Creative Tech Support

Today’s world is wireless. Here’s how to connect to wi-fi and solve common problems.

Connecting to a wi-fi network

1. Click the wi-fi icon in the menu bar. Or click the Apple menu, choose System Preferences and click Network.
2. If you’re currently connected to a wi-fi network it’s at the top with a checkmark. Nearby wi-fi networks show in the menu. If the network you need doesn’t appear, make sure you’re within range or check the network router.
3. Select a network. Protected wi-fi networks have a lock icon and require a password. Ask the wi-fi administrator, store or hotel staff for the passcode.
4. To change other wi-fi settings, choose Open Network Preferences. Or click the Apple menu, choose System Preferences and click Network.
5. Select Wi-Fi in the sidebar.
6. See the current status. You can turn wi-fi off if you have a network cable attached and don’t need it.
7. Ask to join new networks is recommended so your Mac can get online quickly.
8. To see a list of wi-fi networks you’ve used in the past, click Advanced. See the next section.

No wi-fi networks available? Use your iPhone’s personal hotspot to share its internet with your Mac. Need a wired Ethernet port on a Mac that doesn’t have one? Purchase a Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet adapter.

Changing advanced wi-fi settings

If your Mac connects to the wrong network you may need to remove it or set a new default network.

1. Click the wi-fi icon in the menu bar.
2. Choose Open Network Preferences. Or click the Apple menu, choose System Preferences and click Network.
3. Click wi-fi on the left side, then Advanced near the bottom.
4. Networks your Mac has connected to in the past are listed here. If you’re using iCloud Keychain, it will also include networks your iPhone or iPad have used. If several networks are available in the same vicinity, drag the one you prefer above the others or to the top of the list to make it the default network.
5. Select any wi-fi networks you don’t want to use and click the – button. You might also delete any wi-fi networks that aren't working properly. You can always add them back again when you within range.
6. Click OK, then close the window and apply changes.

Learn how to test and improve your signal strength.

Resetting wireless passwords on your Mac

Trouble with a particular wi-fi network? Perhaps the password has changed. Try removing the password from your computer and reentering it.

1. Click the wi-fi icon in the menu bar and Turn Wi-Fi Off.
2. Click the Launcher. Or click the Finder’s desktop, then click the Go menu at the top of the screen and choose Utilities.
3. Open the Keychain Access.
4. Look for your wireless network. Select it and type the delete key.
5. Quit Keychain Access.
6. Turn wi-fi back on and connect to the network again. It should ask you for the new wireless key.

Click for more help with Keychain Access.

Learn more Mac tips.