Turn Wi-Fi back on on your Mac

Why it happens

When Wi-Fi is off, your Mac doesn't look for networks at all, so the list is empty and nothing can connect. It's often switched off by accident from the menu bar or Control Center. Turning it on brings back your saved networks, and your Mac usually rejoins the one you use by itself.

How to fix it

1. Quickest way: click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar, or open Control Center, and switch Wi-Fi on.

2. Or open the Apple menu, choose System Settings, click Wi-Fi in the sidebar and turn on the Wi-Fi switch at the top.

   Wi-Fi

3. Wait a few seconds for networks to appear, then click yours. Type its password if asked.

4. Open a website to check you're online.

Still not fixed?

1. Wi-Fi icon missing from the menu bar? Turn on Wi-Fi under Menu Bar Controls in Menu Bar settings.

   Menu Bar›Menu Bar Controls›Wi-Fi

2. Your network isn't listed? Move closer to the router, then turn Wi-Fi off and on to search again. For a hidden network, choose Other in the list and type its name.

3. If the switch turns itself off again, or Wi-Fi says No hardware installed, shut down completely, wait 30 seconds and start the Mac again.

4. On a school or work Mac, Wi-Fi may be controlled by the organisation. Ask whoever set the Mac up.

5. If Wi-Fi still won't turn on after a restart and the latest macOS update, or keeps saying No hardware installed, contact Apple Support or a repair shop. The Wi-Fi hardware may need a repair.