📋 Verified Walkthrough
Mac • Everyday Basics

How do I connect a Mac or MacBook to a Wi-Fi network?

Direct Answer

Click the Wi-Fi fan icon (or Control Center toggle icon) in the top-right menu bar near the clock, click your home network name, and enter your Wi-Fi password.

Why You Might Want to Do This

  • To connect your MacBook to internet at home, a coffee shop, or while traveling.
  • To receive emails, iMessages, and browse the web on your computer.

Before You Start

  • Have your Wi-Fi network name and password ready.
  • Be within range of the router.

If you have an iPhone on the same Apple ID, your Mac can often connect to your home Wi-Fi automatically with zero typing required!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Click the Wi-Fi icon in the top-right menu bar

    Look at the top-right corner of your screen near the clock. Click the icon that looks like three curved Wi-Fi fan waves (or the Control Center icon with two switches).

    👀 Wi-Fi fan waves icon or two-switch Control Center icon.

  2. 2

    Make sure Wi-Fi is turned ON

    If the Wi-Fi switch is grey, click the blue toggle button to turn Wi-Fi on so it discovers nearby networks.

    👀 Blue toggle switch labeled "Wi-Fi."

    3. ✅ Success Checkpoint: You're Doing Great

    If your screen matches the description above, you have followed the steps correctly. Continue to the next step.

  3. 3

    Click your home Wi-Fi network name

    Look at the list of "Known Networks" or "Other Networks" and click your home network name.

    👀 Your Wi-Fi network name in the list.

  4. 4

    Type the Wi-Fi password and click "Join"

    Carefully type your password into the password box. Check "Remember this network," then click the blue "Join" button.

    👀 Password entry box with "Join" button.

If You Don't See It / Troubleshooting

If your iPhone is nearby and connected to the Wi-Fi

A prompt will appear on your iPhone asking "Share Wi-Fi password with your Mac?." Simply tap "Share Password" on your iPhone, and your Mac will connect instantly without typing!

Good to Know

  • Once connected, your Mac remembers the network and connects automatically every time you open the lid.
  • Connecting a Windows laptop instead? See our guide on [How to Connect Windows Laptop to Wi-Fi](/guide/how-to-connect-windows-laptop-to-wifi).
  • You can check your connection strength by looking at the solid blue arcs in the top menu bar.