If Wi-Fi on an M4 Mac mini drops or is slow, forget the network and rejoin it, then compare with Ethernet: the Mac mini has a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a wired connection rules the wireless card out. A Mac mini sits low and behind a desk, so move it or the router to give it a clearer path, and keep Bluetooth devices and 2.4 GHz gear away, since Bluetooth shares that band.
Differential
Likely causes of “Apple Mac mini M4 will not connect to Wi-Fi or keeps disconnecting”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A weak signal behind a desk
What separates it Fast near the router, slow at the desk
How to confirm Move the Mac mini or the router, or use Ethernet
- 2
A stale saved network
What separates it It joins then drops, or says it cannot connect
How to confirm Forget the network in Wi-Fi settings and rejoin
- 3
Interference on 2.4 GHz
What separates it Bluetooth keyboards lag and Wi-Fi is slow on the 2.4 GHz band
How to confirm Join the 5 GHz name and keep 2.4 GHz devices away
- 4
A router that drops idle devices
What separates it It disconnects after sleep and wakes without internet
How to confirm Restart the router and update its firmware
- 5
A macOS bug
What separates it It started after an update
How to confirm Install the latest macOS update
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether Ethernet works
- The Wi-Fi band and router model
- Whether Bluetooth devices lag at the same time
- When it began
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedTest with Ethernet
ReversiblePlug in a cable; if it works, the router and internet are fine.
Forget and rejoin
ReversibleIn System Settings, Wi-Fi, choose the network, Forget this network and join again.
Join the 5 GHz band
ReversibleChoose the 5 GHz network name if your router shows separate names.
Run wireless diagnostics
ReversibleHold Option and click the Wi-Fi icon, then Open Wireless Diagnostics and follow it.
Move it
ReversibleRaise the Mac mini off the floor and away from other electronics.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Wi-Fi hardware
- The M4 Mac mini supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3; a Wi-Fi 6E router gives the best results.
- Bluetooth waking the Mac
- Owners report Bluetooth devices waking the Mac mini from sleep; switch off Allow Bluetooth devices to wake this computer if it keeps waking.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the iMac 24-inch (M4), Mac Studio (M2 Max/M2 Ultra).
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If Ethernet works and Wi-Fi never does on any network, book service for the wireless hardware
- !If every device drops, call the internet provider
- !If only after an update, wait for the next macOS release
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Restart, DHCP lease, date and time, another network, VPN, router firmware, Wi-Fi Recommendations and Wireless Diagnostics.
Four Thunderbolt 4 ports, up to two external displays, camera, speakers, Ethernet and weight.
M4 and M4 Pro ports, HDMI, Ethernet, display support, speaker, Wi-Fi 6E and weight.
M2 Max and M2 Ultra ports, SDXC slot, HDMI, 10Gb Ethernet, display support, speaker and weight.
AppleCare+ service fees for Mac models: $49 to $99 for damaged screens or external enclosures and $149 to $299 for other accidental damage.
An owner's account of Bluetooth problems and the 2.4 GHz interference.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why is my Mac mini Wi-Fi slow but my phone is fast?+
The Mac mini often sits lower and farther from the router. Move it, use 5 GHz or use Ethernet.
Does Bluetooth affect Mac mini Wi-Fi?+
They share the 2.4 GHz band, so heavy Bluetooth use can slow Wi-Fi on that band; use 5 GHz.
Does the Mac mini have Ethernet?+
Yes, a Gigabit Ethernet port on the back, with 10 Gb Ethernet as an option.
Why is Wi-Fi slow on my Mac mini under a desk?+
The small case and nearby metal can reduce the signal. Move it into the open or use Ethernet.
How do I forget a Wi-Fi network on a Mac mini?+
Open System Settings, Wi-Fi, choose Details for the network and select Forget This Network.
Does the Mac mini support the 6 GHz band?+
The M4 Mac mini supports Wi-Fi 6E, so it can use the 6 GHz band on a Wi-Fi 6E router.
Should I use Ethernet with the Mac mini?+
Yes, for the most stable connection, especially for video calls and large transfers.