User profile for user: carolinfromgermany
carolinfromgermany Author
User level: Level 1
5 points

Macbook Pro Cannot Connect to 2.4 GHz Wifi

Hi everyone,


I have a problem with my MacBook Pro (High Sierra v10.13.5) concerning the availability of WiFi.

During the last weeks, I have not been able to connect to 2.4GHz WiFi access points anymore, because they are no longer found and / or displayed as available networks on my Mac. All I see are 5GHz networks.


I have struggled a lot to find a solution to that, but the only thing that worked was mentioned in this thread: Macbook Pro Cannot Connect to 2.4 Wifi - Fixed

So apparently, there seems to be a problem with connected USB devices. I have a USB Hub (converting USB to USB-C on my Mac) and an HDMI-to-USB-C converter connected to my MacBook.

Once I remove BOTH of them, the 5GHz networks start re-appearing on the MacBook and I am able to connect.

Also, it does not matter what USB-port I plug these two devices into to make the described problem occur, so it doesn't seem to be a problem with one specific port.


Is this a known bug? Or has anybody any idea what might be causing the problem?

The whole things seems very strange to me and I am unsure whether it would be wise to get a repair?


Thank you so much in advance!

Posted on Jun 26, 2018 7:54 AM

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User profile for user: Grant Bennet-Alder
Grant Bennet-Alder
User level: Level 10
140,207 points

Posted on Jun 26, 2018 10:30 AM

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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User profile for user: Grant Bennet-Alder
Grant Bennet-Alder
User level: Level 10
140,207 points

Jun 26, 2018 10:30 AM in response to carolinfromgermany

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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Macbook Pro Cannot Connect to 2.4 GHz Wifi

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