Apple Silicon Mac Laptops: 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

  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 the 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 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.

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 contain the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas.

  • Replace the logic board.

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.

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