---
title: "MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020): Wi-Fi specifications and connection checks · Kilobat Guides"
url: "https://kilobat.app/guides/macbook-air-retina-2020-wifi"
description: "Check Wi-Fi 5 on the Intel MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020), its bands and practical connection checks."
---

Wi-Fi

# MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020): Wi-Fi specifications and connection checks

Apple specifies 802.11ac Wi-Fi for this Intel model. The M1 MacBook Air introduced later in 2020 has different Wi-Fi.

Applies to: MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020). Settings names vary by macOS version. · Checked: 2 November 2026

## Symptoms

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

## Likely causes

- **A network or signal problem.** Distance, interference or the router can affect the connection.
- **A compatibility or configuration problem.** The router and Mac must support the same band and security settings.

## How to check

1. Choose Apple menu › About This Mac and confirm the model before using these specifications.
2. Apple lists 802.11ac, with compatibility for 802.11a, b, g and n. This model is not on its Wi-Fi 6E list.
3. The rate negotiated with a router depends on the radio standard, channel width and signal. It is not an internet speed guarantee.
4. Check another device on the same network. This helps separate a Mac issue from a network issue.
5. Open Wireless Diagnostics from the Wi-Fi menu. See [Use Wireless Diagnostics and wdutil on a Mac](https://kilobat.app/guides/wireless-diagnostics-mac).
6. Compare signal and 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, then test again.
2. Check the router’s 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

**What Wi-Fi does the MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020) support?**

Apple specifies 802.11ac, commonly called Wi-Fi 5. The later M1 model supports Wi-Fi 6.

**Does a supported band guarantee a fast connection?**

No. Signal, interference, router settings and the internet connection also affect results.

## Sources

- [Apple: MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020) technical specifications](https://support.apple.com/en-us/111991)
- [Apple: Find your Mac model](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102767)
- [Apple: Use Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 networks](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102285)
- [Apple: Use Wireless Diagnostics](https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/mchlf4de377f/mac)
- [Apple: Wi-Fi and Ethernet specifications for Apple devices](https://support.apple.com/en-au/guide/deployment/dep268652e6c/1/web/1.0)

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.
- [MacBook Air M2 (2022): Wi-Fi specifications and connection checks](https://kilobat.app/guides/macbook-air-m2-2022-wifi): Apple lists Wi-Fi 6 for this model.
- [13-inch MacBook Air M3 (2024): Wi-Fi specifications and connection checks](https://kilobat.app/guides/macbook-air-m3-2024-wifi): Apple lists Wi-Fi 6E for this model.
- [MacBook Air M1 (2020): Wi-Fi specifications and connection checks](https://kilobat.app/guides/macbook-air-m1-2020-wifi): Apple lists Wi-Fi 6 for this model.