If a MacBook Pro is on Wi-Fi but cannot get online, Apple's article tells you to restart the Mac, which renews the internet address it was assigned (the DHCP lease), check that the date and time are right, try a different network to separate a Mac fault from a network fault, check VPN or security software and use the Wi-Fi Recommendations item and Wireless Diagnostics macOS provides. Apple's tech specs list Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3 on every 14-inch and 16-inch M3 and M4 Pro, so all can use 6 GHz networks. A Pro used with docks, drives and an SD reader sits in a noisier radio environment than most laptops, so test with the accessories unplugged.
Differential
Likely causes of “Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch will not connect to Wi-Fi or keeps disconnecting”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A stale internet address
What separates it Wi-Fi shows connected with full bars but pages will not load in any browser
How to confirm Apple says restarting renews the DHCP lease; if the address is in use, the Mac gets a new one
- 2
VPN or security software
What separates it The internet works again after you turn security or VPN software off
How to confirm Apple says software that monitors network connections could affect access
- 3
A router that needs attention
What separates it Every device on the network has trouble getting online, not only this Mac
How to confirm Apple says to install the latest router firmware, restart the router and use its recommended settings
- 4
A network the Mac cannot use
What separates it The Pro connects elsewhere but not on this network
How to confirm Apple says to try a different Wi-Fi network and contact your ISP if only one fails
- 5
Interference from docks and drives
What separates it Wi-Fi drops when a USB 3 dock or SSD is active
How to confirm Unplug the dock and drive, use the 5 GHz or 6 GHz band and retest
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The network name, band and router model, and whether other devices are online
- What the Wi-Fi menu and Wi-Fi Recommendations say
- Which docks, drives and displays are plugged in
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedRestart the Mac
ReversibleApple says restarting renews the address the Mac was assigned when it joined the network, which can clear a stale connection.
Check date and time
ReversibleMake sure the date, time and time zone are correct, since a wrong clock breaks secure connections and stops sites loading.
Try another network
ReversibleJoin another Wi-Fi network or a phone hotspot to separate a Mac problem from a network problem.
Turn off VPN or security software
ReversibleTest the internet with the security or VPN software disabled or removed, to see whether it is blocking the connection.
Use Wi-Fi Recommendations
ReversibleLook for Wi-Fi Recommendations in the Wi-Fi menu; it appears when the Mac detects an issue.
Run Wireless Diagnostics
ReversibleHold Option, click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and choose Open Wireless Diagnostics, which tests the connection and explains what it finds.
Unplug the accessories
ReversibleUnplug the accessories, by removing docks and drives, and then retesting before restarting the router.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Wi-Fi by model
- 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro M3 and M4: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3, per Apple's tech specs; Wi-Fi 6E is available where supported.
- Busy ports
- Three Thunderbolt ports, HDMI, SDXC slot and MagSafe 3. Several active devices can add radio noise near the antenna.
- Part numbers
- No part number is involved. The wireless hardware is soldered to the board and identified by model and serial number.
- Tools and supplies
- Your router's admin page or app, your Wi-Fi password and a second device or phone hotspot. A dry towel keeps the desk clear while testing.
- Repair cost
- Apple quotes a Wi-Fi hardware repair after diagnosis. iFixit's table lists Apple's US estimate for a MacBook Pro battery at $249; no Wi-Fi repair price is published.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 family), MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3 family).
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the Pro cannot get online on any network after Wireless Diagnostics and a restart, contact Apple
- !If only one network fails, contact the network's owner or your ISP
- !If Wi-Fi drops only with certain accessories attached, replace or move the accessory
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Restart, DHCP lease, date and time, another network, VPN, router firmware, Wi-Fi Recommendations and Wireless Diagnostics.
72.4-watt-hour battery, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, 24 hours video, Center Stage camera and display support.
100-watt-hour battery, 140W adapter, Thunderbolt 5, HDMI, SDXC and ProMotion.
Apple silicon MacBook Pro history: 14-inch and 16-inch generations, ports, displays and fans.
Exact questions
Common questions
Can a Thunderbolt dock cause Wi-Fi trouble?+
Some docks add radio noise near the antenna. Unplug the dock and any USB 3 drive, retest and reconnect them one at a time to find the source.
Which Wi-Fi band should I choose?+
Use 5 GHz near the router for speed and 6 GHz where your router offers it, since the M3 and M4 Pros are Wi-Fi 6E; 2.4 GHz suits longer distances.
Which Wi-Fi does the Pro have?+
Apple's tech specs list Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) with Bluetooth 5.3 for the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro M3 and M4 models.
Can I use 6 GHz?+
Yes, where your router offers it and the country allows it; Apple notes Wi-Fi 6E is available in countries and regions where supported.