How to Fix Wi-Fi Issues on macOS Monterey

Looking for ways to fix Wi-Fi issues on macOS Monterey? 

An upgrade in the macOS versions has always excited users. But all of it goes away the instant your Macintosh computers start to act up. In the recent macOS Monterey version, several issues were reported, such as USB Ports Not Working or Bluetooth Connectivity Issues.

Apart from that, the issue that draws our attention the most is the Wi-Fi issues on macOS Monterey. From facing difficulty when connecting to Wi-Fi networks to frequent dropping of connection and lags in network performance, it is by far the worst type of problem. 

While the problem could lie in your Wi-Fi router, many have found that the issue stems from the software when you update your Mac to Monterey. Improper DNS settings on your system could also result in the same issue. Fortunately, we’ve addressed certain measures you can take to resolve the problem.

So without any delay, let’s get started!

1. Turn Wi-Fi On/Off.

Whenever you encounter a problem with computers, always start with the most basic solutions. When facing Wi-Fi issues on macOS Monterey, the first thing you should try in order to resolve the issue is to turn the Wi-Fi off. Then after some time, switch it back on and see if that works.

To do so, follow the steps below:

1. To begin, click on the Wi-Fi icon present in the menu bar at the top right side of the screen.
   
2. Now, turn the toggle off next to Wi-Fi.

3. Wait for a couple of minutes.
   
4. Again, click on the Wi-Fi icon.
   
5. This time, switch the toggle on for Wi-Fi.

If this does nothing, don’t worry. Simply continue to the next method.

2. Forget Network And Reconnect.

If your Wi-Fi is extremely slow and often lagging, then this method is for you. In many cases, reconnecting the Wi-Fi has resolved the issue. For that, you need to force your Mac first to forget the network and then reconnect. While doing so, any bugs in the Wi-Fi network gets eliminated.

Below are the steps you need to follow in order to forget a Wi-Fi network:

1. Start by clicking on System Preferences from the Dock. Alternatively, you may click on the Apple icon in the menu bar and choose System Preferences from the drop-down options.

2. When it opens, click on Network.

3. Next, click on Wi-Fi from the left pane of the window.
   
4. On the right pane, click on the Advanced button.

5. Then, select a Wi-Fi network you’d like to forget under Preferred Networks.
   
6. After that, click on the – icon.

7. On the confirmation pop-up, click on Remove.
   
8. Click on OK.

9. Finally, select Apply to save the changes.

Now to reconnect to the same network, here’s what you need to do:

1. Simply click on the Wi-Fi icon at the menu bar.

2. From the drop-down options, choose the network you’d like to rejoin.
   
3. When required, enter the Wi-Fi password and click on Join.
   
   

3. Restart Your Mac.

If you believe the Wi-Fi issues on macOS Monterey are a result of glitches in your computer, a simple reboot will solve the problem for you. Temporary glitches and bugs related to software are often removed when you restart your computer’s system.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. First, click on the Apple logo present in the top left corner of the menu bar.
   
2. From the drop-down options, select Shut Down.

3. Give your Mac a little time to cool down.
   
4. Then, turn it back on.
   
   

4. Reboot Your Wi-Fi Router/Modem.

If you’re receiving weak network signals across all your devices, the problem may either be in your network service or your Wi-Fi router/modem. If it’s the latter, a simple reset would hopefully solve the problem.

Follow the steps below to do so:

1. Go to your Wi-Fi router and modem.
   
2. Unplug the devices.
   
3. Wait for almost a minute or half.
   
4. Plug in the modem again and wait for it to connect to your ISP.
   
5. Now, plug in your router and power it on.

6. Give it time to fully boot up before checking if the internet is working fine on your Mac.
   
   

5. Switch To 5GHz Band.

When it comes to Wi-Fi speed and performance, we recommend using 5GHz over the 2.5GHz band. The reason being that it provides greater bandwidth with negligible interference.

Here’s how to switch to 5GHz band Wi-Fi:

1. Before getting started, ensure that you have separate networks on your dual-band router, preferably with different names.
   
2. Then, head over to System Preferences either from the Dock or Apple menu.

3. From there, click on Networks.
   
4. Now, select Wi-Fi from the left pane and click on the Advanced button.
   
5. Lastly, drag the 5GHz network to the top and click OK.
   
6. To save these changes, click on Apply.
   
   

6. Reset NVRAM, PRAM, And SMC.

NVRAM or nonvolatile random access memory and PRAM or parameter RAM is a memory on your Mac that stores specific settings for quick access. When your computer starts misbehaving, it’s advisable to reset both NVRAM and PRAM.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Click on the Apple menu and choose the Shut Down option.
   
2. Then, turn your Mac back on.
   
3. Immediately, press and hold Option + Command + P + R keys for about 20 seconds, then release.

Resetting the System Management Controller or SMC is another reliable method to follow when facing Wi-Fi issues on macOS Monterey. It stores low-level settings of your Mac, and resetting it may be mandatory in order to restore the default functionality of your system.

These are the steps you’ll need to follow:

1. Begin by going to the Apple menu and clicking on Shut Down.
   
2. When your Mac powers off, press and hold the Shift + Control + Option keys.
   
3. With the keys still pressed, press and hold the Power button.

4. Keep pressing the four keys for almost 10 seconds, then release.
   
5. Finally, turn on your Mac and see if the Wi-Fi is working fine.
   
   

7. Check DNS Settings.

If ever you’re having a hard time connecting to sites by their names, it’s best to look into your DNS settings. DNS stands for the Domain Name System that is used to convert domain names to IP addresses. 

So, follow these steps:

1. First, to find out whether the DNS is working properly, launch Safari or any other browser you use and enter https://17.172.224.47 in the URL field.
   
2. If you’re taken to Apple’s official website, that means your internet is working just fine, and the problem is in the domain names. For that, go to System Preferences and choose Networks.
   
3. From the left pane, click on Wi-Fi.
   
4. Now, click on the Advanced button on the right pane of the window.
   
5. Next, go to the DNS tab.

6. Click on the + icon and enter 208.67.222.220. Again click on the + icon, and this time, enter 208.67.222.222.

7. Click OK and then Apply to save these changes.

If the issue persists, move to the next method.

8. Run Apple Diagnostics.

Apple Diagnostics is a default tool in Mac to help you discover issues related to the system’s hardware. It also assists you in determining the root cause behind Wi-Fi issues on macOS Monterey.

Here’s how to run Apple Diagnostics on your Mac:

1. Start by disconnecting all external devices, including the Ethernet cables from your Mac.
   
2. Now, select the Apple menu and click on Restart.

3. As soon as your Mac restarts, press and hold the D key until you see the language screen appear. Here, you will be asked to choose a language and a Wi-Fi network. The diagnostics will run automatically afterward.
   
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Hopefully, this will resolve all the Wi-Fi related issues on your Mac.

This brings us to the end of our guide on how to fix Wi-Fi issues on macOS Monterey. We’ve listed all the possible solutions regarding the matter. Let us know your feedback in the comment section below. 

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