macOS treats networks connections as entries in the Network preference pane. When you add a hardware connection, like an ethernet port that’s part of a Thunderbolt dock, the preference list should automatically update to include it. But readers find that sometimes entries disappear. This is particularly common with Wi-Fi for reasons that aren’t apparent.
You can re-create a missing Wi-Fi interface entry (and that of any other interface). The steps are simple:
- Go to System Preferences > Network.
- Click the plus sign in the lower-left corner of the window.
- Wi-Fi should appear in the Interface popup menu. If so, select it. (If not, read below.)
- Enter whatever descriptive label for Service Name you like; just
Wi-Fiis fine. - Click Create.
This process should re-create the Wi-Fi connection on your computer. If this newly created entry doesn’t have the intended effect, your Wi-Fi hardware may be faulty, or the system may need to be reinstalled. Read this Mac Wi-Fi interface troubleshooting column.
This Mac 911 article is in response to a question submitted by Macworld reader Harriet.
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Author: Glenn Fleishman, Senior Contributor
Glenn Fleishman’s most recent books include Take Control of iOS and iPadOS Privacy and Security, Take Control of Calendar and Reminders, and Take Control of Securing Your Mac. In his spare time, he writes about printing and type history. He’s a senior contributor to Macworld, where he writes Mac 911.