Mac Modular Desktops Troubleshooting Communication Issues
Troubleshooting Bluetooth or Wi-Fi issues
Troubleshooting Ethernet issues
Troubleshooting Bluetooth or Wi-Fi issues
Identify issues
Read this article if you notice any of the following issues:
Can’t turn on Bluetooth
Can’t pair the computer with a Bluetooth device
Intermittent communication loss with paired Bluetooth device
Bluetooth data transfer times out or is slow
Wi-Fi service isn’t available
Can’t turn on Wi-Fi
Can’t connect the computer to a Wi-Fi network
Intermittent Wi-Fi communication loss
Poor Wi-Fi signal
Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference
If your issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article, continue to the next section.
Try quick troubleshooting steps
Restart the Mac.
Ensure that the date and time are set correctly on the Mac.
If you can connect to the internet from a different Wi-Fi network or when using a wired Ethernet connection, connect to that network. Then update macOS on the Mac.
Refer to steps and support resources in Troubleshooting Quick Checks.
Run manual and diagnostic tests
If your issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or checking for potential causes, run these diagnostic and manual tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:
Run the Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) diagnostic suite. Check diagnostic results for the presence of wireless hardware.
Attempt to join a Wi-Fi network while the mac is in macOS recovery mode.
Open and inspect the computer
If your issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following support articles or running diagnostics tests, refer to the computer’s repair manual to open and inspect the computer. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.
On Mac Pro tower models, remove the housing and closely inspect the inside of the housing for any damage to the gaskets around the front and rear handle openings on the top of the housing. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas are located directly under the front and rear handles on the top of the housing, and are part of the bridge. Damage to these gaskets may result in reduced Wi-Fi signal strength or reduced data transfer throughput when the housing is installed on the computer. If there is any damage to the housing gaskets, replace the Mac Pro housing.
For Mac mini models with an antenna connector board, verify that this board is connected firmly to the logic board with its flex cable. Verify that the flex cable is not damaged. Verify that all antennas are properly and securely connected to this board.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the computer’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Replace the part
If your issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the following parts one at a time in the order shown. After you replace the first part, repeat the troubleshooting steps to determine whether replacing a part resolves the issue. If it still isn’t resolved, replace the next part.
Replace the Mac Pro housing for gasket damage issues on that model.
Replace the wireless antennas. The wireless antennas may be separate, part of the antenna plate, or part of the I/O wall, depending on model.
Replace the top I/O board or front I/O board on Mac Pro models (depending on model).
Replace the antenna connector board on Mac mini models with that component.
Replace the logic board on all models.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the computer’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Troubleshooting Ethernet issues
Identify issues
Ethernet doesn’t appear as a network service
Can’t activate Ethernet service
Ethernet service shows no connection
Ethernet unable to obtain an IP address
Ethernet network performance is slow
Try quick troubleshooting steps
Follow all relevant recommended steps in the following support articles:
If you can connect to the internet from a Wi-Fi network, connect to that network. Then update macOS on the Mac.
Verify that nothing is inserted into the Ethernet port on the computer. Visually inspect the port for damage or debris.
Clean the computer. If you find any debris in the Ethernet port, gently clean this area using a small, non-metallic, soft-bristled brush. Ensure that the brush is clean and dry. Gently brush out lint or debris. Use just enough bristles to fit inside the connector. Twist the bristles to loosen and lift out debris. Brush debris away from the connector to avoid brushing debris into the connector. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away the loosened debris.
Caution: Unplug all cables and turn off the computer first. Don’t use aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide that might damage the finish. Don’t use any metal objects to clear debris or obstructions, as this can short the connector and cause damage. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don’t spray liquid directly on the computer. Don’t use compressed air.
Refer to steps and support resources in Troubleshooting Quick Checks.
Run manual and diagnostic tests
If your issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or checking for potential causes, run these diagnostic and manual tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:
Open and inspect the computer
If your issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following support articles or running diagnostics tests, refer to the computer’s repair manual to open and inspect the computer. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the computer’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Replace the part
If your issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the following parts one at a time in the order shown. After you replace the first part, repeat the troubleshooting steps to determine whether replacing a part resolves the issue. If it still isn’t resolved, replace the next part.
Replace the Ethernet board in Mac Studio models or the logic board in Mac mini and Mac Pro models.
Replace the logic board in all models.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the computer’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.