(Solved) Mac Wi-Fi no IP address

Despite Macs being the most user-friendly PCs, they also run into issues like lack of internet access or failure to connect to Wi-Fi. One of the leading errors experienced on Macs when attempting to connect to Wi-Fi is the lack of an IP address.

Mac Wi-Fi no IP address can be due to different factors. This can be resolved by changing the network settings, connecting to a different network, deleting all saved Wi-Fi networks, changing the location, or restarting your router and changing the network settings.

First, check the IP address on your Mac by going to the Apple menu and select ‘System Preferences’. From the view menu, select Network and click on ‘Wi-Fi’. On the lower left-hand side of the screen, select Advanced and then navigate to the top of the screen and click on the ‘TCP/IP’ tab. Check the IPv4 address, if there’s no address, then you need to fix it.

How to fix

Change network settings

Unplug your router from the power source, then wait for at least 30 seconds and then plug it back in. Once the router is fully on, on the same page on your Mac under the ‘TCP/IP’ tab, click on ‘Renew DHCP Lease’. Check and confirm that the TCP/IP settings are correct from your administrator and set the ‘Configure IPv4’ option to ‘Using DCHP with manual address’. Enter the correct IP address and ensure it isn’t taken by any other device and save the changes. Check and see if the issue has now been resolved. If not, then proceed to the next solution.

Connect to a different network

Some users reported that when they connected to a different Wi-Fi, this issue was resolved. This is because sometimes the issue is a result of a temporary glitch. Connect to a different network like your neighbor’s or friend. You can even tether your phone as use it as a hotspot. Once your Mac connects to the new network, switch back to the old network and see if it works now.

Delete saved Wi-Fi connections

Another alternative to consider is to delete all remembered Wi-Fi connections on your Mac and reset. Select ‘System Preferences’ from the Apple menu and select ‘Network’ from the vie menu. Click on ‘Wi-Fi’ located on the lower left-hand side of the screen and then click on ‘Wi-Fi’ again at the top of the screen. In the networks box, select each Wi-Fi name and delete it by clicking the minus (-) icon below the box. Once you’ve finished deleting all Wi-Fi names, go to the ‘TCP/IP’ tab, and set the ‘Configure IPv6’ to ‘Link-local only’. Restart your laptop and then discover the available Wi-Fi networks. Connect to your Wi-Fi network and check if the error has cleared.

Change the location

Sometimes, the issue could be that your Mac is automatically selecting a location that is not accurate hence the IP address error. If so, then you need to manually set the location by going to your Apple menu and clicking on ‘System Preferences’. Select ‘Network’ and then click on Wi-Fi at the top of the screen. In the Location box, click on the drop-down menu and ensure that it reads ‘Automatic’. Click on the plus (+) icon and give the new location a name and click ‘Done’. Check under Wi-Fi, if it reads ‘No IP address’, click on ‘Advanced’ and select the TCP/IP tab. Select ‘Renew DCHP Lease’ and let it assign a new IP address.

FAQs

What is IPv4?

IPv4 which in full stands for Internet Protocol version 4 is a technology that enables devices to connect to the internet. Whenever a device accesses the internet, the protocol assigns a unique IP address to it.

What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

Both IPv4 and IPv6 are internet protocols with IPv4 being 32 bit while IPv6 is 128 bit. The IPv4 address is numeric and is separated using a dot while the IPv6 is alphanumeric and is separated by a colon.