Macbook failing to connect to 5GHz networks

Question

I have a MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014) running on MacOS 10.14.3 (18D42) and since some time I have been unable to connect to any 5GHz WiFi networks while 2.4GHz networks from the same routers are ok.

I have tried several things to no avail:

• deleting the network in my wifi settings
• using three separate and different brand routers
• resetting SMC and NVRAM
• deleting settings in /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/ directory
• made the 5GHz open without passwords
• Changed SSID names

The Macbook is able to see the network; however, when I try joining the network, and I enter the password I keep getting an error "the wi-fi network requires a WPA2 password".

Interestingly, I get the same error when the authentication method is set to "Open".

I am 100% sure that the password is correct as I've tried several times (also setting up the 5GHz on different routers). The networks are working (e.g. from my iPhone, Android phones).

Lastly, below are some of the details of the network setup in my Wi-Fi router.

Answer 1

Most likely your Airport Card has failed.

On your particular Mac, it uses the BCM94360CS custom SoC (System on Chip) that supports dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth. The critical part related to your issue is the "dual-band" WiFi; it uses two different radios, not one. So, it's completely plausible that one radio has failed (5GHz) while the other (2.4GHz) continues to function; this is what you're seeing.

^{Image from iFixit.com}

To verify that it's not a software issue, you should boot into Safe Mode (hold ⇧ Shift) and/or Recovery Mode (⌘ Command R). If the problem persists, it's a hardware issue.

You'll just need a replacement AirPort adapter which is fairly inexpensive. It's also a fairly straight forward fix, basically remove the back cover, disconnect the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antenna, then remove the AirPort card. Replace with the new one and reverse the procedure to reassemble everything. iFixit.com has an excellent step-by-step guide you can follow.

However, if opening the back of your Mac is not your cup of tea, let a professional handle it for you.

Answer 2

For my case, I changed the 5Ghz Authentication method to WPA2PSK and it worked like a charm.

Answer 3

My iMac late 2012 wasn't connecting to the new 5Ghz 802.11/ac router, so I followed along Allan's answer and bought a new Airport Card. The problem remained.

The real issue was that when i setup my router as Access Point it doesn't show options for wifi mode(802.11a/b/g/n/ac). My iMac can only do 802.11a/b/g/n, and I can't connect to the 5Ghz because the router it's only doing 802.11ac instead of what I was expecting to be 802.11n/ac mixed.

So, before buying a new airport card, try changing the router mode and broadcasting channel to your Mac's supported. (About this Mac->System Report->Network->Wifi->Supported PHY Modes & Supported Channels)

My solution was buying a 802.11ac wifi usb adapter and enjoy the faster speeds.

Answer 4

Sorry to answer again the same question but the channel was the issue on my 2012 (and several other) macbooks as well. go 48 or lower for the 5Ghz network. Cameron is correct.

Answer 5

Hey for anyone who can't see 5G on their MBP like me (mine is mid 2012) try setting the channel on the router to a channel that is supported by your mac. This is usually in the advanced tab/field when you log into your router. To see what channels your mac supports go to: About this mac > System report > WiFi There you will see supported channels. If you're in an apartment block try select one without much traffic, you can do this by holding the alt key and clicking your wifi in the top bar and hovering over your neighbours wifi names to see what channels theyre using.

Answer 6

I experienced this issue when I got a new Router. So at first when I turned on the Router, my MacBook Pro could see the 5.0Ghz network and the 2.4Ghz network. After, I modified some settings for the Router like updating the name of the 5.0Ghz network and the 2.4Ghz network from the default names to my preferred name, I could no longer see the 5.0Ghz network, however, the 2.4Ghz network was still visible under my MacBook Pro list of networks.

I tried restarting the Router multiple times but I still couldn't see the 5.0Ghz network under my MacBook Pro list of networks. I tried undoing the network name updates for the 5.0Ghz network and the 2.4Ghz network back to their default names and restarting the Router, but still no luck.

Here's how I fixed it:

After a lot of hacks including testing on another MacBook Pro I decided to restart my MacBook Pro, and this time I was able to see the 5.0Ghz network under my MacBook Pro list of networks. I tried to connect to it as well and it worked fine.

If you don't get to see the 5.0Ghz network under your MacBook Pro list of networks, you may want to restart your MacBook Pro again and then open System Preferences -> Network -> Wi-Fi -> Network Name to list all available networks, and you should see and connect to the 5.0Ghz network.

That's all

Answer 7

Avast Security can add proxy wifi settings in the network settings. Since updating to Monterey, the 5GHz connection is slow and non-responsive, however no issue with the 2.4GHz. This was fixed by simply removing Avast from settings/network, click on Avast and hit "-" and apply. Problem solved!