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Mac WiFi Keeps Disconnecting After Sleep — Network Connection Drops Repeatedly

Warningnetwork

Overview

Fix Mac WiFi disconnecting after waking from sleep, requiring manual reconnection, or failing to rejoin the preferred wireless network.

Key Details

  • macOS disconnects WiFi during sleep to save power and should automatically reconnect on wake
  • Failure to reconnect after wake is a common issue especially after macOS updates
  • The WiFi configuration database and preferences can become corrupted over time
  • Multiple saved networks with overlapping ranges can confuse the auto-join priority
  • DNS and DHCP lease issues can make it appear that WiFi is connected but not working

Common Causes

  • WiFi preferences file corrupted after a macOS update
  • DHCP lease not renewing properly after wake from sleep
  • WiFi network priority list not configured correctly with multiple saved networks
  • Power Nap or Wake for network access settings interfering with WiFi sleep/wake cycle

Steps

  1. 1Renew DHCP lease: System Settings > Network > WiFi > Details > TCP/IP > Renew DHCP Lease
  2. 2Remove and re-add the WiFi network: System Settings > Network > WiFi > Details > Forget This Network, then rejoin
  3. 3Delete WiFi preferences: remove files from /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/ starting with 'com.apple.airport' and 'com.apple.network'
  4. 4Create a new Network Location: System Settings > Network > Location > Edit Locations > add new location
  5. 5Reset network settings: System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset Network Settings (Ventura+)

Tags

wifidisconnectsleepnetworkreconnect

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Frequently Asked Questions

During sleep, macOS releases the WiFi connection. On wake, it must re-authenticate and obtain an IP address. If DHCP is slow, preferences are corrupted, or the router has released the lease, reconnection fails.