How to Stop Persistent Wi-Fi Connection Drops on macOS Sequoia and Tahoe?

Why Does Your Mac Keep Losing Wi-Fi Connection After macOS Updates?

Your Mac keeps losing its internet connection. One minute you're browsing the web. The next minute, nothing works. This problem hits many Mac users after updating to macOS Sequoia or the Tahoe beta version.

The Wi-Fi drops happen without warning. No error messages. No clear reason. Your connection just vanishes, leaving you stuck without internet access.

Why This Happens

Mac computers store network settings in special files. Sometimes these files get corrupted during system updates. When corruption occurs, your Mac struggles to maintain stable Wi-Fi connections.

The problem affects different Mac models. MacBook Air users report frequent drops. MacBook Pro owners face similar issues. Even iMac users experience random disconnections.

The Root Cause

Network preference files become damaged or conflicted. These files tell your Mac how to connect to Wi-Fi networks. When they malfunction, your computer loses the ability to stay connected reliably.

System updates can trigger this corruption. New software sometimes conflicts with existing network settings. The result? Unstable connections that drop without notice.

Quick Solution Steps

This fix requires deleting corrupted network files. Your Mac will rebuild them automatically. Here's the complete process:

Before You Start

• Close all internet apps (Safari, Chrome, Mail, Messages)
• Save any important work
• Have your Wi-Fi password ready

Step-by-Step Fix

Step 1: Turn Off Wi-Fi

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in your menu bar
2. Select "Turn Wi-Fi Off"

Step 2: Access Hidden Files

1. Open Finder
2. Press Command + Shift + G
3. Type: /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/
4. Press Enter

Step 3: Backup Network Files

Move these files to your desktop:

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

Step 4: Restart Your Mac

1. Click the Apple menu
2. Select "Restart"
3. Wait for complete startup

Step 5: Reconnect to Wi-Fi

1. Turn Wi-Fi back on
2. Select your network
3. Enter your password
4. Test your connection

What This Fix Does

Deleting these files forces macOS to create fresh network settings. Your Mac forgets all previous Wi-Fi configurations. It builds new, clean connection profiles.

This process eliminates corrupted data that causes drops. Your computer starts with a blank slate for network connections.

Important Considerations

You'll Need to Reconfigure

• Custom DNS settings
• Static IP addresses
• VPN configurations
• Proxy settings

Keep Your Backup Files

The files you moved to your desktop serve as backups. If problems persist, you can restore them by dragging them back to the original folder.

Alternative Solutions

Update Your System

Check for macOS updates regularly. Apple often releases fixes for network issues. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update.

Reset Network Settings

If the file deletion method fails, try resetting all network settings through System Preferences > Network > Advanced > Reset.

Check Router Compatibility

Some older routers struggle with newer macOS versions. Consider updating your router's firmware or replacing outdated hardware.

Prevention Tips

• Keep macOS updated
• Restart your Mac weekly
• Monitor network performance
• Document custom settings before major updates

When to Seek Additional Help

Contact Apple Support if:

• The problem persists after trying this fix
• Multiple network issues occur simultaneously
• Your Mac won't recognize any Wi-Fi networks
• Hardware damage is suspected

This solution resolves Wi-Fi dropping issues for most Mac users. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires no technical expertise. Your internet connection should remain stable after completing these steps.