How to fix iMac Not Connecting to Internet

Last Updated on May 20, 2021 by Rick Darlinton

The internet has become an essential part of our lives, enabling us to fulfill our routine work-related and personal tasks. Surfing the net becomes more effortless and fun when you are using a device like the Macbook Air. However, it can quickly go downhill if you happen to face the iMac not connecting to internet issue out of the blue. Such a problem could arise due to any number of reasons. Luckily, we know the best solutions to make the network connection on your Mac operational again. Simply follow the list of troubleshooting techniques listed in the article to connect to the internet.

1: Update the System

Outdated macOS X can cause the iMac not connecting to internet problem. You can quickly fix it by downloading/installing the latest updates or version of macOS.

  1. Click on System Preferences from the Apple Menu.
  2. Select Software Update to see if there is an update that is needed to be installed.
  3. Install the recent version and reboot
  4. The internet will start working again.

If you are using an older version of macOS, then you can simply head over to the Apple App Store to download the recent OS on your system.

2: Restart your Mac

Sometimes all you need is to reboot your Macbook to enable the internet and fix the iMac WiFi not working issue. Upon startup, check the network, and you will see that the system is connected to the WiFi.

3: Check the Date and Time

If your date/time settings are out of place, it could become a reason for the WiFi problems. It is vital to keep the date and time of the Mac system updated. The steps to check date/time settings are as follows:

  1. Click on the Apple Menu and select System Preferences.
  2. Hit Date & Time icon.
  3. Check the Set date and time automatically option to fix the issue.
  4. Restart the system and access the internet.

4: Run Wireless Diagnostics on your MacBook

You can enable Mac’s built-in “Wireless Diagnostic Tool” to check the status of WiFi. The scan will display the issues related to the network connection and share the best solutions to fix them. Before running the tool, it is critical to close all apps running on the computer.

  1. Press the Options
  2. Right-click on the WiFi icon and select Wireless Diagnostics.
  3. Simply follow the instructions stated in the dialogue box.
  4. The tool will perform a thorough analysis of the WiFi within a few minutes.
  5. Click on the Info tab to check the summary of all the problems to the network connection issue.

5: Reset Network Settings

You can reset or wipe the entire internet connection settings to enable it again on your Macbook. Sometimes, the recent macOS updates do not get in sync with the internet connection causing the issue to occur suddenly. The steps to remove all network settings are as follows:

  1. From the System Preferences menu, click on Network.
  2. On the left side of the interface, click on WiFi.
  3. Hit the Minus/- button to remove the connection.
  4. Click on Apply to finalize the settings.
  5. Reboot the system and repeat steps 1 and 2.
  6. Click on the Plus/+ tab to create a new connection.
  7. The internet will start to work again.

6: Bluetooth Not Showing in Device Manager

The System Report is the macOS version of Windows Device Manager, displaying the details of hardware attached with the Mac. If you are connected to the internet using Bluetooth, and it seems to be non-operational, then check whether Bluetooth is showing on the System Report window or not.

If not, you can press the Command+Shift+G simultaneously to access Library Preferences and remove the “com.apple.Bluetooth.plist” files. Restart the Macbook after that to check if the network is connected to the system or not.

7: Reset your SMC, PRAM or NVRAM

If you happen to face the iMac ethernet not working difficulty, it is probably due to some glitch in Mac’s PRAM or NVRAM. These fragments of the system’s RAM store a specific amount of information or the computer’s memory. You can reset PRAM and NVRAM to make the internet connection workable again.

  1. Shut down your Macbook.
  2. Start it again and press the Option, Command, P, and R buttons from the keyboard simultaneously for 20 seconds.
  3. Once you remove your fingers from the keys, the action will reset PRAM and NVRAM.

If the solution mentioned above doesn’t work, you can reset the Macbook’s SMC (System Management Controller) to make the network up and running again. It usually manages all the power-related features of the computer.

  1. Shut down the Macbook and press the Option, Command, Shift key, and the Power button simultaneously for 7 seconds.
  2. Restart your computer.

Conclusion

A working internet connection is one of the fundamental utility of a desktop or smartphone. If it stops working due to some reason, it could easily disrupt your routine work. After applying any of the methods mentioned above, you can fix the iMac not connecting to internet issue. Feel free to share this guide with anyone who is having trouble connecting to the internet from their Macbook.

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