---
title: "24-inch iMac M1 (2021): Wi-Fi bands and connection checks · Kilobat Guides"
url: "https://kilobat.app/guides/imac-24-m1-2021-wifi"
description: "Check Wi-Fi 6 on the 24-inch iMac M1 (2021), understand the 6 GHz limit and investigate connection problems."
---

Wi-Fi

# 24-inch iMac M1 (2021): Wi-Fi bands and connection checks

Apple lists Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for the 24-inch iMac M1. It is not on Apple’s Wi-Fi 6E model list.

Applies to: 24-inch iMac with M1, introduced in 2021. Settings names vary by macOS version. · Checked: 2 November 2026

## Symptoms

- Wi-Fi is slow or disconnects.
- The Mac does not join the expected band.

## Likely causes

- **Signal or interference.** Distance and nearby radio activity can affect the link.
- **Router settings or regional limits.** The router must support a usable band and security mode. Availability of 6 GHz varies by country.

## Check the model and link

1. Choose Apple menu › About This Mac to confirm the model and year.
2. Apple specifies 802.11ax, with compatibility for 802.11a, b, g, n and ac.
3. Apple’s model specifications do not state a maximum PHY rate. The negotiated rate depends on the router and signal.
4. Those PHY maxima assume a compatible link and are not internet speed promises.
5. Ethernet availability varies with configuration. Check your power adapter before comparing a wired connection.
6. Open Wireless Diagnostics from the Wi-Fi menu. See [Use Wireless Diagnostics and wdutil on a Mac](https://kilobat.app/guides/wireless-diagnostics-mac).
7. Compare the connection on another device and inspect channel conditions. See [Crowded Wi-Fi channels near your Mac](https://kilobat.app/guides/wifi-channel-congestion).

## How to fix it

1. Move closer to the router and test again.
2. Check its band and security settings. See [2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz Wi-Fi on a Mac](https://kilobat.app/guides/wifi-bands-2-4-5-6-ghz).
3. If Wi-Fi connects but internet access fails, follow [Mac connected to Wi-Fi but no internet](https://kilobat.app/guides/wifi-connected-no-internet).

The exact menus for your router, from FRITZ!Box and Xfinity to eero and Livebox: [router guides](https://kilobat.app/routers).

## Questions

**Does the 24-inch iMac M1 support 6 GHz Wi-Fi?**

Apple specifies Wi-Fi 6 and does not include the 2021 iMac on its Wi-Fi 6E list. The later 2023 iMac supports 6E.

**Is the maximum PHY rate the speed of an internet download?**

No. It describes a wireless link maximum. Signal, channel width, other traffic and the internet connection affect throughput.

## Sources

- [Apple: 24-inch iMac M1 (2021) technical specifications](https://support.apple.com/en-us/111895)
- [Apple: Wi-Fi and Ethernet specifications](https://support.apple.com/en-au/guide/deployment/dep268652e6c/1/web/1.0)
- [Apple: Use Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102285)
- [Apple: Find your Mac model](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102767)
- [Apple: Wireless Diagnostics](https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/mchlf4de377f/mac)

Checked on 2 November 2026.

## Related guides

- [Use Wireless Diagnostics and wdutil on a Mac](https://kilobat.app/guides/wireless-diagnostics-mac): Wireless Diagnostics is a Wi-Fi tool that comes with macOS.
- [2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz Wi-Fi on a Mac](https://kilobat.app/guides/wifi-bands-2-4-5-6-ghz): Wi-Fi uses three bands.
- [Wi-Fi is slow on the Mac but fast on the phone](https://kilobat.app/guides/slow-wifi-mac-fast-phone): When the phone is fast on the same network, the internet connection is not the problem.
- [Mac mini (2023): Wi-Fi specifications and connection checks](https://kilobat.app/guides/mac-mini-2023-wifi): Apple lists Wi-Fi 6E and Gigabit Ethernet for this model.
- [24-inch iMac M3 (2023): Wi-Fi bands and connection checks](https://kilobat.app/guides/imac-24-m3-2023-wifi): 24-inch iMac M3 (2023) supports Wi-Fi 6E.