Why is my 2012 iMac connected to Wi-Fi but not accessing the internet?

Question

Why is my 2012 iMac connected to Wi-Fi but not accessing the internet?

My settings show it's connected to my wifi network but it won't load the internet.I have a Macbook on the same wifi network running Sequoia 15.4.1 which is connected and is loading the internet, as is my iphone.I have had some disruptions to my NBN fibre to house over the last three days but is now settled as the connection to my Macbook is showing.how to rectify ? please & thanks AlanM

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.15

Posted on May 7, 2025 08:20 AM

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Answer 1

WheelieNick

Level 8

45,467 points

May 7, 2025 08:32 AM in response to alanfromsomerset

have you tried to restar the Mac to see if the issues persist? If they persist, you might want to boot the Mac in the safe mode to see If the issues persist. If they don't persist in the safe mode they are most likely caused by an external piece of software, you might want to evaluate the external software in stalled to your Mac

Turn on or restart your Mac, then immediately press and hold the Shift key until you see the login window.
Log in to your Mac.
You might be asked to log in again.
On either the first or second login window, you should see “Safe Boot” in the menu bar.

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Answer 2

May 8, 2025 01:23 AM in response to WheelieNick

I have been able to boot the Mac in safe mode but it made no difference to the problem,wifi says its connected but I can't get the internet to load on the Mac however my Macbook Air is on the same wifi network and is operating normally.

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Answer 3

May 8, 2025 08:05 AM in response to alanfromsomerset

My router's previous firmware used to do that when some device failed to get an IP number from it. A workaround was to reboot the router but I have not need to do that anymore. So reboot the router and the device.

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Answer 4

May 9, 2025 03:43 AM in response to WheelieNick

Thanks, achieved a safe boot but no success.Tried a couple of other suggestions but finally solved the problem by re-installing Catalina 15 and going through the wi-fi settings with a fine tooth comb.

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Answer 5

May 9, 2025 03:48 AM in response to dialabrain

Thanks but not the answer,I re-installed Catalina 15 and went through my wi-fi settings and finally solved my problem.However I believe my modem could be the initiator of the problem as my security system monitoring, linked to the modem by cable went off line each time the wifi quit.

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Answer 6

May 9, 2025 03:52 AM in response to MrHoffman

Thanks for the tips but I don't have any of those apps installed, however I re-installed Catalina 15 and went through my wifi settings with care and the problem resolved.However I have my security system monitoring linked to my modem by cable and it dropped out every time the wifi did so I will look to replace my modem (albeit only 2 years old)

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Answer 7

dialabrain

Level 10

133,529 points

May 8, 2025 01:38 AM in response to alanfromsomerset

Try Firefox ESR 128.8.0.

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Answer 8

May 8, 2025 08:42 AM in response to alanfromsomerset

If you have any add-on "coffee shop" VPN apps installed, remove those entirely, restart, and check again.

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Why is my 2012 iMac connected to Wi-Fi but not accessing the internet?

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