Mac says I’m not connected to the Internet. It shows that Wi-Fi is connected.

Question

Mac says I’m not connected to the Internet. It shows that Wi-Fi is connected.

The Mac was working fine before I updated to Mac OS Tahoe. I downloaded the OS update just a few minutes before running it. After running the software update, everything that connects to the internet says I’m not connected to the Internet. Proton VPN is turned off. Little Snitch is off and not loading at startup. I have two Wi-fi networks, same result with both. Connected through my iPhone, still not connected to the internet. This is happening on a MacBook Pro with M1 Pro chip.

MacBook Pro 16″

Posted on Sep 16, 2025 05:14 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Mac Jim ID

Level 9

54,476 points

Sep 17, 2025 04:25 PM in response to Monuck Melikian Jr.

With it working in Safe Boot, it means that you have files starting up in your Launch Folders/Extension. As stated already turning off Proton VPN does not remove those launch files and certainly not by turning it off in Login Settings. They still run every time you start up. Little Snitch as well will affect network connections. Sometimes the uninstaller for those apps will remove the launch files and extensions, but they will not be removed by dragging the app to the trash or turning them off.

Let us know how it goes and if the problem persists, post the free EtreCheck report using the Additional Text option when posting. The report contains no personal information, but will identify the location of those files giving you the problem.

How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community

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Answer 2

Sep 17, 2025 05:31 PM in response to MrHoffman

Deleting Little Snitch resolved the problem. There is no uninstaller, to remove it, you move the app to the trash. Trashing it removes all files and extensions. Kinda of nice actually.

Connectivity is fully restored.

Thanks to everyone that took the time to respond and offer suggestions. I appreciate your help.

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Answer 3

Mac Jim ID

Level 9

54,476 points

Sep 16, 2025 05:39 PM in response to Monuck Melikian Jr.

Turning off Proton VPN does not actually stop the processes that run on startup and interfere with internet connections. You would actually have to use their uninstaller to remove those files. Test without it installed and compare the results.

I assume you restarted the router. Being connected to Wifi is not the same as being connected to the internet. It just means that your Mac is connected to your router, not that your router is connected to the internet.

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Answer 4

Sep 16, 2025 06:16 PM in response to Monuck Melikian Jr.

See if the problem is present when you boot in safe mode, which disables 3rd party extensions and performs some system cleanup.

Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

If you can connect normally, then use process of elimination to determine which 3rd party extension(s) is/are not compatible with Tahoe.

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Answer 5

Sep 17, 2025 02:47 PM in response to neuroanatomist

I did this. I restarted the Mac in safe mode. Connectivity was restored. Then I rebooted normally and connectivity was lost. So, it appears to be a software problem. I went to Login Items and removed all three apps from the start-up app list, rebooted, no connectivity. Went back to Login items and turned off specific Background apps and restarted to try to narrow down what might be causing the problem. Eventually turned off all background apps for start-up. Didn’t fix the problem. At this point, I am using Recovery to reinstall Mac OS Tahoe. I’ll update when that process is complete.

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Answer 6

Sep 16, 2025 06:41 PM in response to Monuck Melikian Jr.

Remove Little Snitch.

Remove Proton.

Restart.

Try again.

If your connectivity problems are resolved, seek further support for these apps from Proton and Objective-See.

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Answer 7

Sep 17, 2025 02:39 PM in response to Mac Jim ID

A good point. Nonetheless, I didn’t restart the router. I checked internet access through other devices. I was able to access the internet with my iPad (Wi-fi only), my iPhone (cellular data off), my PC, and I am able to stream content on the Apple TV. I have internet connectivity thru Wi-Fi. But, still you make a good point. I rebooted the router, but that didn’t resolve the issue.

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Answer 8

Sep 17, 2025 02:49 PM in response to MrHoffman

I did this, but it didn’t resolve the problem.

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