macOS · Mac · Everyday fixes

Connected but no internet on your Mac? The safe network reset

Wi-Fi connected, little globe with a slash — the link is up but the path to the internet isn't. A safe, fully reversible reset of the lease and DNS cache fixes most of it.

  • Difficulty Medium
  • Estimated time 10 min
  • Platform macOS
  • Last updated
Connected but no internet on your Mac? The safe network reset — schematic diagram

Before you start

Medium risk. This change is reversible — you can return to the previous state without professional help or data loss.

Steps

  1. Isolate first: do other devices on this network have internet? If not, reboot the router and check with your ISP before touching this Mac
  2. System Settings → Network → select your active connection → Details… → TCP/IP tab → click 'Renew DHCP Lease' for a fresh address from the router
  3. Flush the DNS cache in Terminal: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache && sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder (you'll be asked for your password — nothing is deleted)
  4. Toggle Wi-Fi off and back on to force a fresh link, then open two different websites to confirm

How to verify the fix

Two different websites load fully in Safari or another browser, and a new tab opens without the 'can't connect' error.

If this didn't fix it

Still offline after the reset — if other devices on this network work fine, the problem is this Mac's radio or hardware, not the router; stop repeating resets and check the Wi-Fi adapter state before assuming an ISP outage.

Next stop: the related fixes below, or start a guided diagnosis.

Related fixes

Still stuck? Diagnose my problem Browse all Mac fixes