How to Connect to Wi-Fi on a Mac

You can connect to Wi-Fi on a Mac in about a minute. This guide walks you through it on macOS 27 Golden Gate, and the same steps work on recent versions like macOS Tahoe and Sequoia.

Before you start, you’ll need:

Your Wi-Fi network name — Also called the SSID
Your Wi-Fi password — Often printed on a sticker on your router, labeled “Wi-Fi key” or “WPA key”

How to connect to Wi-Fi on a Mac: step by step

1Click the Wi-Fi icon

It’s in the menu bar at the top-right of your screen and looks like a fan of curved lines.

WHAT TO DOClick the Wi-Fi icon to open the Wi-Fi menu.

Connect to Wi-Fi on a Mac: Click the Wi-Fi icon

2Turn Wi-Fi on

The switch at the top of the Wi-Fi menu should be blue.

WHAT TO DOIf the switch is gray, click it to turn Wi-Fi on.

Turn Wi-Fi on

3Choose your network

Click Other Networks to see the Wi-Fi networks near you.

WHAT TO DOClick the name of your network.

Choose your network

4Enter the password and click Join

Passwords are case-sensitive, so watch your capital letters. Leave “Remember this network” checked.

WHAT TO DOType the Wi-Fi password, then click Join.

Enter the password and click Join

Done

✓You’re connected

The Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar turns solid.

WHAT TO DOClick the Wi-Fi icon any time: your network is listed at the top with a blue icon.

You're connected

Another way

+Another way: System Settings

Apple menu → System Settings → Wi-Fi.

WHAT TO DOPoint to your network and click Connect, then enter the password.

Another way: System Settings

Won’t connect? Try this.

No Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar? — System Settings → Control Center → Wi-Fi → Show in Menu Bar
Wrong password? — Check Caps Lock, or tick “Show password” to see what you typed
Can’t see your network? — Move closer to the router, or restart the router and your Mac
Connected, but no internet? — Restart your router. Still stuck? Call us: 239-513-1960

On the go? Public Wi-Fi tips

Only join networks you recognize — Ask staff for the exact name. Scammers set up look-alike networks.
Save banking for a trusted connection — Or use a VPN on hotel, airport and coffee-shop Wi-Fi
Businesses: give visitors a guest network — Keep your office computers on their own secured network

Recap: connect to Wi-Fi on a Mac in 4 steps

Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar
Make sure Wi-Fi is on (blue)
Open Other Networks and click yours
Type the password and click Join

Printable quick guide

Connect to Wi-Fi on a Mac (1-page quick guide PDF)

Frequently asked questions

Why won’t my Mac connect to Wi-Fi?

Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on in the Wi-Fi menu, check the password (it’s case-sensitive), and move closer to the router. Restarting the router and your Mac fixes most problems. Connected but no internet? Restart your router, and if it’s still stuck, call us at 239-513-1960.

How do I connect to Wi-Fi on a Mac if there’s no Wi-Fi icon?

Open the Apple menu → System Settings → Wi-Fi, point to your network and click Connect. To get the icon back in the menu bar, go to System Settings → Control Center and set Wi-Fi to Show in Menu Bar.

What if I don’t know my Wi-Fi password?

Check the sticker on your router, often labeled Wi-Fi key or WPA key. If another Mac or PC has already joined the network, it can show you the saved password; our guide to finding your Wi-Fi password shows how.

Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi on my Mac?

Only join networks you recognize, and ask staff for the exact network name, because scammers set up look-alike networks. Save banking for a trusted connection, or use a VPN on hotel, airport and coffee-shop Wi-Fi.

Keep your Wi-Fi password somewhere safe. If your router still uses the password printed on its sticker, consider changing it. We can help set up a secure home or office network.