How to Fix macOS Sequoia Internet Connection Problems

Learn how to fix sequoia Internet connection issues

By Dave Johnson - Senior Staff Writer
3 Min Read

Are you facing issues establishing a Wi-Fi connection on your Mac following the recent update to macOS Sequoia? While connecting to Wi-Fi is generally a simple process on a Mac, certain users have encountered challenges in getting internet access via Wi-Fi after installing macOS Sequoia. Users have reported that their Macs have no Internet access, even though Wi-Fi seems to be connected. Despite this, certain WiFi-dependent functions, like wireless printing, and virtual machines may work without issue.

The common Wi-Fi issues associated with Sequoia often involve frequent connection drops, unreliable Wi-Fi connections, or subpar overall network performance. Various factors, such as Wi-Fi router issues, third-party app conflicts, or post-update software-related problems, could contribute to these issues on your Mac.

Basic troubleshooting steps–such as restarting the Mac, toggling WiFi off and on, or even testing alternative connections like an iPhone hotspot or Ethernet–do not appear to resolve this issue in most cases. Even turning off the Apple Firewall might not yield results.

If you find yourself among the unfortunate users with this problem, follow the provided steps to troubleshoot and address Wi-Fi issues in macOS Sequoia.

Troubleshooting Sequoia Internet problems

Whether you’re using a MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini, iMac, or Mac Pro, these troubleshooting steps are applicable to any connectivity hiccups on your device.

Fix 1: Remove and Re-add the WiFi Service

If your Mac shows that it is connected to WiFi but apps and browsers still cannot access the internet, resetting the WiFi service can help resolve the issue. Follow these steps:

  1. Open System Settings and navigate to Network.
  2. Locate the WiFi section in the list of network services.
  3. Right-click (or Control-click) on the WiFi block to open the context menu.
  4. Select Delete Service from the menu. Confirm the deletion if prompted.
  5. Click the (More Options) button in the bottom corner and choose Add Service.
  6. In the dialog box, select WiFi as the service to add.
  7. Follow the prompts to re-add and configure the WiFi service.

This method resets the WiFi configuration and can address deeper connectivity issues that simpler fixes might miss.

Fix 2: Check anti-virus or VPN software

Several anti-virus and VPN software users reported connectivity problems. If you are using an anti-virus or security type of software, including VPN, You can try the following:

  • Uninstall the anti-virus software and then check if you can connect. If you can connect, then, obviously, this software is the problem. Check if there is an update to the software. Then, you can try to install the updated version. If the updated version causes problems, too, you may want to keep the software uninstalled until its developers address the issue.
  • VPN services may also cause this. Are you using a VPN? Then disable or uninstall it and then try again.

Please note that uninstalling the VPN may not be enough. Even after uninstalling it, its configuration may stay on your Mac and continue to cause issues. You may need to remove it. On your Mac, go to** Apple menu** >System Settings > Network. Then select VPN. Then, tap the info (i)button next to the VPN service and select Remove Configuration. You will be asked if you are sure you want to remove it. Click Delete.

Fix 3: Remove ESET Filters or Uninstall ESET

Some users have reported that ESET antivirus software causes internet connectivity issues on Macs running the latest version of macOS. This appears to be due to compatibility problems between ESET and the newest macOS update. Removing ESET filters or uninstalling the software entirely can help resolve the issue.

Step 1: Remove ESET Filters

  1. Open System Settings and navigate to Network.
  2. Select the Filters section in the sidebar.
  3. Highlight an ESET filter in the list.
  4. Click the — (minus) button to delete the filter.
  5. Repeat the process to remove the second ESET filter, if present.

Once both filters are removed, restart your Mac to ensure the changes take effect.

Step 2: Uninstall ESET

If removing the filters does not resolve the issue, uninstall ESET entirely:

  1. Open Applications on your Mac and locate the ESET Securityapplication.
  2. Use the uninstaller provided by ESET:
    • Open the ESET app and look for an Uninstall option under Help or Tools.
    • Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation.
  3. After uninstalling ESET, restart your Mac.

If ESET is the source of the problem, you may need to wait for an update from ESET to resolve the compatibility issue before reinstalling the software.

Fix 5: Disable Little Snitch’s Network Filter

Little Snitch, a popular network monitoring and firewall tool, can sometimes interfere with your Mac’s internet connectivity. Disabling Little Snitch’s network filter ensures that all network connections are allowed without interference. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open Little Snitch from your Applications folder.
  2. In the Little Snitch menu, select Settings.
  3. Under the General tab, locate the Network Filter section.
  4. Click the Network Filter button to turn off the filter.

This action will allow all network connections as if Little Snitch were not installed.

If disabling the network filter resolves the issue, you can choose to leave it off or adjust your rules in Little Snitch to prevent similar conflicts in the future.

These fixes address common causes of internet connectivity issues in Sequoia. If these steps do not resolve the problem, further advanced troubleshooting may be required, such as checking for updates, running diagnostics, or contacting Apple Support.

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Dave Johnson is a staff writer for GeeksChalk based in New Jersey. He covers news, how-tos, and user guides for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.
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