USB-C Adapter Kills WiFi on 13" TB MBP!

[Jay42]

I've really been enjoying my 13" Touch Bar MacBook Pro so far (2.9ghz i5, 16gb ram, 1TB ssd), but I ran into a weird bug while using this USB-C adapter I picked up off of Amazon. Note: this same adapter seems to be sold on Amazon under various brand names.

It took me a while to figure this out, but this adapter consistently and instantly kills the WiFi connection on my machine each time I plug it in! It doesn't matter what's connected to it (even if nothing is connected). The internet goes out completely and eventually the WiFi icon in the menu bar goes gray. Unplugging the adapter and manually reconnecting to the WiFi network fixes it every time.

Anyone else experiencing something similar? I was ok with the port situation on this machine, but now this is starting to become annoying. Apple's own adapters are very limited and I don't want to spring for one of the $150+ Thunderbolt 3 docks. Heaven help us if we need to worry about the compatibility of each USB-C device.

 

[Howard2k]

It's not shielded properly. USB3 emits 2.4Ghz interference, which is likely to be what your wifi is using. Wrap your adaptor in tin foil and/or switch your wifi to 5GHz.

 

[Jay42]

Hmm interesting - any recommendations of similar adapters that are properly shielded?

 

[Balaamsdonkey]

I've heard websites recommend the HooToo one, and the Satechi one.

 

[Garage Battle]

jfc just be patient

 

[Jay42]

jfc just be patient

Patient for what?

 

[sentential]

I personally wouldn't recommend buying any USB-C cables or adapters from Amazon or any site that has a reputation of counterfeit goods.

http://www.theverge.com/2016/2/3/10905432/usb-c-cable-fries-google-engineers-computer

Remember these cables are pushing a serious amount of power through them and if you purchase something that isn't 100% there is a high likelihood you will blow your MBP up

 

[Macalway]

"Sold on Amazon under various names", should maybe be a giveaway.

But, we need a sticky as to properly shielded drives, ( along with any thing that actually works)

 

[Jay42]

"Sold on Amazon under various names", should maybe be a giveaway.

But, we need a sticky as to properly shielded drives, ( along with any thing that actually works)

You're probably right about that but to be fair, the average user never really had to worry with USB Type A. I second the need for a sticky, especially given how many MBP users are going to need some type of adapter.