MacBook Wi-Fi Not Working? How to Fix ‘No Hardware Installed’ Error

Seeing the dreaded message “Wi-Fi: No hardware installed” on your MacBook can be frustrating—especially when you’re in the middle of important work. This error means your Mac is unable to detect the Wi-Fi hardware, leaving you without an internet connection.

Don’t panic. this issue is more common than you think, and it can often be resolved without a trip to the repair shop.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through simple solutions to fix the MacBook “No hardware installed” Wi-Fi error, plus what to do if nothing works.

Why This Happens

This issue usually appears when:

• Your MacBook has recently undergone a macOS update or upgrade
• There’s a hardware failure (loose connection or Wi-Fi card problem)
• NVRAM, SMC, or network settings have become corrupted
• There was physical damage, especially to older MacBook models

How to Fix ‘Wi-Fi: No Hardware Installed’ on MacBook

1. Restart Your Mac

A simple restart might reinitialize the Wi-Fi hardware if it’s just a temporary glitch.

Steps:

• Click the Apple menu 
• Choose Restart
• Once it reboots, check the Wi-Fi icon

2. Reset SMC (System Management Controller)

SMC handles hardware-related functions. Resetting it often fixes Wi-Fi issues.

How to Reset SMC (System Management Controller) on Mac

SMC reset can fix hardware issues, including Wi-Fi problems. Follow the instructions based on your Mac model:

Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3)

• ✅ No SMC reset needed
• Simply shut down your Mac and turn it back on.

Intel MacBook (2018–2020) – With T2 Chip

Steps:

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Press and hold:
   Control + Option (Right side) + Shift (Right side)
3. While holding, press the Power button.
4. Hold all 4 keys for 7 more seconds.
5. Release all keys.
6. Wait a few seconds and turn your Mac back on.

Older Intel MacBook (Pre-2018) – No T2 Chip

Steps:

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Press and hold:
   Shift (Left) + Control (Left) + Option (Left) + Power
3. Hold for 10 seconds.
4. Release and turn your Mac back on.

Intel Desktop Macs (iMac, Mac mini, Mac Pro)

Steps:

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Unplug the power cable.
3. Wait 15 seconds.
4. Plug it back in and wait 5 seconds.
5. Turn on your Mac.

Not Sure If You Have a T2 Chip?

Go to: Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report > Controller

If you see Apple T2 Security Chip, follow the T2 steps above.

Would you like me to design an infographic version of this section too? It works well as a quick-reference image.

3. Reset NVRAM/PRAM

This clears stored settings and might help with Wi-Fi detection.

Steps:

1. Shut down your Mac
2. Turn it on and immediately hold: Option + Command + P + R
3. Keep holding for about 20 seconds, then release

4. Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode can help isolate software issues that may be affecting hardware.

On Intel Macs:

• Restart your Mac and immediately hold Shift
• Release when you see the login screen

On Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3):

• Shut down your Mac
• Hold the Power button until you see “Loading startup options”
• Choose your disk, then press and hold Shift while clicking Continue in Safe Mode

Then check if Wi-Fi works in Safe Mode.

5. Reinstall macOS (Without Losing Data)

If a software bug is the cause, a fresh macOS install can help.

• Boot into macOS Recovery (Command + R at startup)
• Select Reinstall macOS

⚠️ Don’t erase your disk—this will reinstall macOS without deleting your files.

6. Check with Apple Diagnostics

Apple Diagnostics can detect if it’s a hardware issue.

Steps:

• Shut down the Mac
• Power it on and immediately press D
• Follow the prompts

If the test shows a Wi-Fi hardware issue, it’s best to contact Apple Support.

Bonus Tip: Back Up Before You Tinker

If you’re planning to reset your Mac or reinstall macOS, don’t forget to back up your data.

You can:

• Use Time Machine
• Back up to an external drive
• Or use iCloud

Still Not Working?

If none of the above helps, it could be a hardware failure, such as:

• Disconnected or damaged Wi-Fi card
• Logic board issue

In that case, your best move is to visit an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider.

While the “No Wi-Fi hardware installed” error may seem serious, it’s often fixable with a few steps—especially if it’s caused by macOS glitches or temporary hardware miscommunication.

But always back up your data first, and if in doubt, let Apple experts take a look.

 Bonus Tools for Photo Lovers and Creators

While you’re optimizing your Mac, don’t forget to keep your photos organized and secure!

• Use EXIF Viewer by Fluntro to check and remove hidden metadata like location or camera settings before sharing images.
• Try Photo Search on the App Store to instantly find photos on your iPhone by searching text, dates, or locations—even in large libraries.
• And if you love cute expressions, Check out Kiana, our adorable baby elephant sticker pack on iMessage. It’s a fun way to express how you’re feeling, without typing a word!