WiFi unable to turn on [duplicate]
I have a MacBook Pro 2009 running MacOS El Capitan. Recently the Wi-Fi has stopped working.
When I click on the Wi-Fi icon it displays the message "No hardware installed", but Ethernet still works.
Is there any way of fixing this by using a Wi-Fi dongle or something of the sort, if so do I need a specific dongle and how do I install it?
Solution 1:
If you are getting the message "No hardware Installed" it means that macOS is not detecting your WiFi adapter for one of two reasons:
- It's not installed (it physically doesn't exist)
- It has failed
Chances are it's the second option.
You can confirm this by running Apple Hardware Test (AHT). Hold the D key while booting from a powered off state with the AC adapter connected.
Regardless if the first or the second, you will probably have to replace it with another Airport card
ifixit.com has an excellent tutorial and step-by-step guide on how to replace the board. It's a time consuming repair - I wouldn't say difficult, but more detail oriented. If this is not your cup of tea, I recommend taking it in for service.
Solution 2:
I had this same problem. I reset NVRAM and SMC to no effect. I also ran the Apple Hardware Test and it came back as a hardware problem. But...
But then I did this, and my wifi was back, working just like new.
Switch to Finder
Click on 'Go' (top menu) -> 'Go to Folder...'
Copy and paste this into the field:
/Library/Preferences/SystemConfigurationFind and trash
NetworkInterfaces.plist,com.apple.airport.preferences.plist,com.apple.wifi.message-tracer.plistReboot
I would suggest making a copy of this file, naming it something different and storing it on your desktop before deleting the file - just in case. But this worked for me. Hope it works for you.
Solution 3:
Try resetting the NVRAM and SMC first before going out and spending money on a new WiFi adapter. You can do this by:
NVRAM
- Reboot the Mac and immediately hold down Command + Option + P + R keys together
- Continue holding all Command+Option+P+R keys until you hear the Mac reboot sound again, then release all keys concurrently
SMC
- Plug the laptop into a power source
- Press and hold all of these keys at the same time: Control + Shift + Option + Power
- Release the keys
- Press the Power button to turn it back on
If that doesn't fix it, then you might need to buy an adapter. There are a lot of good ones out there that work with Macs. I would just go to your favorite online retailer and search WiFi adapters for Mac. That should bring you plenty of options.
Solution 4:
It could be the ribbon cable connecting the airport board to the logic board, allegedly they wear out.
There is a good explanation here: http://warrantyvoidifremoved.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/repairing-intermittent-wifiwireless-on.html?m=1