Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Issues on Your Mac - From Basic to Advanced Steps

Posted: October 11, 2023

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

These are some of the initial steps one can take to fix the 'Wi-Fi Not Configured' error on a Mac device:

Reboot Your Mac

Rebooting your Mac regularly can resolve many technical issues, including Wi-Fi connectivity problems. To reboot, click the Apple menu icon and select Restart. Wait for your Mac to restart and check if the Wi-Fi error is resolved.

Ensure Correct Wi-Fi Connection

The 'Wi-Fi Not Configured' error can occur if your Mac is connected to an incorrect hotspot or network. Ensure your Wi-Fi is correctly connected to the right network. Suppose you see the Wi-Fi icon with an exclamation mark. In that case, it means your device is connected to the router but lacks the necessary DNS handshake from the provider, causing connectivity issues.

Toggle Wi-Fi On and Off

A simple but effective fix is toggling the Wi-Fi on your device. Click the Wi-Fi logo at the top right corner of your screen, switch it off, and wait about 30 seconds before turning it on again. This process can force your Mac to re-establish the network connection.

Forget Wi-Fi and Connect Again

Sometimes, deleting the troubled network from your settings and reconnecting can be a solution. If you are using macOS Ventura or later, go to System Settings > Wi-Fi > Select Details for the Wi-Fi network to which you are connected, then choose Forget This Network. After about 30 seconds, connect to the network again.

Update to the Latest Software

Updating your Mac to the latest software version may help resolve Wi-Fi-related issues. This step ensures you are up-to-date with the latest features, improvements, and bug fixes. To install the latest software updates, navigate to Apple Menu > System Settings > Software Update.

Check the Hardware Generating Your Wi-Fi Signal

If you still experience issues, the problem may lie with the hardware creating your Wi-Fi signal. Check the condition of your router, MiFi, or hotspot device. If no noticeable issues are found with your hardware, try restarting the device. It can help in re-establishing the Wi-Fi connection.

Advanced Troubleshooting Measures

If the basic troubleshooting steps do not solve the 'Wi-Fi Not Configured' problem on your Mac, you might need to attempt more advanced troubleshooting procedures. We highly recommend seeking professional assistance to prevent further damage to your device.

Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

If the basic steps do not resolve the 'Wi-Fi Not Configured' error on your Mac, please consider the following advanced troubleshooting actions:

Re-add the Wi-Fi Connector

The issue might occur due to your device's current Wi-Fi configurations. Here is how to re-add the connector:

Click on Apple menu > System Preferences > Network.
On the left panel, you will see a list of network services. Click the add (+) icon at the bottom to create a new Internet service.
A pop-up menu will appear. Select 'Wi-Fi' in the Interface pop-up menu and name it like 'Wi-Fi' etc. Click 'Create' afterward. A new 'Wi-Fi' service will be created.
Select the new Wi-Fi service in the list and click the 'Turn Wi-Fi On' button to enable the just-created service.

You have now configured a new Wi-Fi service on your Mac. Check if the Wi-Fi error is resolved.

Renew DHCP Lease

If the above method doesn't work, this should be your next step:

Go to System Preferences > Network, choose Wi-Fi, and click 'Advanced.'
Select the "TCP/IP" tab and click the 'Renew DHCP Lease' button.
Click 'OK' when done.

Restart Your Mac in Safe Mode

Restarting your Mac in Safe Mode can also potentially resolve this issue.

First, determine your Mac type by going to the Apple menu > About This Mac > Overview. Depending on your Mac model (Intel-based or Apple silicon), follow the appropriate steps to turn on your Mac in Safe Mode and log in to your account. Check if the Wi-Fi is working in safe mode.

Reset NVRAM and SMC

Another advanced step to solving the 'Wi-Fi Not Configured' error entails resetting the NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory) and SMC (System Management Controller).

First, reset NVRAM by following these steps:

Turn off your Mac.
Locate these keys: Option, Command, P, and R.
Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold the four located keys.
Keep holding them for about 20 seconds. Mac will restart on its own.
Test if the issue has been resolved.

If resetting NVRAM does not work, you can try resetting your Mac's SMC. Instructions on doing this may vary based on the type of your Mac. Make sure to follow the relevant guide provided by Apple.

If you are still experiencing this problem after trying these advanced troubleshooting steps, the problem may be related to your hardware, and you may need to contact Apple for further help.

Configuring Wi-Fi on Your Mac

Connecting your Mac to a Wi-Fi network is essential to resolving the 'Wi-Fi Not Configured' error. Whether the network is public or hidden, the following directions will assist you in establishing a successful connection:

Connect to a Public Network

To connect your Mac to a public Wi-Fi network, follow these steps:

Click the Wi-Fi icon in the Mac menu bar.
Select the network you want from the list of available networks. If your desired network is not visible, click "Other Networks" to find nearby options.
If prompted, enter the network password, then click "Join" to connect your Mac to the Internet.

Connect to a Hidden Network

Connecting to a hidden network necessitates a little more information about the network. Below are the steps to join a hidden network:

Gather the hidden network's name, security protocol, and password.
Click the Wi-Fi icon in the Mac menu bar.
Choose 'Other Networks' and select 'Other' at the bottom.
Enter the network name in the 'Network Name' field.
From the Security menu, pick the wireless security type the network uses.
Fill in any additional required information like username and password.
Click 'Join' to connect your Mac to the hidden network.

Following these steps will help establish a connection and potentially fix the 'Wi-Fi Not Configured' error on your Mac.

Resources and Additional Help

If the basic and advanced troubleshooting steps didn't help to resolve the 'Wi-Fi Not Configured' error on your Mac, the following resources might provide additional guidance:

Discuss Troubleshooting Steps in the Comments Section

The Apple Support Community is an extensive forum where you can pose questions and get advice from other Apple users. Sign up using your Apple ID to access the platform and start a discussion thread about your problem. A community member could offer helpful advice or troubleshooting steps you were unaware of.

Don't forget to explore online discussions or Q&A platforms. You can also refer to various tech blogs, tutorial videos, and tech support websites to gather more information on fixing the 'Wi-Fi Not Configured' error on your Mac.