MBP-16" 2019, Wi-Fi hardware replacement help

[kara_0]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here so I don't know if this is the right place to post this. I have a MacBook Pro 16", 2019 model A2141, and everything works fine apart from the Wi-Fi. After troubleshooting many different areas, myself and Apple have came to the conclusion the issue is a hardware one and not that of software.

The issue is that the Wi-Fi will not connect to a router that is protected with any password/encryption whatsoever. Connecting via ethernet (with adapter) works as expected, and interestingly enough once encryption is disabled from the router, and no password is required, the internet connects and works as expected. This is the case with any router 'type', such as a hotspot, so it is definitely not an issue with my ISP.

Upon searching google on many different websites for an 'airport wi-fi and bluetooth' replacement card for my model, I cannot seem to find any for my particular model of MacBook. I watched a few videos on YouTube of the replacement process, and for Wi-Fi hardware the process does not seem hugely complex, which is helpful.

I ask if anyone could help me in regards to what specific type of hardware I need to buy. For example - is the hardware that is used for my model (A2141) identical to the hardware that was used in the previous 2018 15" model? Or is it different? Would I be able to purchase the hardware for the previous model and it would work for mine?

I understand my question is broad and slightly arbitrary, but any help would be greatly appreciated.
If it's any help, I am from the U.K., so I've been researching replacement parts that are available to buy from UK or European stores online.

Thanks in advance :0)
Kara

 

[georgeward234]

the macbook pro 16 first came out in november 2019; this means you are still under your one year warranty from apple. are you able to take it to a store for a proper assessment and repair?

 

[velocityg4]

As far as I can tell. The Wi-Fi and bluetooth module is integrated in the motherboard. It is not replaceable.

MacBook Pro 16" 2019 Teardown

A beloved old feature returns to the MacBook Pro, and it starts with M-a-g. If you guessed MagSafe, we have disappointing news, but if you said...

www.ifixit.com

I assume they had you perform a PRAM reset and SMC reset. If not do that first.

I would suggest a clean install of macOS. Wiping the drive and installing from a prepared flash drive or internet recovery. Upon boot don't reconnect to icloud or use migration assistant to restore anything. Then try to connect to WiFi.

Then if that works only restore your files. Not your apps, other files or settings and check again. Then connect to icloud. Check again. Then manually reinstall your software. Checking periodically.

 

[hallux]

the macbook pro 16 first came out in november 2019; this means you are still under your one year warranty from apple. are you able to take it to a store for a proper assessment and repair?

I'm in agreement here. This should be covered by warranty and there should be no reason to have to shop for parts to purchase, especially if the Apple rep has assisted with narrowing it down to hardware. But I would do the SMC and PRAM reset as suggested by @velocityg4

I can also confirm, from the Apple service guide for this model, that the WiFi/Airport card is integrated into the board. This means that repair involves replacing the logic board so a backup of all data is needed before submitting for service.

 

[jerryk]

Since the 16 inch is a new machine, why are you considering doing a repair? It still should be under warranty. Let Apple fix it for free.

 

[Fishrrman]

Do you have a brick-n-mortar Apple Store anywhere "within range"??

If so, TAKE IT TO THEM. Make a genius bar appt. and let them have a look at it.

 

[Yebubbleman]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here so I don't know if this is the right place to post this. I have a MacBook Pro 16", 2019 model A2141, and everything works fine apart from the Wi-Fi. After troubleshooting many different areas, myself and Apple have came to the conclusion the issue is a hardware one and not that of software.

The issue is that the Wi-Fi will not connect to a router that is protected with any password/encryption whatsoever. Connecting via ethernet (with adapter) works as expected, and interestingly enough once encryption is disabled from the router, and no password is required, the internet connects and works as expected. This is the case with any router 'type', such as a hotspot, so it is definitely not an issue with my ISP.

Upon searching google on many different websites for an 'airport wi-fi and bluetooth' replacement card for my model, I cannot seem to find any for my particular model of MacBook. I watched a few videos on YouTube of the replacement process, and for Wi-Fi hardware the process does not seem hugely complex, which is helpful.

I ask if anyone could help me in regards to what specific type of hardware I need to buy. For example - is the hardware that is used for my model (A2141) identical to the hardware that was used in the previous 2018 15" model? Or is it different? Would I be able to purchase the hardware for the previous model and it would work for mine?

I understand my question is broad and slightly arbitrary, but any help would be greatly appreciated.
If it's any help, I am from the U.K., so I've been researching replacement parts that are available to buy from UK or European stores online.

Thanks in advance :0)
Kara

Do you have a brick-n-mortar Apple Store anywhere "within range"??

If so, TAKE IT TO THEM. Make a genius bar appt. and let them have a look at it.

Even if a brick and mortar Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider isn't a viable option, the nice thing about it being an Apple laptop (as opposed to ANY of their desktops) is that you have a mail-in option. If you tell them your WiFi isn't working (which sounds like a simple enough symptom to verify), then they ought to repair it at the depot.

If you mail in your Mac as soon as you get their empty box to ship it in, you ought to have the machine back in 48 hours. They're insanely fast about turnaround time, even during the pandemic.

My advice would be to do a Time Machine Backup and a full wipe of the boot drive (with a clean installation and no password so you don't have to provide them with a password). Then when you get it back, wipe the boot drive again and restore from your Time Machine Backup. Easy peasy beautiful breezy.