network configuration files, create a location ... After a lot of test I have found your solution and it has worked to me.

I also own a late 2013 MacBook Pro which I have updated from Sierra to High Sierra with no Wi-Fi issues.

Then this might be an iMac issue or for older Apple computers.

Thank you for posting your solution it has been helpful to solve my iMac Wi-Fi issue.

Sergi

jrfromnb

Level 1

8 points

Oct 4, 2017 2:50 AM in response to jrfromnb

Downgraded my MBP 13 (Late 2016) back to OSX 10.12.6 sierra but this doesn't help anymore.

I now also have trouble connecting using OSX10.12.6 Sierra, looks like this also applies to de USB-Lan adapter

My MBP Retina (Mid2012) still runs flawless on OSX 10.12.6 Sierra, I don't dare to upgrade it

My wifi broadcasts 2.4Ghz but I will try to change it to 5Ghz tonight, who knows maybe it will help

HuwPNE

Level 1

14 points

Oct 4, 2017 7:16 AM in response to jrfromnb

Having the same issue with a 2015 27” iMac, keeps dropping the connection, will not connect etc. 2 laptops, along with numerous iPads etc all connect to the WiFi with no issues. Using High Sierra public release along with beta 1. All of the Public Beta releases of High Sierra worked fine

My ISP has checked everything and the router does not appear to be at fault, have had to resort to wired connection.....

Oct 20, 2017 8:28 AM in response to BGreg

I have macbook mid 2012. With Sierra there were already problems but with High Sierra it got really bad. The SSID is open, I reinstalled again after upgrading, but the problem remains. It is searching for networks and then gives up. Sometimes after wake up it finds the network and connects and a few minutes later the connection is lost. It is not because the computer is far away from the router. I never had this problem before.

Yepa

Level 1

8 points

Oct 23, 2017 1:04 PM in response to BGreg

Another item, when I get the popup for select a wireless network it stays on the screen and can't be selected out, closed. Only way to close the pop-up is to logout and log back in. - Just another feature that High Sierra is showing.

Did you get the pop-up that won't close too?

BGreg Author

Level 6

17,588 points

Nov 3, 2017 3:51 PM in response to BGreg

Some great ideas in this thread, and glad some are solutions for some. Unfortunately, I still have the problem. I've tried a new network name, even installed a new wireless router (old one failed ... shouldn't have had any impact, and it didn't). So I'm waiting for the next update to see if that allows hidden networks to seamlessly work.

HuwPNE

Level 1

14 points

Nov 5, 2017 1:23 AM in response to maerti

Really do wish it was this simple, as mentioned in a previous post, I've tried all of the suggested solutions and none have worked for me.

I have not yet upgraded the two remaining laptops to High Sierra because of the issue, the rely entirely on WiFi and can not be connected to the internet by wire

yepz

Level 1

9 points

Nov 9, 2017 9:34 PM in response to BGreg

THE FIX

BETA test the software before unloading it to LIVE.

READ reports from those BETA testing.

APPLY fixes for the bugs found.

Most importantly, DO NOT put a BETA software out as LIVE update until bugs are fixed!

Macbook air, No WiFi after update. Recovery mode had WiFi but not normal boot up. We had to get the password for the WiFi and reinstall it. IF WiFi works in Recovery mode, why not normal start up?

Senior adviser said I was 'being awkward ' when I refused to install the password again. I told him to f off and work on the problem. I explained that Apple should not put out a broken update before fixing bugs. WiFi should work if its in Recovery mode.

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10.13 High Sierra Wi-fi issue