Verified for macOS Tahoe 26.2
Fix Guide: Mac Sleep Issues (Wi-Fi Drops & Wake Failures)
Symptom: After your Mac wakes from sleep, the Wi-Fi connection is dropped and won't reconnect. Or, the Mac won't wake up unless you press the Return key multiple times or force-restart.
Why this happens
macOS Tahoe has introduced new "Power Nap" behaviors that can cause the network interface (`en0`) to stay in a "suspended" state after the system wakes. This is often caused by a conflict between the system's power management and the Wi-Fi hardware's firmware.
Fix 1: Reset the Wi-Fi Interface (Free)
A simple toggle in the menu bar isn't enough; you need to restart the network daemon.
**Open Terminal**
- Go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
**Restart Network Services**
- Type: `sudo ifconfig en0 down`
- Type: `sudo ifconfig en0 up`
**Renew DHCP Lease**
- Go to **System Settings > Wi-Fi > Details... > TCP/IP**.
- Click **Renew DHCP Lease**.
Fix 2: Adjust Sleep Settings (Free)
If your Mac won't wake up properly, you may need to disable "Wake for Network Access."
**Open System Settings**
- Go to **Displays > Advanced...**
**Disable Network Wake**
- Turn off "Wake for network access" (or "Power Nap" on older models).
**Battery Settings**
- If on a MacBook, go to **Battery > Options** and set "Wake for network access" to **Never**.
Fix 3: The Automated Reliability Path
When power management sensors are out of sync.
Persistent wake/sleep issues are often a symptom of a deeper "System Management" error that native settings can't reach.
Recommended Tool: CleanMyMac X
- **Maintenance Scripts:** The "Flush DNS Cache" and "Run Maintenance Scripts" modules in CleanMyMac X reset the internal network configurations that get stuck during sleep transitions.
- **Optimization:** Identifying background apps that are "Preventing Sleep" (like stuck backup agents) will stop your Mac from overheating while the lid is closed.
[Link: Resolve Mac Sleep Issues with CleanMyMac X]
Alternative: iStat Menus
Use iStat Menus to see exactly which hardware component (Sensors, CPU, or Network) is failing to respond during the wake process.
[Link: Monitor Sleep & Wake Health with iStat Menus]