The MacBook Pro is one of the most powerful laptops on the market. But even the most powerful laptop has its limitations, one of which is its WiFi card. While offering irreplaceable features and specs, the WiFi of the MacBook Pro can be a little bit of a letdown. Sure, it gets the job done, but if you’re looking for something with a little more oomph, consider upgrading it.
Fortunately, there is an easy and affordable way to upgrade your MacBook Pro’s WiFi card, and here, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about it. So without further ado, let’s get started.
1. Benefits of Upgrading WiFi Card on Your Laptop
A lagging laptop is not good if fast speed is your basic requirement. It can be due to full storage. Learn different ways to check your Mac’s storage to get that obstacle out of the way. If you have to, remove redundant files, such as applications. The video below explains how you can do that:
However, slow WiFi has been a widely acclaimed problem for the Mac. If you want the most out of your laptop’s internet connection, consider upgrading to a better WiFi card.
Here are some benefits of upgrading your WiFi card:
- Faster speeds: A faster WiFi card can make a big difference if you’re constantly streaming video or downloading large files but before changing make sure it’s a card issue or your laptop is slow because sometimes connecting with public wifi could be the reason for this.
- Better range: A better WiFi card can also give you a better range, which is especially helpful if you have a large home or office.
- More features: Some newer WiFi cards include additional features like support for the latest wireless standards or extra security features.
Smooth Airdrop Connection: Apple’s Airdrop is a fantastic feature to transfer files between multiple MacOS quickly. However, slower WiFi often causes failed transfers. Updating the WiFi card will ensure better connectivity and smooth Airdrop functioning.
2. Choosing Your New WiFi Card
Choosing a new WiFi card can be tough, especially if you’re not sure what you need. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your new WiFi card:
Speed: How fast do you need your WiFi to be? If you’re just browsing the web or checking email, nearly any card will do. But if you’re looking to stream video or play online games, you’ll want a faster card.
If you’re looking for the best possible performance, you’ll want a card supporting the 802.11ac standard–the latest advancement in WiFi cards. If you don’t need the absolute fastest speeds, you can save money by getting a card that only supports 802.11n.
Compatibility: Make sure your new WiFi card is compatible with your computer. Most cards will work with both Windows and Mac computers, but some are specific to one or the other.
Range: If you have a large home or office, you’ll want a card with a good range. Some cards can only reach about 150 feet, while others can go up to 300 feet or more.
Features: Some WiFi cards have extra features like dual-band support or security encryption. If you need these features, make sure your new card has them.
Now that you know what to look for, choosing the right WiFi card should be a breeze. Just remember to consider your needs and budget, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect card for you.
3. Upgrading Your Laptop’s WiFi Card
Upgrading your laptop’s WiFi card is relatively easy. Doing so can give you a significant boost in terms of both speed and range. Here’s a quick guide on how to do it:
- Start by checking what kind of WiFi card your laptop has. You can usually find this information in the specifications or a quick search online.
- Once you know what kind of WiFi card your laptop has, research the best upgrade options. Make sure to consider factors such as price, performance, and compatibility.
- Shut down your laptop and remove the battery.
- Open the back cover of your laptop.
- Locate the WiFi card. You can look it up online if you need help locating the WiFi card.
- Remove the Antennas from the old WiFi card, and then remove the card by gently pulling it out of its slot. Remember to take a picture before removing anything to know each component’s position when re-installing.
- Insert the new WiFi card into the slot and line up the pins correctly.
- Re-attach the antenna.
- Insert the battery and power on your laptop.
- Wait for Windows to install any necessary drivers for your new WiFi card automatically.
That’s it. You should now have a faster and more reliable WiFi connection.
Remember that upgrading your WiFi card may void your laptop’s warranty. If you’re not comfortable doing the upgrade yourself, you can always take it to a qualified technician.
Final Thoughts
Do you have an older laptop struggling to keep up with today’s demands? Upgrading the WiFi card is one way to give it new life. Just follow the steps above, and you’ll enjoy a speed boost in no time.
