If you happen to be in the same boat, here’s how you can reset the network settings in macOS. But first, let’s understand why you may want to!
Why reset network settings on your Mac?How to reset Mac’s internet settingsDelete network configuration files to reset macOS settingsHow to reset network settings on Mac using TerminalBonus: Try another administrator account
Why reset network settings on your Mac?
Sometimes, it’s not your ISP’s fault. The Wi-Fi is working, the internet is up and running, there’s no power failure, YouTube’s working on your iPhone, the hell — internet’s working even on your Apple Watch, but why isn’t it working on your Mac? If you’re saying this to yourself, you’re in the right place. It may happen that whenever you tweak your internet settings — as simple as connecting to a VPN per se — the Wi-Fi settings might get messed up on your Mac. Internet settings are quite ‘sensitive,’ and enabling/disabling even a toggle might result in no internet connectivity on your Mac. Unlike iPhone and iPad, which have a one-click solution for resetting network settings, factory resetting network settings on a Mac is tedious. Nonetheless, here’s how you can reset network settings on your Mac quickly. Note: You should only reset internet settings on Mac when other basic troubleshooting methods, such as disabling/enabling Wi-Fi, restarting Mac, or changing DNS, don’t work.
How to reset Mac’s internet settings: The easiest method
The first and the easiest way to reset network settings, either Wi-Fi or Ethernet, is through System Preferences. In this method, we’ll basically reset the network chip, making it work as if your Mac just came from the factory. Before you follow this method, please note that this will erase your Mac’s Wi-Fi information. So, ensure to keep the Wi-Fi password handy if you don’t happen to have another Apple device, in which case it will automatically sync via iCloud and reconnect.
Delete network configuration files to reset macOS settings: The complicated method
If the above method doesn’t fix things, this method will surely help, but it is a bit complicated. It resets your internet settings, and the chances of your internet not working after following this method are second to none. Here’s how to reset network settings on Mac by deleting configuration files. Note: If everything is working fine, go ahead and delete the backup files.
How to reset network settings on Mac using Terminal: The unusual method
Alternatively, you can also reset the network settings on your Mac using the Terminal. Here’s how
Bonus: Try another administrator account
Sometimes, the network chip of your Mac might become corrupt. In this case, it’s safe to set up a new administrator account and check if the internet is working on a different profile. A new Administrator account will create a new File system, starting from scratch. Thus, making your problem more diagnoseable. Here’s how you can set a new user account on a Mac: If none of the methods work, you may have to reset your Mac. Click here to know how you can reset your Mac in a couple of steps. I hope the above methods helped you reset the network settings on your Mac and fix the problem. If you run into some issues while following the steps, leave a comment below, and we would be happy to help. You may like to read these as well:
How to reset NVRAM or PRAM on MacReset SMC on Mac, and why you might want to?Reset your old Mac before you plan to sell it4 Ways to be more productive on a Mac
