• You can check if your Mac has been blocked in the Wi-Fi network.
  • If you have a Mac mini, you can use the Ethernet port for seamless internet connectivity.
  • You can also use an adapter to interface your MacBook with a router.

Basic Fixes:

  • Disable and Enable Wi-Fi : You can start by rebooting your Mac first. Once done, you can also disable Wi-Fi from the Mac Control Center and enable it after some time.
  • Restart Router : If your home or office Wi-Fi doesn’t show up on all your smart devices, your router can be the main culprit here. A simple restart should fix the issue.
  • Update Router Firmware : An outdated router firmware can also put a damper on an otherwise productive day. That said, note that the steps to update router firmware differ from one OEM to another. You can visit your router company’s official website to learn the steps.
  • Confirm an Outage With ISP : If your local internet service provider is facing a server-side outage, you may have issues finding a Wi-Fi network on a Mac. You can head to Downdetector and search for your ISP.

Fix 1: Reset PRAM

Resetting PRAM deletes your Mac’s current state information and reverts your Mac to default settings. It resets display resolution, sound, time zone, and more. Here’s what you need to do.

Shut down your Mac. Next, hit the power button and press down the Command + Option + P + R keys for around 20 seconds. Lift your fingers once you hear a system startup chime.

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Note : The steps above apply to Intel-based Macs. On M-series Macs, the system resets PRAM when it detects the need to do so.

When our office Wi-Fi network failed to show up on a Mac, deleting the network-related plist files worked like a charm. Here’s how you can do so,

Step 1: Disable Wi-Fi on your Mac. Once done, launch Finder and press the Shift + Command + G keys. Enter the following path.

/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/
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Step 2: Find the following network-related files.

  • com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
  • com.apple.network.identification.plist
  • com.apple.wifi.message-tracer.plist
  • NetworkInterfaces.plist
  • preferences.plist

Once you locate them, right-click and move them to Bin . Right-click on Bin to empty it, and reboot your Mac.

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The system will generate relevant files during the system startup. This should cause the nearby Wi-Fi network to appear on your Mac.

Fix 3: Clear Bogus Files on Mac

Step 1: Open Finder on Mac and press the Command + Shift + G keys. Type the following path.

~/Library/Caches
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Step 2: Select items you want to delete and move them to trash.

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You can also use third-party applications like CleanMyMac X to clear the app cache on your Mac.

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  • Check the cable connection and restart your printer.
  • Update the macOS version and your printer software.
  • If nothing works, reset the printing system.

Fix 1: Add Your Printer via IP Address and Set It to Default

Step 1: Click the Apple logo at the top-left corner of the menu bar and select System Settings .

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Step 2: Click Printers & Scanners from the left sidebar. Click Add Printer, Scanner or Fax button from the right pane.

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Step 3: It will open the Add Printer dialog box. Click on the Host menu icon in the center at the top.

Step 4: Enter your printer’s hostname or IP address to let your Mac detect your printer. Next, click the Add button at the bottom right corner.

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Step 5: Go back and click on your printer name. Then, click on Set As Default and select Done to confirm.

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Fix 2: Enable Print Sharing on Local Network

Print sharing is useful for non-wireless printers that are connected to your Mac with a cable. For a wireless or AirPrint-compatible printer, you don’t need to share it on the local network.

Step 1: Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner and select System Settings .

Step 2: Click on Printers and Scanners from the left menu. Then, click on your printer name from the right pane.

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Fix 3: Disable Wi-Fi Isolation or Segregation on Router

AP Isolation is a great way to prevent unwanted hacking of your wirelessly connected devices. But this also means that it can prevent wireless devices connected to the same Wi-Fi from communicating with each other.

Step 1: Open your web browser and enter the IP address for your router.

You can find the IP address by going to System Settings > Wi-Fi > Details and you will see the router IP address.

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Step 2: Sign in to the admin panel of the router and find the option of AP isolation .

Step 3: If the setting is enabled, disable it and restart your router.

Once done, connect your printer again to the network and check if the problem is solved.

Fix 4: Reset the Printing System

Does your printer show on your Mac but can’t print a document? It’s time to reset the printer system for your preferred printer.

Step 1: Click the Apple logo at the top-left corner and select System Settings .

Step 2: Click Printers & Scanners from the left sidebar. Then, select your printer from the right pane.

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Step 3: Press the Control key and select the default printer. Select Reset Printing System and try again.

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