Level 1

73 points

2018 MacBook Pro randomly losing WiFi connection

My month-old Mac has randomly started dropping my WiFi connection without any notification. One moment it's working fine, the next I'm offline. According to the WiFi dropdown in the menubar, my machine is behaving as if I had clicked to disconnect from the network; WiFi is on but not connected, all networks that should be in the list of nearby networks are there, and clicking on my network connects back up in under a second and I'm back to working again online... until it drops again anywhere from ten minutes to a few hours later.

This issue started almost immediately after installing "macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 Supplemental Update 2 for MacBook Pro (2018)" from the Mac App Store and is affecting me on any WiFi network I connect to now if I'm connected long enough. It's usually just a minor inconvenience, but if it went down at just the wrong time it could cause serious issues with what I use it for. My 2011 MacBook Pro, also running macOS 10.13.6 but without the update specific to the 2018 model, doesn't have this issue... nor does any other device in the house, including a 2014 MacBook Pro, two 2007 MacBooks, and a 2009 iMac which are also all on the latest versions of macOS that they support. (Same for all the iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs in the home) It looks like this bug is reserved for those with the latest and greatest portable Macs, so I'm out of luck until a fix comes around.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what may be causing this? I'm pretty sure it's an issue with the recent update; my Mac doesn't have a whole lot on it yet besides Apple apps and Adobe Creative Cloud software, and I don't browse anywhere or download anything from anywhere that could have given me anything unpleasant on my system. I basically treat this thing like a baby, so there seriously shouldn't be any issues with it already. My MacBook Pro and AirPort Extreme are both on the latest software version they have available, and I've troubleshooted both devices.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018), macOS High Sierra (10.13.6), TimBook Pro

Posted on Sep 10, 2018 10:37 PM

Top-ranking reply

skottieb

Level 1

8 points

Posted on Apr 11, 2019 2:26 PM

So, after more analysis I found this issue only repeatable when I had ANYTHING plugged into USB-C

This hard to find article explains the problem. https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201163

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.

Some Genius decided to put the USB-C ports right next to the WiFi antenna. The noise for a in proximity USB-C device can cause the issues reports. Sounds like a significant design flaw IMHO. Fixed by using a non-apple USBC hub with a longer cable than the apple designed USBC dongle. Also have USBC extension cables on order.

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239 replies

BDAqua

Level 10

250,253 points

May 19, 2019 7:04 AM in response to d--bar

I wonder if your Wifi is en1 or en2?

sudo ifconfig awdl1 disable ???

AndyAP

Level 1

13 points

Oct 19, 2018 9:33 AM in response to martiku

I use my 2018 MacBook Pro connected to an external monitor every day at work. The MacBook lid is not closed and the MacBook screen is always on. Despite my WiFi router being about eight feet away, I still lose my WiFi connection about once a week. Turning off WiFi and turning it back on restores the connection.

iecanfly

Level 1

4 points

Oct 30, 2018 10:17 PM in response to TimsTech

Exactly the same problem, but in my case it's happening all the time.

Every few seconds, no signal. After waiting for about 30 seconds or so, the wifi is back on,

but then again, few seconds later, no signal.

Maybe it's the faulty hardware?

Mexifinn

Level 1

4 points

Nov 29, 2018 10:07 AM in response to Mexifinn

The other person with this issue was on High Sierra. But this is a different network.

My old Mini was running 10.11.4 and never disconnects. Same AP as the new Mojave Mini. None of the other 14 devices associated with that AP are having any connectivity issues.

GlenPine

Level 1

8 points

Dec 1, 2018 4:03 PM in response to TimsTech

My issue is with an almost new 2018 Mac mini. The Network when using Ethernet connection keeps connecting and disconnecting. While in system preferences>Network, I can see it log-in then immediately log-out, then log-in again.

Even when I switch over to Wi-Fi the Ethernet connection keeps switching back and forth with the Bluetooth PAN connection, even though both are off.

Seems this is a real problem, so happy to be dealing with it after spending so much.

GlenPine

Level 1

8 points

Dec 3, 2018 4:37 PM in response to mangomushroom

Kind of surprised that apple has been radio silent on this topic, seems like a great many of new purchases are experiencing the same problem. Kind of eliminates an issue with the individual but more a problem with apple.

Well Apple, what do you have to say?

Dec 6, 2018 5:41 PM in response to VizonNick

I just got a new MacBook pro and I'm having the same problem. The wifi icon just grays out. The list of wifi options are still there and when i select my wifi it connects quickly, but it's annoying when it just drops a call or if you're trying to do something online. I've tried every troubleshooting suggestion i can find, nothing wrong with my network or other devices, didn't happen until i got the new laptop. Not sure if it's the laptop or Mojave. I'd like to hear some suggestions if apple wants to look into it.

Dec 10, 2018 4:00 AM in response to TimsTech

Same here... My 2 weeks old 15" macbook pro is also loosing the wifi connection from time to time (many times per day). It simply disconnects from the wifi network and I have to manually connect again. It can be in the middle of a call and its quite annoying. The router is just next to the mac.

I use to have my old macbook air exactly in the same place and connected to exactly the same devices and it had not this problem.

Thanks

Utah Gal

Level 1

13 points

Dec 11, 2018 8:49 AM in response to TimsTech

Exact same problem on Late-July 2018 macbook pro running Mojave. I am absolutely astounded that apple is remaining silent on this. I have already had to re-install the operating system twice, which fixes it for about a week and then back to it again. This is a pretty expensive piece of equipment to be having wifi issues. Apple- about time you chimed in with something other than "please reinstall your operating system".

Dec 11, 2018 12:11 PM in response to TimsTech

I have a similar problem. My MacBook Pro 2018 is running Mojave 10.14.2. It drops the wifi connection intermittently. Sometimes there is no problem for several hours, other times it drops every forty-five minutes or so. Apple has run a variety of tests, I took it to an authorized dealer for more tests, and I've had Comcast check out things on their end. Still no solution. No other Apple devices in our home/office are having similar problems. Any advice would be appreciated.

Dec 11, 2018 5:33 PM in response to VizonNick

I have the same WIFI problem as everyone else on this thread. I'm getting very frustrated with Apple. The Apple Care support person has been friendly and helpful, taking me through every fix possible, although nothing works. Now that I see that many other people are having the same problem I'm beginning to wonder what is happening at Apple. Are they willfully ignoring this issue? Someone at Apple please let us know you are listening and working on an answer. Thank you.

Dec 15, 2018 12:54 AM in response to TimsTech

I'm facing the same issue after High Sierra 10.13.6 update. Keep disconnecting WiFi after sleep/logout. Switching ON and OFF WiFi every time and entering the password to connect to a known network is a painful task.

Dec 24, 2018 8:40 PM in response to TimsTech

I have updated to 10.14.2 , and facing the same issue, sometimes it works after restarting , sometimes i have to remove the network and join again . One more issue is to keep on entering the wifi password 4-8 times to get it connected .

Dec 26, 2018 2:58 PM in response to BDAqua

You are welcome, yes please try, I am happy now, the same issue was happening even with external usb wifi... so it was either the Os or the router... in the beginning I was thinking to open the bottom and change or clean the airport contacts,...

Dec 26, 2018 5:07 PM in response to SpiroLondon

I just tried switching the 2.4 Ghz router from channel 1 to 11. Unfortunately, it did not cure the problem. After forty-five minutes, the wifi cut out again. Maybe 11 isn't magic channel for me. Perhaps Love Potion Number 9 will work. Or Chanel Number 5.

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2018 MacBook Pro randomly losing WiFi connection