How to Connect a Mac to WiFi Without a Cable

Trying to connect your computer to the WiFi wirelessly? Here’s a detailed guide on How to Connect a Mac to WiFi Without a Cable. Read on find the step-by-step instructions:

Are you prepared to sever the cable connection? Do you still use an Ethernet wire to connect your Mac to your Wi-Fi router? Maybe you have an older Mac or MacBook that doesn’t support Wi-Fi. We can assist you in getting rid of those inconvenient cords that bind you to one area.

Once upon a time, having a wireless connection was considered cutting-edge technology. It was common to connect to the internet via a network cable—or even a phone line and a modem. It is now the polar opposite.

Most of our Mac's are connected by wireless networks, and we rarely notice the blue or yellow cord that runs from the rear of our laptops.

While there are still some good reasons to use a cable to connect your Mac to the internet, you may be unclear how to make the switch to a wireless connection. If you still have a wired connection and want to get rid of it, you can do so. It’s simple and inexpensive, and we can teach you how.

How to Connect a Mac to WiFi Without a Cable

Here’s where to begin if you’re ready to go wireless.

To begin, you’ll require a wireless router. Prices range from extremely low to high-end if you don’t already have one. For your Mac, you may also require a Wi-Fi adapter.

Built-in, PCI-e, and USB adapters are the three most common types of adapters. Let’s take a detailed look at each one separately.

Solution 1 -- Use the Built-in Configuration of your Mac

How to Connect a Mac to WiFi Without a Cable

A Wi-Fi adapter is incorporated into the majority of computers made in the last decade. It’s possible that you already have the necessary gear. If you’re not sure if yours has one, keep reading to find out how to find out.

Even if you have built-in Wi-Fi, one of the next two solutions might be worth considering. The majority of the built-in adapters are of poor quality.

They tend to fail or have problems, and unless your motherboard is brand new, it may not be employing the most up-to-date technology. You can always use your existing built-in, and if you like it, you’re set to go.

Buying a fresh new WiFi-enabled motherboard is also a preferable option if you’re looking for a complete upgrade. The majority of laptops have WiFi-enabled motherboards, and your Mac can have one as well.

The cost of purchasing and installing external hardware, on the other hand, is much more than the cost of purchasing and installing the WiFi-enabled Motherboard.

If you want a steady connection and fast internet browsing, this is a fantastic choice. The WiFi-enabled Motherboard can search for and discover discoverable networks for your Mac directly.

Solution 2 -- Use a USB Wi-Fi Adapter to Connect your Mac to the WiFi

USB WiFi adapters can be a pretty effective way to get a connection up and running quickly.

Setting up the connection takes only a few minutes, and then you may use the product without any issues. USB WiFi adapters are typically small devices that may be easily connected to a computer outdoors.

It allows you to easily set up and begin browsing the internet without fuss. However, you must first configure the USB WiFi adapter with the Mac and the network before you can start working.

It’s simple to do if you follow the instructions below.

Connect the USB WiFi adapters to the computer and install the software.
You must first install the driver package entirely before you can begin working.
After that, launch the Setup wizard and give your USB WiFi adapter a name.
After you’ve set up your login password, you’ll be able to search for open WiFi networks.
To gain access to your Router Modem, simply tap on the available network and then key in the password.
To allow your Mac to be automatically configured with the device in the future, click Save Settings.

Solution 3 -- Use a PCI-e WiFi Adapter to Connect your Mac to the WiFi

With PCI-e WiFi adapters, connectivity is at its best. If you need high-speed internet all of the time, there’s nothing better than a PCI-e WiFi adapter.

They’ll give you comparable speed and connectivity to an internal WiFi card, in particular.

In comparison to USB adapters, the PCI-e WiFi adapter performs somewhat better and can maintain stable connections over longer distances. Two antennas are built into the PCI-e WiFi adapters, allowing for strong communication.

PCI-e WiFi adapters are significantly more expensive than standard WiFi adapters due to the hardware specifications.

However, to use them successfully, you may need to install the PCI-e WiFi adapter on your machine. To get this done right, follow the steps below.

