MAC Not Detecting USB Wireless Adapter: A Troubleshooting Guide

If you're experiencing issues with your MAC not detecting your USB wireless adapter, you're not alone. This problem can be frustrating and time-consuming to resolve, but don't worry - we're here to help.

I recently encountered this issue myself when trying to connect my USB wireless adapter to my M1 chip MacBook Pro. Despite following various troubleshooting steps and searching online for solutions, I was unable to find any information that helped me resolve the problem.

After exhausting all other options, I tried using a portable USB wireless adapter in Windows 10 and discovered that it also failed to detect the 5GHz WiFi network. This led me to suspect that the issue wasn't specific to macOS, but rather a problem with the adapter itself.

In my case, I had replaced my original Wi-Fi adapter (Intel AC3160) with a new one (DW1560/BCM94352Z) NGFF and installed kext files (brcm-, fakeid) to get it working on my MAC. However, when I tried using the same adapter in Windows 10, it failed to detect the 5GHz WiFi network.

To troubleshoot this issue, here are some steps you can try:

* Check your USB port: The problem may not be with the adapter itself, but rather with the USB port on your computer. Try using a different USB port or even a USB hub to see if that resolves the issue.

* Update your driver: Ensure that your wireless adapter driver is up-to-date and functioning properly. You can try updating the driver from the manufacturer's website or using Windows' built-in update feature.

* Check for interference: Other devices in your environment may be causing interference with your WiFi signal. Try moving devices away from each other or switching them off to see if that resolves the issue.

* Reset your adapter: Sometimes, resetting your wireless adapter can resolve connectivity issues. You can try restarting your computer and then re-enabling your wireless adapter.

If none of these steps work, it may be worth considering replacing your wireless adapter or seeking further assistance from the manufacturer or a technical support specialist.

In conclusion, resolving issues with your MAC not detecting your USB wireless adapter requires patience and persistence. By trying out different troubleshooting steps and eliminating potential causes, you should be able to get your adapter up and running in no time.

Mac not detecting usb wireless adapter