Find where it breaks
Run both in separate Terminal windows while it's happening. If pings to your router fail, the problem is Wi-Fi between your Mac and the router. If the router answers but 1.1.1.1 doesn't, it's your provider or modem.
ping $(route -n get default | awk '/gateway/{print $2}')ping 1.1.1.1If it's the Wi-Fi link
- Run Wireless DiagnosticsHold ⌥ Option, click the Wi-Fi icon, choose Open Wireless Diagnostics. It can monitor the connection and log drops.
- Forget and rejoin the networkSystem Settings › Wi-Fi › Details… › Forget This Network.
- Turn off Private Wi-Fi Address for homeIn the same Details panel. Some routers handle rotating addresses badly.
- Move or change the router's channelNeighbours on the same channel and distance are the most common causes.
- Update macOSWi-Fi fixes ship in point releases.
If it's the internet connection
- Restart the modem and router, in that order.
- Check your provider's status page.
- Keep a log of each outage with times. Providers take it far more seriously than "it keeps dropping".
Keep a record automatically
Drippy pings your host in the background and tells you when the connection drops, runs scheduled speed tests, and notices when your public IP changes (a sign the modem reconnected). That's the evidence you need when you call your provider.
Questions
Why does my Mac disconnect from Wi-Fi when other devices don't?
Often weak signal at the Mac's location, a Private Wi-Fi Address the router mishandles, or an outdated saved network. Forget and rejoin the network first.
How do I log internet outages on Mac?
Leave ping running in Terminal, use Wireless Diagnostics' monitor mode, or let a monitor like Drippy record drops for you.
Can a VPN cause Wi-Fi drops?
It can cause the internet to drop while Wi-Fi stays connected. Test with the VPN off.