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No Wi-Fi / Bluetooth Diagnosis

2 boards 7 diagnostic checks Updated March 15, 2026

Overview

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth failure on Apple MacBooks is almost always one of three causes: (1) failed wireless module (BCM94360NG or BCM43602 chip), (2) damaged or disconnected antenna cables (routed through display hinge), or (3) PCIe bus fault preventing the module from enumerating. The diagnostic starting point is System Information → Network: if the Wi-Fi hardware line shows 'No information found', the module is not enumerating and the fault is either power, PCIe, or the module itself. If the module enumerates but cannot connect, the antenna or RF path is the issue.

Diagnostic Methodology

Follow these steps in sequence. Each step eliminates an entire fault zone — do not skip ahead.

1. Check module enumeration
macOS: System Information → Hardware → Network. If Wi-Fi line says 'No information found': module not enumerating. Open Terminal: `system_profiler SPAirPortDataType`. No output = PCIe/power fault.
2. Check PCIe presence
macOS: system_profiler SPPCIDataType. BCM94360 should appear as a PCIe device. If absent: module not powered or PCIe link is not established.
3. Measure module power rails
Wireless module requires: 3.3V (PP3V3_S0) and optional 1.8V (PP1V8_S0) supply. Confirm both present at mini-PCIe / M.2 slot with board in S0 state.
4. Inspect antenna connections
Open display. Trace antenna cables from airport card through hinge to antennas in lid. Disconnected, pinched, or broken cables cause weak/no signal even with working module.
5. Swap module
If power present and PCIe enumerates but still no Wi-Fi: replace BCM94360NG or BCM43602 module. These are consumable parts — they fail from ESD or heat over time.
6. Check for SNR restriction
Vintage MacBooks (pre-2019): Apple SNR (serial number restriction) may block third-party module activation. Check for SNR flag in NVRAM: `nvram -p | grep -i wifi`.

Per-Board Fault Trees

Board-specific checks ordered by failure likelihood. Most common root cause listed first.

MacBook Pro A1989 — No Wi-Fi Start: PP3V3_S0 at M.2 slot
⊞ Repair guide ◈ Schematic hub
  • Module not in system_profiler
    PCIe not enumerating BCM94360NG. Check PP3V3_S0 at M.2 key slot (connector J6900). If absent: S0 power sequence failure. If present: module failed or PCIe trace damage.
  • Antenna cable hinge damage
    A1989 hinge area is a common wear point for antenna cables on older machines. Open display assembly, check antenna cables for cuts or breaks near hinge pivot.
  • Module enumerated, no signal
    Wi-Fi hardware listed in system_profiler but no networks found. Check antenna connections at module and at lid. Try known-good external Wi-Fi adapter to confirm.
  • Bluetooth missing + Wi-Fi OK
    BCM94360NG handles both. If Bluetooth is missing but Wi-Fi works, the internal BT UART connection between BCM chip and Apple T2 may be broken. Rare — usually module fault.
MacBook Air A2337 — No Wi-Fi Start: PP3V3_S0 at wireless slot
⊞ Repair guide ◈ Schematic hub
  • M1 PCIe wireless enumeration
    M1 MacBook integrates WLAN/BT module on an internal M.2 slot. System Information → Network should show 'Wi-Fi (BCM4378)'. If absent after confirming S0 rails: replace module.
  • Antenna cable at hinge
    A2337 antenna cables are routed with the display cable through the hinge. Both can be damaged together if hinge is damaged. Inspect full route.
  • PP3V3_S0 absent
    If both Wi-Fi and BT are dead and no S0 rail: follow No Power S0 diagnostic. Wi-Fi module requires S0 to be active to enumerate on PCIe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Wi-Fi stop working after a MacBook repair?
The most common cause is a disconnected or crimped antenna cable during reassembly. Antenna cables are thin coaxial wires routed from the airport card to snap-on connectors near the display hinge. If the display was removed and the cable was pulled, the snap connector may have separated. Open the top case and verify both antenna snap connectors are fully seated on the airport card.
Can I replace a Mac Wi-Fi module with an aftermarket part?
Yes, on most pre-2019 MacBooks. The module is a standard 2-antenna BCM94360NG on M.2 A+E key. Aftermarket Fenvi, AzureWave, or Lenovo-branded BCM94360 modules work natively in macOS without drivers. On T2 Macs (2018+), Apple may enforce an SNR check — verify with the NVRAM command before purchasing a replacement module.