(Solved) MacBook Pro not showing any Wi-Fi networks

The MacBook Pro is one of the best PCs from Apple. The computer has its own fair share of issues just like any other PC since it still runs on the macOS software. Your MacBook Pro failing to not only detect your Wi-Fi but also other Wi-Fi networks around is very frustrating.

MacBook Pro not showing any Wi-Fi networks can be due to several reasons. This can be fixed by rebooting your MacBook Pro and router, changing the router channel, using a static IP address, or removing the Wi-Fi configuration files.

Troubleshooting the issue

Since the cause of your MacBook Pro not showing any networks is unknown and varies from one person to the other, it’s good to run a diagnosis on your PC and take note of the issue. This can not only help you in solving the problem at hand, but also other underlying wireless network issues that might occur in the future.

MacBook Pro has an inbuilt tool that can help in diagnosing the problem. Close all the open apps on your PC and then press & hold down the Option key. Navigate to the menu bar and click the Wi-Fi status icon and finally select the ‘Open Wireless Diagnostics’. Follow the on-screen instructions to analyze your Wi-Fi connection. After the analysis is done, click the ‘Info’ button to see more information about each list item. Once you’ve understood the issue, we can move on to the solutions. These solutions can solve a wide range of issues.

First solution: Reboot your PC & router

By rebooting both your MacBook and router, you refresh both devices, especially if they’ve been on for a long time without being properly turned off. Unplug the router’s power cord from the power source and wait for at least 30 seconds before plugging it back in. Click on the Apple menu and click on ‘Restart’ to reboot your MacBook Pro. While your PC restarts, plug the router’s power cable back in and wait for it to finish powering up. Once the router is back, go to your MacBook Pro and check if you can see the list of available Wi-Fi networks. If you still can’t see them, then attempt the next solution.

Second solution: Check router’s location

This is something to consider since it can affect the signal strength leading to your MacBook Pro not being able to detect any available Wi-Fi networks including your Wi-Fi. If your MacBook Pro is far away from the router, for example, if the router is in your living room and you’re operating your PC in your room, then it might have a challenge detecting and showing it. You can move the PC closer to the router and ensure that the router is in-sight without obstructions.

Third solution: Use a static IP address

Sometimes, your MacBook Pro and another device like your Smart TV may share the same IP address. If you can’t see your Wi-Fi network and are not in a position to see if you can see other Wi-Fi networks, then using a static IP address will sort it out. Navigate to the Apple menu and then select ‘System Preference’ and click on ‘Network’. Under the TCP/IP tab, click on ‘Configure IPv4’ and set it to ‘Using DHCP with manual address’. Enter your desired IP address and save the changes.

Fourth solution: Remove the Wi-Fi configuration files  

Deleting your wireless network configuration files is another way of resolving this issue. To remove these files, first, make sure that the Wi-Fi is turned off. Go to the menu bar and turn it off if it’s still turned on and then open Finder. Navigate to the SystemConfiguration folder by typing ‘/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/’. Copy the folder to your desktop and then move the original folder to the trash. Restart your MacBook Pro and enable Wi-Fi. Your PC should be able to generate these files once again. Check and see if the issue has cleared.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I update drivers on my MacBook Pro?

The MacBook Pro automatically updates the system and all drivers for you. You can however check if there are any updates available. Click the Apple logo on the upper left corner of the screen and select Software Update. If there’s no update, then you will be notified that your PC is up-to-date, else the available updates will be listed and you can download and install them.

If I delete the system configuration folder, will it affect my Wi-Fi connection?

When you delete the folder and reboot your MacBook Pro, then the system will recreate the folder again. However, for safety purposes, you can back up this folder by copying the folder in a different location like the desktop and then delete the original folder.