Mac Laptops Troubleshooting Communication Issues
Troubleshooting Bluetooth or Wi-Fi issues
Identify issues
Read this article if you notice any of the following issues:
Bluetooth service is unavailable
Bluetooth setting won’t turn on
Can’t pair the computer with a Bluetooth accessory
The computer intermittently loses connection with a paired Bluetooth accessory
Data transfer using a Bluetooth accessory 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
Wi-Fi connection is intermittently lost
Wi-Fi signal is poor
Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article, continue to the next section.
Try quick troubleshooting steps
Restart the Mac.
Ensure that the date and time are set correctly on the Mac.
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.
Refer to steps and support resources in Troubleshooting Quick Checks.
Run manual and diagnostic tests
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or trying the quick troubleshooting steps, run these diagnostic and manual tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:
Run the Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) diagnostic suite. Check diagnostic results for the presence of wireless hardware.
Attempt to join a Wi-Fi network while the Mac is in macOS recovery mode.
Open and inspect the computer
If the 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.
Follow repair manual procedures to remove the bottom case and disconnect the battery from the logic board.
Visually inspect the computer by looking for evidence of corrosion or damaged parts such as flex cables or other cables, modules, and other damage.
Locate the antenna coaxial cables on the logic board. Unplug and inspect the cables and connectors for any signs of pinched wires or connector damage. Also inspect for logic board pin damage.
Reseat the antenna coaxial cable connectors to the logic board, then retest for the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth issue.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Replace the part
If the 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 if replacing a part resolves the issue. If it still isn’t resolved, replace the next part.
Replace the vent/antenna module or left or right speaker with antenna (depending on the model), which contains the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas.
Replace the logic board.
After the repair is completed, turn on the computer. For Bluetooth, pair with a functioning Bluetooth device and verify that the connection is sustained for several minutes. For Wi-Fi, connect to a functioning wireless network and retest data throughput, checking for adequate transfer speeds. Verify that the wireless connection is sustained for several minutes.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.