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MacBook laptop picking WIFI but cant browse nor connect to the internet

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A couple of clarifications and a short troubleshooting checklist that build on ’s question and ’s reachability test: a healthy Wi‑Fi signal only means the Mac is associated with the access point. It doesn’t guarantee an IP address, a working gateway, or DNS resolution. The quick fixes below cover the most common layers that break when a Mac "connects" to Wi‑Fi but can’t browse.

  • Check whether other devices on the same Wi‑Fi can access the internet. If they can, the problem is local to the Mac; if they can’t, restart the router or contact the ISP.
  • On the Mac open System Preferences (System Settings on newer macOS) -> Network -> Wi‑Fi -> Advanced -> TCP/IP and confirm you have a valid IPv4 address (not a self‑assigned 169.254.x.x), a router/gateway, and a subnet mask. If values look wrong, use Renew DHCP Lease.
  • Remove the Wi‑Fi network from preferred networks and rejoin it, or create a new Network Location and reconnect (this clears stale settings).
  • Check DNS and Proxy settings in the Advanced pane. Disable unexpected proxies and, as a test, switch to a well‑known public DNS provider.
  • Turn Wi‑Fi off/on, reboot the Mac and router, and try a phone hotspot to isolate the problem. If the network uses a web login (captive portal), open a non‑HTTPS page to trigger the login.
  • Run macOS Network Diagnostics (Network preferences -> Assist Me/Diagnostics) for guided checks.

Why these steps help: if you can reach an IP but not domain names, it’s DNS; if the Mac shows a self‑assigned IP, it’s a DHCP/gateway issue; if nothing reaches the gateway, the AP/router or ISP is at fault. For recurring issues gather macOS version, current IP/router/DNS values and any console logs before seeking further help. If the problem keeps coming back, update macOS and router firmware, and consider SMC/PRAM resets or checking enterprise settings (802.1X, certificates, proxies).

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Member Avatar for caperjack

so what error messages do you get when you try connecting ,

Member Avatar for eli_mjomba

Tha error message i get is cannot connect to the internet while tha wifi strength is healthy on tha bar

Member Avatar for scudzilla

Can you successfully ping external networks? Try pinging 8.8.8.8 or 4.2.2.2

Member Avatar for eli_mjomba

thanks scudzilla now i'm bck online

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