macOS Wi-Fi Fix – “Wi-Fi- No Hardware Installed Error”

A strong internet connection is the cornerstone of many people’s daily lives. A weak or nonexistent internet connection will not only frustrate people but also complicate some part of their routine.

There are countless issues that could lead to errors in your WiFi connection. WiFi issues could be due to either the network or the WiFi device. Your software may need an update. There may be disconnected cable in your WiFi router, or you might be using the wrong settings on your device. When trying to troubleshoot connectivity problems, it is important to make sure you are looking at the right problem.

In this article, we will address the error message: “WiFi: No Hardware Installed Error”. More than a handful of macOS users report connectivity problems due to this error message. It typically appears after rebooting your Mac or installing a software update. It indicates that your computer cannot connect with your WiFi adaptor because said adaptor has failed or isn’t installed.

Troubleshooting Method 1

The first, easiest fix that can often resolve many computer issues is to restart your computer. Restarting your computer refreshes your router, especially if your computer has been running for too long. However, if this does not solve the problem, move on to method two.

Troubleshooting Method 2

Resetting the NVRAM and SMC are a part of the easy repair repertoire for Mac problems. NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) is a small memory that stores certain Mac settings that help your computer boot up, like volume, display resolution, and startup disk selection. Resetting NVRAM is likely to fix some Mac glitches.

To reset NVRAM follow these steps: Shut down your Mac, then turn it on. Immediately after you hear the startup sound, press Option, Command, P, and R. Hold these keys until you notice the sound of rebooting for second time. When your Mac finishes rebooting, check the status of the WiFi icon. If it still gives the same error message, it is time to reset SMC.

SMC manages power, such as power button presses, thermal monitoring and fan control, status lights, and other functions. Resetting SMC differs between different types of Mac models.

For MacBook models with non-removable batteries, reset the SMC with these steps:

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Connect the computer to the MagSafe power adapter.
3. Simultaneously press and hold Shift, Control, Option, and Power buttons, and startup your Mac as usual.

For MacBook models with removable batteries:

1. Shut down your Mac and remove the battery.
2. Disconnect the power cable.
3. Press and hold the Power button for five seconds, then release.
4. Connect the battery again and reboot normally.

To reset SMC for iMac, MacPro, and MacMini:

1. Shut down you Mac and disconnect it from its power cable.
2. Press and hold the Power button for five seconds.
3. Release the Power button, reconnect the power cable and reboot the Mac.

Ideally, NVRAM and SMC resets should eliminate the problem. If it does not, there are a other things you can try.

Troubleshooting Method 3

A potential problem for WiFi connectivity is whether or not your Mac has an outdated system configuration file. To test this, follow these steps:

1. Go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal
2. In Terminal, search ls -l /etc/sysctl.conf
3. If your search returns with a result of “No such file or directory”, this indicates that your Wi-Fi issue is caused by some other things.
4. If your search returns: “-rw-r–r– 1 root wheel 136 24 Nov 2013 /etc/sysctl.conf“. This means your computer has an old configuration file.
5. Rename the file, enter this command sudo mv /etc/sysctl.conf /etc/sysctl.conf.bak and restart your computer.

Troubleshooting Method 4

Another method is to restart the Mac in Safe Mode. To restart the Mac in Safe mode, shut off your Mac, restart your Mac and instantly hold on the Shift key until you notice the login window. Afterward, login and check your WiFi connection. Then, restart the Mac as normal.

Troubleshooting Method 5

One last method is to resolve WiFi problems is to reset the network service. To do this, go to System Preferences > Network. In the Network window, select WiFi. Open the options for configuration and now select “Make Service Inactive”, before restarting your Mac. When your Mac is rebooted, return to System Preferences and Network and re-select “Make Service Active”.

Ideally, your WiFi connection is fixed. If not, there may be a physical hardware problem with the computer. In this case, it is best to contact with Apple support by phone, chat, email or opt for a Genius bar appointment. If it turns out your device needs repairs, you should visit the Apple store, any authorized Apple service providers, or you can mail in your device.