my MacBook(2017) keeps dropping from the new wifi that has 2.4G and 5G bands. If I switched off 5G, it will stay on, but the speed is very low. How can I keep a good download/upload speed without any drops.
Thank you
my MacBook(2017) keeps dropping from the new wifi that has 2.4G and 5G bands. If I switched off 5G, it will stay on, but the speed is very low. How can I keep a good download/upload speed without any drops.
Thank you
Posted on Nov 5, 2026 6:42 AM
Nov 5, 2026 7:20 AM in response to cleo181
5 GHz WiFi signals are weaker than 2.5 GHz WiFi. While providing faster speed, it has a shorter range and is hampered by the relative weakness of its signal, which in many cases is unable to even pass through a wall without significant degradation. You might consider changing the location/position of either your MacBook and/or your WiFi access point (aka router).
2.4 GHz WiFi signals are stronger than 5 GHz WiFi. That's probably the reason your 2.4 GHz connection doesn't drop.
In my experience 2.4 GHz WiFi provides plenty of speed, even for streaming video. I've never had a problem with it,
Nov 5, 2026 7:31 AM in response to MartinR
Thanks for for your reply Martin.
I totally understand what you said. the problem is my MacBook keeps dropping from the new wifi even if it is just by the router. I think it might be WPA3 problem. I locked my MacBook only on WPA2 on my counter settings now, so far so good. Hope it will work. It only has been changed for 2 hours.
Nov 5, 2026 7:38 AM in response to cleo181
What version of macOS is on your MacBook?
What router (make & model) are you using?
Is your MacBook your only device, or are you using other devices on 5GHz with this router?
Can you tell more about what you mean by "the speed is low?"
Nov 5, 2026 8:04 AM in response to MartinR
It's venture 13.7.8
The router is an EE router in the UK.
No, we have various devices log on the wifi. Only the apple products (iPhones and MacBook) keep dropping. All the androids are fine.
My MacBook is still staying on the wifi after I actived WPA2 in the new router settings, it has 2.4G and 5G bands too. But for some reasons, on the WPA3, my MacBook can only work on 2.4G. It would drop on 5G.
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256389246