Some simple tips when things just don’t work.
We all get busy and think we are making progress and checking things off Reminders or some other to-do list. Then… things stop. Wifi not connecting, broken bluetooth connection, can’t find that documents….
Here are some tips:
Sometimes if you just shut down your device and restart it, the problem resolved.
Maybe you have an older phone or computer and you are asking too much. Way too many apps open considering how much RAM you have. Exit from any apps your don’t need right now might solve slow responses or freezes. Use “Force Quit” (Opt+CMD+Esc) or use the apple menu to find it. Select the app that is not responding and make it stop.
If your wifi connection is not acting like it used to, then consider shutting it off and restarting it. Of course you will loose connections for a few minutes while it reboots. Turn off and restart your modem too unless it’s built into the router (as they are from some providers like Comcast).
Do this to check wifi settings- press the Option and click the Wi-Fi icon on the menu bar on your Mac. It will show current speeds and other information. It also provides access to the Wi-Fi Diagnostics tool to run a test.
Bluetooth devices – such as headphones, AirPods and speakers. Be sure they are charged. In Bluetooth settings, select “Forget this Device” and then re-pair it.
If your Mac won’t start, (be sure it’s plugged in or charged. I know but it happens) Check to see that all cable are firmly seated in the unit.
If your Mac freezes at log in, I could be an app or extension. Try shutting down and restarting again. For start up freezes on your Mac, press and hold the power button until you see “Loading startup options”, choose your volume, hold down Shift to load the OS in Safe Mode. If this is not working as stated, follow directions on you screen. Newer updates to OS might vary slightly in what appears on screen. After opening in Safe Mode, go to Settings>General>Login Items and disable items in the Open At Login. Restart your Mac. You can add them back one at a time to see what the issue is. Also use Activity Monitor to see what is hogging resources and using abnormal amounts of data. Restart any offenders. Consider deleting Safari history and cookies. In Safari app, click on Safari and look down list for Clear History. Take the option you think may work or Clear All.
Your Mac needs space to handle calculations and move things around. IF there is not enough space, you may encounter slow downs. See Settings> General>Storage to free up space. Add to your iCloud account to offload things that might be considered archivable and not needed right away.
Not all cables are equal. Quality is best. That cheap USB cable you bought at the checkout counter may barely work. Buy quality to get charging and data transfer rates you expect.
Can’t open a file? Copy it and past to your Desktop. Try to open with default app. Failed? Try with another app that can open the file type. Still no result? Go to Time Machine and get another copy and open that. Save it where it belongs. Discard damaged file.
If you try and open a file from iCloud Drive file that hasn’t been downloaded to your Mac, it should automatically download then open, but sometimes the appropriate app is impatient and displays an error message, or just doesn’t do anything. In the Finder, go to your iCloud Drive folder, and select View > Show View Options > iCloud Status. This adds a column with iCloud icons: a cloud with a downward arrow means the file or folder isn’t downloaded. Ctrl–click to download it.
Reduce size of folders to save space or send via email. Go to the folder desired, right click or CTRL+click and then select Compress. A zip file will be created which is usually much smaller than the original.
Hope this helps. The article below has more tips, some of which require more technical knowledge
Excerpt From
“Be your own Apple Genius: Practical ways to solve issues on your Mac, iPhone and iPad yourself”
MacLife (September 2026)
https://apple.news/Ad-OOsdotTwWmYF0f3j4CuQ
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