Are you suffering from Wi-Fi connection problems since upgrading to OSX Lion? There are numerous reports around the web complaining about Wi-Fi dropping and also being unable to connect when resuming from sleep.
I’ve seen the problems like this before with Windows laptops before, but this was due to power-save settings in the drivers not working with some access points.
The only tip I’ve found so far is to reboot the laptop (how Windows like!) which isn’t really a solution! Let us know in the comments if you’re experiencing the same problems, and if you know of any solutions.
I’ll keep this posted updated as I find out more…
Update 1: First tip – check what you have set for DHCP. Apparently “DHCP with manual address” can cause issues – change it to be basic DHCP
Update 2: Treat this one with caution as you’ll lose preferred network settings, but some people are reporting that if you delete “/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration” you’ll be able to connect ok.
Update 3: Another tip relating to local sttings – this one recommends deleting the file “com.apple.aif.plist” from within “Macintosh HD -> Library -> Preferences”. You then need to restart for the change to take effect.
Update 4: This time the fix is to manually enter the DNS servers, using the google addresses of 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.1.1. There are rumors that the problem may be IPv6 related depending on your router and ISP, however manually setting the DNS servers for the connection fixes this.
Update 5: More information on IPV6 and how you can disable it, if this is the problem is available here : http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3802
Update 6: A Poster over at the Mac Rumors forum has reported that they managed to get a refund from Apple over the WiFi stability issue:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1198713
We’re unable to confirm this, and there’s no guarantees if you try the same but it might be worth a try?
Let us know in the comments if any of these fixes helps your connection!
Similar discussions over at Apple here (you’re not alone):
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3190651?start=0&tstart=0
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3209661?start=0&tstart=0
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3193367?start=0&tstart=0
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3191630?start=0&tstart=0
I´m having the same problem, i reboot my mac, og the Wi-fi is on again, I hope Apple soom will send a update 🙁
I have a Macbook, and was experiencing the EXACT annoying problem. I called the apple support phone number and they gave me a solution to the problem and it finally works again!1. Go to system preferences and open or click Network2. On the Wifi tab, click on Advanced button near the lower right corner3. On the Wi-Fi tab go to the Preferred Networks box where it lists the networks your computer knows to connect to4. Now delete all of the networks that you do not recognize, especially ones that may be in your apartment building or that your computer may be in range of. Make sure that your network is at the top of the list. You can drag them. The tech person said it was ok to have a couple other ones, but to make sure that mine was at the top of the list.5. CLick OK then apply. now try it out and see if it workedAt first Safari gave me the same error message but about 3-5 seconds later it automatically loaded up my homepage. Then after 2 more times of shutting or putting my computer to sleep to test it, it started loading my homepage like normal again. I really hope this works for you because I know how enraging the problem is !
[…] SEO and IT Tips Solution to OS X Lion Wifi Problems? July 29th, 2011 adminA commenter over at our post discussing the problems people are seeing with WiFi since upgrading to OS X Lion has posted a possible solution from Apple: “I have a Macbook, and was experiencing the EXACT […]
I have been experiencing the same issue (when OS X Lion goes into sleep mode and then is awakened, it has a hard time reconnecting to my Apple Airport Wi-Fi network. Have to reboot about every other time. My son, in the same house, using Snow Leopard has no such issues. I am currently looking for a solution but no luck so far.
The “/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration” Tip really helped. I deleted the system configuration. Indeed lost all my previous networks. And it took a while to get it to connect to the local wifi again. But, now that I have added the wifi to my preferences, it is fixed. Instead of having to wait for my wifi to come on after sleep mode for almost a minute, it is back to just a few seconds, like I was always used to, before the update to lion. Thanks!!!
I have the same problem, but I noticed that it only happens if I put the laptop to sleep during a Time Machine backup. When I wake it up it refuses to connect to my Time Capsule. Even switching my Airport off doesn’t work because it refuses to switch off whilst the backup is still trying to run.
I found the only way to correct it without restarting is to cancel the backup and wait for it to eject the backup media. It will then reconnect to the base station.
I noticed the same, that this problem related with Time Machine backup. If I cancel backup, then Wifi connects again.
Still very annoying… 🙁
whenever I resume from sleep I connects to my wifi network, but Safari says Im not connected to the internet. However, I just turn off the wfi and then turn it back on and it works just fine. Its a solution but its very irritating.
Here is one solution: AT&T uVerse, OS X Lion, preferred wireless network reconnect issue.
The problem WENT AWAY after setting the encryption method to WEP when initially connecting to the 2WIRE based wifi network. It was previously set to TKIP… and clearly the added back and forth dialog between the laptop (latest MB Air) and the 2WIRE router was not completing satisfactorily. Changing to WEP on the laptop SOLVED THE PROBLEM.
Now coming out of sleep, etc. are connecting automatically every time.
September, 2011
SO what your saying is that in router setup yours is now
WEP
and the
AES because TKIP made the issue??
Lets try that one out….
Its like being back on Windows with this Lion S…t
Cant say that Im very pleased….
I have confirmed a solution for those of you, like myself, who have been unsuccessful with all of the proposed solutions above.
I wired an Airport Extreme into a port on the AT&T supplied/required router, deactivated wireless on the AT&T (2WIRE) router (configuring the Airport Extreme in bridge mode). The problems not only went away, but stayed away now for a week.
I was observing this issue across MB Pro, MB Air (newest model), and MB. It clearly has to do with issues with the 2WIRE router combination with multiple Apple OS X devices.
If you’re willing to spend the money on an Apple wireless router, it should solve the problem.
Hi guys,
THE ONLY THING THAT CAN SOLVE THIS PROBLEM IS TO DELETE “/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration”
I TRY EVERYTHING BUT ONLY THIS SOLVE THE PROBLEM ! ENJOY 🙂
Boris from Serbia
Update 2 worked for me
New OS X patch released – does this help anyone still having problems with WiFi?
http://bit.ly/mWRRpO
Google DNS is 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
Thank you so much, the 8.8.8.8 did help with safari however the app store and software upgrades still cont connect for some reson, skype, dropbox, outlook and now safari all work.
Are there any new ways of fixing the problem I have lion 10.7.2 and after entering 8.8.8.8 almost everything has internet cinnection but still ex. Itunes store cant connect…