Mac computers lose internet after 49.7 days due to TCP bug
Mac computers running macOS lose internet connectivity after exactly 49.7 days due to a bug in the TCP networking system. The bug causes network connections to stop working completely until users restart their computers or reset network settings.
Security researchers discovered a critical bug in macOS that causes all internet connectivity to fail after exactly 49.7 days of uptime. The problem occurs in the TCP networking stack, which handles how computers send and receive data over the internet.
When the bug triggers, affected Macs can no longer connect to websites, send emails, or use any internet-based apps. The only fix is restarting the computer or manually resetting network location settings in System Preferences.
The 49.7-day timeframe suggests the bug is related to how macOS counts time in its networking code. Apple Community forums show users reporting similar issues across multiple macOS versions, including High Sierra and Mojave, indicating this has been a long-standing problem.
Users experiencing the bug report that network traffic flows normally until the Mac suddenly sends TCP reset signals, cutting off all connections. The issue affects both wired and wireless internet connections.
This affects anyone who keeps their Mac running for weeks without restarting. Your computer could suddenly lose internet in the middle of work, video calls, or streaming, forcing an unexpected restart and potential data loss.
Apple has not yet responded to reports about this bug or announced plans for a fix.
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