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Musicitb
User level: Level 1 (5 points)

Mac Mini (2024) repeatedly loses internet connection, requiring a reboot

I have been losing my connection to the Internet on one of my computers about once a day. The only way to get it back is to reboot the computer. Sometimes I have to reboot twice. Most of the time it happens when I wake the computer up from sleep, but it has also happened while I am on the internet at times.


Detailed information:


  • I am using a 2024 Mac Mini with an M4 Pro chip and running Tahoe 26.6.2 (note that the problem has continued even after multiple system software updates).
  • None of the other devices on the same WiFi network lose connectivity when this happens. Our two laptop Macintosh computers and two iPhones remain connected to the internet even when the Mac Mini loses the connection.
  • The computer seems to think it is connected since it shows as connected in the WiFi settings. The WiFi appears to be up and running. I have an IP address and the DNS is the same as usual when I check the WiFi settings.
  • I turned off the firewall quite a while ago (it's still off, which makes me anxious), and that did not help. Turning the WiFi on and off also does not help.
  • The problem usually happens at least once a day, sometimes when waking from sleep. On rare occasions I have been in an online meeting and suddenly lost the connection. Other times I have been doing other work and suddenly realized I couldn't connect to the internet anymore.


I have done a lot of scanning through posts looking for suggestions, as well as general searching on the web. No amount of fiddling with settings has helped.


At this point, I am trying to figure out if the computer is a dud or if it's some obscure settings issue I have not yet learned about in my many hours of searching for a solution.


Can anyone help me?


Thank you!

Posted on Oct 4, 2026 8:49 AM

5 replies

den.thed
User level: Level 10 (99,154 points)

Oct 4, 2026 10:33 AM in response to Musicitb

Then sounds like interference from a week signal or some external device or devices. The Mac mini's wireless antenna is built into the bottom cover, which make it prone to a week signal and interference from high speed USB cables, drives, displays, display cables, electric appliances, wireless phone bases, etc etc etc...


see > Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference - Apple Support


To test your Mac mini for intermittent Wi-Fi interference cause by external devices.

1) Move all USB cables, devices, displays etc. from in-between the Mac mini and Wi-Fi router.

2) Stand the Mac mini on its side with the bottom facing towards the Wi-Fi router.

3) If possible, connect the Mac mini to the router using an Ethernet cable.

4) If possible, move the Mac mini closer to the Wi-Fi router.

den.thed
User level: Level 10 (99,154 points)

Oct 4, 2026 12:25 PM in response to Musicitb

Without making to many changes...

Make sure that there are none of those things between the Mac mini and Wi-Fi router.

Test the Mac mini on its side with the bottom cover facing the in the direction of the Wi-Fi router.


Then if that doesn't help? Move on to investigating third-party security software.

If your device has network connectivity issues, check for VPN and other third-party security software - Apple Support

den.thed
User level: Level 10 (99,154 points)

Oct 4, 2026 5:13 PM in response to Musicitb

You're welcome.


If standing on its side fixes your network issue..?

Consider getting a side stand. > mac mini side stand


Yes. All of the Uni-body Mac mini's have the wireless antenna on the bottom.

Musicitb Author
User level: Level 1 (5 points)

Oct 4, 2026 12:12 PM in response to den.thed

What you are saying supports my increasing sense that the computer hardware is the issue. I live in a small apartment and obviously the Mini needs a display, so I don't have many options on where to put it. The router is pretty close, too. I will stand the computer on its side and see if that helps (Ethernet is not an option since it would need to run across a room and would be both too unsightly for the person I live with and a practical nightmare when walking around or cleaning.)


Do you know if the weak signal issue is true for newer Mac Minis too?

Musicitb Author
User level: Level 1 (5 points)

Oct 4, 2026 12:49 PM in response to den.thed

Thank you for the note! I live in earthquake country, so having the computer on its side is a potential recipe for disaster, but I've already moved it onto its side with the bottom facing the router and I'll leave it that way for the next few days and see if that resolves the issue. (There is really nothing between the computer and the router in terms of cables -- everything is behind the Mac Mini, and as mentioned before, I can't get rid of all the cables since I need a display to run the computer.)


I've already done everything in the second article (hence my having no firewall anymore). It sounds like I may wind up having to replace the computer (which is irritating), and that is why I was asking if the newer Mac Minis have the same issue.


Thank you again for your help!

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256370289