Connection issues Mac OS

[NickiT22]

I followed the instructions to set up my printer using the HP smart app. However, it keeps saying my printer and computer cannot connect to the wifi, but my wifi is fine. It only disconnects from my service providers wifi when I am trying to set the printer up because my computer shifts to the printer wifi....which is non existent. How do I get it to stay connected to the wifi during set up?

[rachelgomez1619]

Steps to fix Mac won't connect to Wi-Fi

1. Check your macOS
When Mac users update their operating system, Wi-Fi connectivity can vanish.

At the time of the original version of Catalina, a lot of users found they couldn't connect to Wi-Fi, which made it harder for Apple to release an update that included a patch solving this particular problem. In some cases, users had to download the updated version using a phone as a Personal Hotspot, which caused other problems, such as extra data costs.

Unfortunately, as a result of the recent macOS Big Sur release, some users were experiencing the same problem. You can find step-by-step instructions on how to fix Big Sur Wi-Fi problem (as well as other issues) here.

Turn Wi-Fi on and off
One way to fix this is to switch your Wi-Fi off and back on again. At the same time, it may also be worth changing the name of your home (or office) network and setting a new password, which you can do through your internet provider. If necessary, you should be able to do this through a mobile phone, and then check whether your Mac will connect again.

2. Wi-Fi signal issues
Sometimes it’s Wi-Fi signal causing all the problems. If that’s what you’re suspecting, here are the possible solutions:

Run a speed test and get a better signal
A good way to work out whether the problem is the Mac or Wi-Fi itself is using an analyzer app. To analyze your Wi-Fi network signal strength, use WiFi Explorer or NetSpot.

3. Forget your Wi-Fi network
Sometimes you need to let go to reconnect again. That also works for Wi-Fi signals.

Assuming you’ve already tried rebooting your Mac and router, disconnecting entirely is a tried-and-tested solution.

Here are the steps for doing this slightly trickier fix:

Turn off Airport
Go to Systems Preferences
Network > Select Wi-Fi
Click Advanced
Select the network you want to disconnect from and click on minus, then agree.
forget wi-fi network mac

Do that on any other device you can’t connect with, and then start the process to connect to that network, entering the password, and (fingers crossed) you should be connected again.

Greeting,

Rachel Gomez