Internet problems on MacBook Pro 14-inch 2021

Hi, guys! I’m having an issue with my 2021 14-inch MacBook Pro. Recently, I updated from macOS 27 to macOS 27.0.1, and ever since, the internet stops working whenever I use my iPhone 13 as a hotspot. While the hotspot works fine for all my other devices, it fails specifically on the MacBook. To get the internet working, I have to restart my iPhone every single time. Otherwise, the MacBook detects the network and connects to it, but immediately reports that there is no internet access.

Additionally, my MacBook tries to connect to a network that doesn't exist. Even when I turn my phone off completely, the MacBook claims it can still see the network—and even indicates that it’s connected to it—despite the phone being powered down.

I’ve also noticed another strange issue: I can’t send files via AirDrop because my iPhone doesn't detect the MacBook. However, the MacBook can see the iPhone and send files to it without any trouble. I’ve set the AirDrop visibility to "Everyone" on both devices, and my iPhone is running iOS 27.0.1.

It’s worth noting that I experienced similar problems back when I was using macOS 26.6.2 (the version I updated from), but those issues had actually disappeared after I updated to macOS 27.

What can I do to fix this? Rolling back the system isn't really an option, as I have a huge number of work-related files on my MacBook.

Posted on Oct 15, 2026 12:52 AM

1 reply

neuroanatomist

Level 9 (72,871 points)

Oct 16, 2026 9:17 AM in response to Palach_Gosdoom

This issue can be caused by 3rd party filters/firewalls.

Remove Third-Party Network Filters & Firewalls

The macOS 27 network stack is highly sensitive to third-party VPNs and local firewall configurations, which commonly cause the "connected but no internet" bug.

On your Mac, go to System Settings > Network > VPN & Filters.
Look under the Filters & Proxies section at the bottom.
If you see any content filters, extensions, or VPN rules (such as ProtonVPN, Little Snitch, or leftovers from old setups), toggle them OFF or completely delete them.
Restart your Mac

You may also need to Purge the Phantom Connection

Since the MacBook is caching a ghost network, changing the network's broadcast signature will force macOS to drop the old cached state.

On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > About > Name.
Edit the name to something entirely new (e.g., change "My iPhone" to "Palach's iPhone").
Go back to Settings > Personal Hotspot and change your password to something new.
On your Mac, go to System Settings > Wi-Fi. Scroll down to Known Networks, click the three dots next to your old iPhone name, and choose Forget This Network

One other workaround to this issue is to create a new Network Location.

Create new Network Location

Open System Settings
Click on Network
Click the ••• / down caret at the bottom of the preference pane
Select Locations > Edit locations.
Click the (+) button, give the location a name (you can delete it or rename it later), and see if that corrects the issue.

More info: Use network locations on Mac - Apple Support