To get started, turn off your Mac and open the cabinet.
The PCI-e WiFi adapter must now be inserted into an available slot.
Once you’ve identified the proper spot, remove the metal plate and install the PCI-e WiFi adapter.
Before attaching the networking card to the device, you must first connect it to the adapter.
Once this is done, you can secure the card to the case.

How to Connect a Computer to WiFi Without Cables

If you bought a new Wi-Fi adapter, the installation software that came with it should help you become connected. If you don’t have access to the internet, there are a few measures you can take to get connected.

These procedures can be used if you already have the necessary hardware but it is unable to connect for some reason.

Check to determine if your computer has an external switch, button, or key that you must press to activate Wi-Fi.

If you don’t see the button, you can always look up your make and model on the internet to see if there is an external means to turn it on, but bear in mind that not all systems will have this option.

How to Connect a Mac to WiFi Without Cables

On the Menu bar, choose the Wi-Fi icon.
Select “Wi-Fi: On” from the drop-down menu.
The network name and password can then be used to join a network.

Bonus - Connect Windows to WiFi without Cables

Follow the steps below for a Windows 10 PC to enable Wi-Fi through your operating system. For earlier versions of Windows, a similar procedure can be used.

Connecting a Windows 11 Computer to WiFi Without Cables

Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the right-hand side of the taskbar
Select Wi-Fi and turn it on
Search for the preferred network connection
Enter the password and wait till the system has it authenticated
Open your browser and search for any webpage to check if you're connected to the Wi-Fi

Connecting a Windows 10 Computer to WiFi Without Cables

In the lower-left corner of your desktop, click the Windows button.
Type “Settings” into the search box.
Search for “Network and Internet” and click on it.
Select “Wi-Fi” from the drop-down menu.
To turn on the Wi-Fi, click the on/off button on the Wi-Fi screen.
Then, using your network name and password, you can join your network.

Why should you consider retaining a cable internet connection for your Mac

There are some good reasons to stay connected by network cable, aside from not understanding how or simply not having the time.

You can get substantially faster data rates with an Ethernet cable. Directly connecting to your router is often more stable, allowing you to access the internet in places where Wi-Fi isn’t available.

I admit, I still utilize a wired connection. As a hardcore gamer, I must download large amounts of data and files.

I’m also on a lot of voice and video calls when playing online. Cable internet is more dependable; it ensures that my connection does not drop when I upload or download huge files.

Wireless, on the other hand, is far more beneficial. My work MacBook has a WiFi option, so I can disconnect from my docking station when I need to. It’s occasionally worth compromising speed and reliability for convenience if I move to another room.

Before severing the cable, there are a few things to consider. While it’s a good idea to keep your cord handy, most people opt to go wireless.

The majority of wireless rates now are sufficient for music, video, and most data transfers. Unless you frequently transfer huge amounts of data, the speed difference between a wired and wireless connection is unlikely to be noticeable.

Is Ethernet a quicker connection than WiFi on a Mac?

Let’s get to the topic right away. The Ethernet connects the Mac directly with the help of a broadband network.

The connection given by a WiFi network is nearly 10% lower than that offered by an Ethernet cable. Due to the high bandwidth, it might provide you with a higher speed than any traditional WiFi connection.

Is it possible to have both WiFi and Ethernet at the same time on a Mac?

Yes, it is feasible. Connections to the same network through Ethernet and WiFi are always possible. The procedures for setting up both networks are similarly simple.

You will, however, require a second LAN port on your Mac for this. To obtain the desired result, you must have both options.

What’s the best way to switch between WiFi and Ethernet on a Mac?

Switching from WiFi to Ethernet is never a difficult process for you. You can accomplish this by following the steps mentioned below.

On the Menu bar, choose the Wi-Fi icon.
Select “Wi-Fi: On” from the drop-down menu.
The network name and password can then be used to join a network.

Conclusion

Connecting a Mac to WiFi without a cable is not difficult if you know how to do it correctly. If you are not a professional, however, you can always use this guide to acquire the best results.

We hope that this article will assist you in connecting to WiFi using any of the procedures listed above.

Also Read:

How to fix Wi-Fi not working on Mac | Comprehensive Guide for 2023