How to Fix USB Wi-Fi Dongle on macOS Tahoe
This guide describes how to fix USB Wi-Fi Dongle on macOS Tahoe (26.0) and later. By following this guide, you'll be able to use the USB Wi-Fi dongle on macOS Tahoe.Overview
Recently, Apple announced macOS Tahoe (26.0) on June 9, WWDC25 which is one of the most awaited release in 2025. As always, if you're an Apple user, you might be familiar with how Apple loves to make changes in their new releases and is consistent throughout every year. While not expected, Apple has made changes to its USB stack in macOS Tahoe 26 and as a result, the USB ports are broken on macOS Tahoe. Probably, you must have been aware of the changes in the USB stack in macOS Tahoe by now which not only breaks the USB ports but also the third party USB dongle. This is because Apple removed the IOUSBFamily.kext resulting in a broken functionality with third party Wi-Fi dongles that rely on this component. Most of these Wi-Fi dongle utilizes the USB 2.0 (EHCI) interfaces.STEP 1: Map USB Ports
The very first step is to map your USB ports properly so that it works as expected on macOS Tahoe. There are several ways to map the USB ports that works on macOS Tahoe, although you must adapt them in accordance with the Tahoe requirements. To update the USB Ports for macOS Tahoe, refer to the guide linked below:
STEP 4: Disable Secure Boot Model
Once you have blocked the IOSkywalkFamily.kext, the next step is to disable the Secure Boot Model. To disable the Secure Boot Model, follow the steps below:1. Assuming the config.plist is still open, set the SecureBootModel to Disabled under the Misc>Security section of your config.plist.
STEP 5: Disable Apple Mobile File Integrity
Once you have disabled the Secure Boot Model, the next step is to disable the Apple Mobile File Integrity (AMFI). You can either use a kext or boot arg to disable the AMFI (never both). Depending on your choice, choose one from below:I. Using Kext
To disable AMFI using kext, follow the steps below:
1. Assuming the ESP is still mounted, copy AMFIPass.kext to the EFI/OC/kexts directory.
2. Assuming the config.plist is still open, add AMFIPass.kext entry in the Kernel>Add section of your config.plist. In addition, you'll need to specify the MinKernel and MaxKernel as shown below to ensure that the kext only loads on the appropriate version of macOS, if using the same EFI for booting multiple macOS versions.
II. Using Boot Args
To disable the AMFI using boot args, you can follow the steps below:
1. Assuming the config.plist is still open, add amfi=0x80 to the boot-args key under the 7C436110-AB2A-4BBB-A880-FE41995C9F82 UUID list in the NVRAM section of your config.plist.
QUICK INFO: When using amfi=0x80 boot arg, certain applications may not respond and eventually crash (such as Firefox) as reported by @svan71. However, AMFIPass.kext is more suitable in such case scenarios.STEP 6: Disable System Integrity Protection (SIP)
Once you have added the required boot args, the next step is to disable the System Integrity Protection. To disable the SIP, follow the steps below:1. Assuming the config.plist is still open, set the csr-active-config to 03080000 as the DATA value for root patching.
2. Save your config.plist.
CAUTION: Do NOT enable the SIP after root patching, else the WiFi will not longer function. The SIP must remain either partially or completely disabled for the downgraded kexts and required frameworks to load.STEP 7: Boot using the new Configuration
Once you're done with the above steps, you'll need to boot with the updated configuration. Simply restart your system. It is recommended to reset NVRAM twice at least.STEP 9: Install OCLP
The next step is to install OCLP. To install OCLP, follow the steps below:1. Download OpenCore Legacy Patcher (OCLP).
2. Run the OCLP installer.
3. When prompted, enter your password and continue with the installation:
4. Once installed, click on Close.
STEP 10: Patch System Volume
The next step is to patch the system volume using OCLP in order to downgrade the network kexts and frameworks that is required for the functioning of the Intel WiFi, so that the AirportItlwm can load. To patch the system using OCLP, follow the steps below:2. Navigate to the Applications directory and right-click on OpenCore-Patcher.app and select Show Original.
3. Right-click on OpenCore-Patcher and click on Open and you'll see something similar to the screenshot attached below:
3. Click on Post Install Root Patch and you'll see something similar to the screenshot attached below:
As you can see, the OCLP has automatically detected what patch to apply.
QUICK INFO: If the SIP is enabled, you may notice a message stating "SIP is Enabled". If you notice that, make sure to disable it as described in STEP #1.Click on Start Root Patching and it will start patching the system volume. You'll see something similar to the screenshot attached below:
Once OCLP finishes patching the system volume, it will prompt to reboot. When OCLP asks you to reboot, click on Ignore and do not reboot the system yet.
Click on Return to Main Menu and Quit OCLP.
STEP 12: Restart your System
After performing all the above steps, restart your system for the applied changes to take effect. It is recommended to reset NVRAM twice at least.Once you're done with the above steps, you'll need to boot with the updated configuration. Simply restart your system. It is recommended to reset NVRAM twice at least.
STEP 13: Install Wi-Fi Drivers
Now, as the key component is restored, you can continue to install the Wi-Fi Drivers from the third party manufacturer's website or can also install the drivers using the Chris111 tool. When prompted, reboot and you should be good to go. For most of the cases, you'll have to reboot and allow the driver from System Settings>Privacy.
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