No wifi option on MacBook Pro 2009

Yes, Alex in Devon, just wanted to mention this in passing: there’s a big Bug in MacOS Yosemite : the wifi doesn’t work at all, isn’t available , isn’t there no matter what you do (Ethernet works fine , though) the fix/workaround is to install another version of the MacOS that’ll run on your 2009 MacBook Pro, like El Capitan… which you can get this way :

How to download and install macOS - Apple Support (CA)

that might be it

John B… and yes, Grant B-A is right/correct about the usb wifi drivers working only up to before Catalina… after that , as Catalina eliminated 32-bit support , all the drivers were Dead/toast/gone to meet their maker/ ..

john B

All MacBooks came with WiFi. Try this: go to System Preferences -> Network and see if Wi-Fi is listed there. If so, you may just need to turn it on. If Wi-Fi is not listed, click the "+" button at the lower left of the Preferences window and see if you can add Wi-Fi there. If not, then it's likely that the Wi-Fi circuitry has failed. If so, you may be able to find a third-party USB Wi-Fi adapter that would work.

Regards.

<< you may be able to find a third-party USB Wi-Fi adapter that would work** >>

** but ONLY for MacOS before Catalina, at which point the 32-bit Only Drivers for all the third-party Wi-Fi adapters DIED.

You’re welcome, Alex in Devon ??

Unfortunately, getting to and replacing the wifi board in this type and year of MacBookPro is a laborious, long, somewhat complicated and very very fiddly job, not recommended for the faint of heart or the average person… I don’t thing you want to spend the $ to find an AASP ( apple authorized service provider) or independent Mac dealer/repairperson, calling / contacting them, making an appointment and taking it in just to swap out the wifi board with a new( ish) known good working one… so apart from buying the wifi dongle ( mac os X compatible one) and using it, maybe just stick with Ethernet, very annoying, but not a deal-breaker..

John B