Apple Silicon Mac Modular Desktops: Communication Issues

Troubleshooting Bluetooth or Wi-Fi issues

Troubleshooting Ethernet issues

Troubleshooting Bluetooth or Wi-Fi issues

Identify issues

Read this article if you notice any of the following issues:

  • Can’t turn on Bluetooth

  • Can't pair the computer with a Bluetooth device

  • Intermittent communication loss with paired Bluetooth device

  • Bluetooth data transfer times out or is slow

  • Wi-Fi service isn't available

  • Can't turn on Wi-Fi

  • Can't connect the computer to a Wi-Fi network

  • Intermittent Wi-Fi communication loss

  • Poor Wi-Fi signal

Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference

If your issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article, continue to the next section.

Try quick troubleshooting steps

  1. Restart the Mac.

  2. Ensure that the date and time are set correctly on the Mac.

  3. If you can connect to the internet from a different Wi-Fi network or when using a wired Ethernet connection, connect to that network. Then update macOS on the Mac.

Run manual and diagnostic tests

If your issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or checking for potential causes, run these diagnostic and manual tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:

  1. Run the Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) diagnostic suite.

  2. Start up the computer to macOS Recovery.

  3. Attempt to join a Wi-Fi network while the mac is in macOS recovery mode.

Open and inspect the computer

If your issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following support articles or running diagnostics tests, refer to the computer's repair manual to open and inspect the computer. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.

Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. You can find a service option at support.apple.com/repair.

Replace the part

If your issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the following parts one at a time in the order shown. After you replace the first part, repeat the troubleshooting steps to determine whether replacing a part resolves the issue. If it still isn’t resolved, replace the next part.

  • Replace the antenna or I/O wall (depending on the model), which contain the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas.

  • Replace the logic board.

Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. You can find a service option at support.apple.com/repair.

Troubleshooting Ethernet issues

Identify issues

  • Ethernet doesn’t appear as a network service

  • Can’t activate Ethernet service

  • Ethernet service shows no connection

  • Ethernet unable to obtain an IP address

  • Slow Ethernet network performance

Try quick troubleshooting steps

  1. Verify that nothing is inserted into the Ethernet port on the computer. Visually inspect the port for damage or debris.

  2. If you find any debris in the Ethernet port, gently clean this area using a small, non-metallic, soft-bristled brush. Ensure that the brush is clean and dry. Gently brush out lint or debris. Use just enough bristles to fit inside the connector. Twist the bristles to loosen and lift out debris. Brush debris away from the connector to avoid brushing debris into the connector. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away the loosened debris.

    • Caution: Unplug all cables and turn off the computer first. Don't use aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide that might damage the finish. Don’t use any metal objects to clear debris or obstructions, as this can short the connector and cause damage. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don't spray liquid directly on the computer. Don't use compressed air.

  3. Follow all relevant recommended steps in the following support articles:

    1. Troubleshoot an Ethernet device on Mac

    2. Troubleshoot external networking devices on Mac

    3. Solve internet connection problems on Mac

  4. If you can connect to the internet from a Wi-Fi network, connect to that network. Then update macOS on the Mac.

Run manual and diagnostic tests

If your issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or checking for potential causes, run these diagnostic and manual tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:

  1. Run the Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) diagnostic suite.

  2. Start up the computer to macOS Recovery.

Open and inspect the computer

If your issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following support articles or running diagnostics tests, refer to the computer's repair manual to open and inspect the computer. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.

Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. You can find a service option at support.apple.com/repair.

Replace the part

If your issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the following parts one at a time in the order shown. After you replace the first part, repeat the troubleshooting steps to determine whether replacing a part resolves the issue. If it still isn’t resolved, replace the next part.

  • Replace the Ethernet board in Mac Studio models or the logic board in Mac mini and Mac Pro models.

  • Replace the logic board in all models.

Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. You can find a service option at support.apple.com/repair.

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