One of the most frustrating WiFi errors on macOS is when your system repeatedly asks for the WPA2 password—even after you’ve entered it correctly. This bug is common on both public and private networks, especially after macOS updates or when switching routers.
In most cases, the issue is caused by a mismatch between your Mac’s saved network configuration and the router’s settings. Fortunately, there are a few proven ways to fix it. Below is the solution that worked instantly for me—followed by other methods that have helped thousands of Mac users.
Method 1: Renew DHCP Lease (Worked Instantly)
If you’re lucky, this is all you’ll need to do. On my Mac, clicking “Renew DHCP Lease” solved the issue immediately after hours of trying other fixes.
- Go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS)
- Navigate to Network → Wi-Fi
- Click Advanced in the lower right corner
- Open the TCP/IP tab
- Click Renew DHCP Lease
As soon as I did this, the WiFi connected without prompting for the WPA2 password again. ✅
If you’re still stuck, try one of the methods below.
Method 2: Forget and Rejoin the Network (Success rate: ~80%)
This is the most common fix and is worth trying first if DHCP renewal doesn’t help:
- Go to System Settings → Wi-Fi
- Click Advanced
- Select the network showing the WPA2 error
- Click the minus (–) button to remove it
- Click OK, then Apply
- Reconnect to the network and enter the password again
Tip: On some macOS versions, “Advanced” won’t appear until you select Wi-Fi in the left sidebar.
Method 3: Reset Network Configuration Files (Success rate: ~90%)
This method wipes all your saved network settings and forces your Mac to start fresh. It’s the most technical, but also the most reliable.
Warning: This will delete all your saved WiFi networks, so have your passwords ready.
- Close all apps and open Finder
- Hold Option, then click Go → Library
- Go to
Preferences/SystemConfiguration/ - Delete the following files:
com.apple.airport.preferences.plistcom.apple.network.identification.plistNetworkInterfaces.plistpreferences.plist
- Restart your Mac
- Reconnect to your WiFi network
This method works best after macOS upgrades that may corrupt preference files.
Method 4: Public WiFi or Router Issues
If you’re on a home network: Restart your router and make sure the WiFi password hasn’t changed recently. If you changed the password but didn’t update it on your Mac, the system may continuously reject the connection.
If you’re on public WiFi (hotels, airports, cafés): The “WPA2 password” error may be masking a captive portal issue. Here’s what to try:
- Open Safari and visit
neverssl.comto force the login page to load - Disable “Private Wi-Fi Address” for that network under WiFi settings
- Ask venue staff to reset your MAC address in their system
Why This Happens
WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) encrypts your traffic and secures the connection between your Mac and the router. The connection process involves a “handshake” to exchange keys. If this handshake fails due to corrupted system files, IP conflicts, or bad router caching, your Mac may keep asking for the password—even if it’s correct.
That’s why fixes like forgetting the network, resetting preferences, or renewing the DHCP lease often solve the problem: they reset the handshake and reestablish secure communication between your device and the router.
Still stuck? Try connecting to a mobile hotspot. If that works, the problem is definitely on the original network—not your Mac’s hardware.
