Error messages

“Wi-Fi: No hardware installed” on Mac

macOS shows this when it cannot find the Wi-Fi hardware. A restart can bring it back. If it does not, the hardware can need service.

Applies to: All current macOS versions. The text was checked in AirPort.menu and WiFiAgent on macOS 27.2.Checked: 29 October 2026

Symptoms

  • The Wi-Fi menu says “Wi-Fi: No hardware installed”.
  • Wi-Fi is missing from Network settings.

Likely causes

  • A software state after an update, sleep or crash. macOS did not load the Wi-Fi hardware. A restart can fix this.
  • A hardware fault. If the hardware is missing in System Information after a restart, the Wi-Fi hardware can be faulty.

How to check

  1. Hold the Option key and choose Apple menu > System Information. Click Wi-Fi under Network.

  2. Look for the card type and firmware. If no Wi-Fi hardware shows, macOS cannot see it.

  3. List the hardware ports from Terminal. Look for a port named Wi-Fi.

    networksetup -listallhardwareports

  4. Show the Wi-Fi report from Terminal.

    system_profiler SPAirPortDataType

How to fix it

  1. Restart the Mac. Choose Apple menu > Restart.

  2. If it is still missing, shut down the Mac. Wait 30 seconds, then turn it on.

  3. Install macOS updates. Use Ethernet or iPhone USB tethering if Wi-Fi is missing. See Connect a Mac to an iPhone hotspot with a USB cable.

  4. Run Apple Diagnostics. Write down any reference code that it shows.

  5. If the hardware still does not show, contact Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Give them the reference code.

Questions

Will resetting network settings fix this?

Not if macOS cannot see the hardware. Network settings need the hardware to show first.

Can I use the internet without Wi-Fi?

Yes. Use an Ethernet adapter or USB tethering with an iPhone. See Connect a Mac to an iPhone hotspot with a USB cable.

Sources

Sources checked on 29 October 2026. Man pages are the ones installed with macOS; open one with man <name> in Terminal.