Owning a MacBook is quite enjoyable. Whether it’s an M4 MacBook Air or an M1 MacBook Pro, users generally appreciate the devices for their speed, portability, and efficiency. It’s also advantageous since macOS updates frequently introduce a variety of new features. Despite their usefulness, not every MacBook experience will be perfect. Problems can arise — and you may encounter some minor issues.
Typical issues on a MacBook include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity problems, battery drain, sluggish performance, and a slow internet browser. Fortunately, many of these problems can be resolved with a few adjustments, a reboot, or through built-in applications that can assist in addressing the situation. It’s wise to be familiar with some fundamentals about diagnosing and remedying your device.
Before exploring the problems and solutions listed below, keep in mind that using the latest version of macOS that your device can support is an excellent way to prevent many common or simple problems. Checking for updates is straightforward; just go to Apple > System Settings > General > Software Update from the menu bar and click Update Now if one is available. It’s also advisable to ensure that all of the applications on your MacBook are current, either by locating them in the App Store or updating them directly through the application.
### MacBook unable to connect to Wi-Fi
A MacBook that cannot connect to Wi-Fi can be a frequent hassle. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to achieve faster Wi-Fi speeds. First, confirm you have an active Wi-Fi connection by clicking the Wi-Fi icon in the upper-right corner of your display. Ensure Wi-Fi is turned on and that you have selected a network. Then, reboot your MacBook by going to Apple > Restart from the menu bar.
Be sure to verify that your date and time settings are correct, as inaccuracies may lead to problems. To check this, ensure that Set time and date automatically is turned on in the System Settings. You should also verify that your Wi-Fi router is functional. Try resetting it or consult your user manual for alternative solutions. Disable any VPNs you have, as they might be causing interference. If you are using a VPN, you should see an icon in your menu bar at the top-right that allows you to disable it, or you can turn off your VPN via Apple > System Settings > VPN. Finally, you can also utilize the Wireless Diagnostics tool, which can provide suggestions. Access the tool by holding Option on your keyboard while clicking the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar, or find it through a Spotlight Search.
### Facing Bluetooth problems
Just like encountering issues with Wi-Fi, having Bluetooth problems can be another typical issue for MacBook users. If your Bluetooth-enabled devices are not connecting or behaving erratically while connected, there are a few things you can examine. First, restart your device to see if this resolves your issues. Be sure to disconnect all USB devices before you restart.
You can switch Bluetooth on and off directly from the Control Center in the top-right corner of the menu bar, or you can disconnect and reconnect it from System Settings > Bluetooth. While in this menu, you can also disconnect and reconnect Bluetooth devices. Simply hover over the device, select Disconnect, then reconnect. Clicking the information icon (capital I) next to the device name permits you to forget the device entirely, allowing for a new pairing.
Another step you can try is to reset your MacBook’s Bluetooth module. Note that this will disconnect all of your Bluetooth accessories.
1. Open Terminal, typically found in Applications > Utilities.
2. Type this command: sudo pkill bluetoothd
3. Press return, and enter your password if prompted.
If you’re using macOS Big Sur or earlier versions, follow these steps:
1. Press and hold Option + Shift on your keyboard, then click the Bluetooth icon in your menu bar.
2. Choose Reset the Bluetooth module.
3. Confirm your choice.
4. Your Bluetooth devices will briefly disconnect while the reset happens, but they should reconnect automatically.
### MacBook suffering from battery drain
Another frequent issue that a MacBook user may face is battery drain. Although lithium-ion batteries naturally degrade over time, there are some steps you can take if you believe your battery could be functioning better. Check your battery level and screen usage via System Settings > Battery. This menu also displays your Battery Health and informs you if there are any issues. If you click the information icon next to Battery Health, you can enable Optimized Battery Charging, which may help extend your device’s lifespan.
You can also utilize Activity Monitor to determine which applications are consuming the most power. Find it in your Applications > Utilities folder or through a Spotlight Search. The Energy tab at the top of Activity Monitor will show a list of the most energy-consuming apps and programs, and you can click the Energy Impact column to sort by what is using the most energy. Select any application and then
