Mac Wi-Fi Connected But No Internet — Self-Assigned IP Address

Fix Mac Wi-Fi 'connected with no internet' and self-assigned IP address issues caused by DHCP failures, DNS problems, or network configuration corruption. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Here are the key things to understand: A self-assigned IP (169.254.x.x) means DHCP failed and the Mac assigned itself an address. Wi-Fi shows connected but no internet access with this IP. The Mac successfully associated with the Wi-Fi network but could not get an IP from the router. Multiple causes: DHCP server down, IP pool exhausted, or Mac network config corrupted. macOS network preferences stored in /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.

The most common reasons this occurs include: Router DHCP server not responding or its IP pool is exhausted. Corrupted network configuration files on the Mac. IP address conflict — another device has the same IP assigned. Wi-Fi interference causing packet loss during DHCP negotiation. VPN or network extension corrupting network settings. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Renew DHCP lease: System Settings > Wi-Fi > Details for your network > TCP/IP > Renew DHCP Lease. Forget and rejoin the network: Wi-Fi settings > Details > Forget This Network, then reconnect. Delete network preferences: sudo rm /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.airport.preferences.plist then restart. Try manual IP: set a static IP in the same subnet as your router (e.g., 192.168.1.200). Restart router and Mac — DHCP issues often resolve with a fresh start. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.

This article is part of our Mac Error Codes collection on Error Codes Wiki. We provide comprehensive, up-to-date information to help you find solutions quickly.