How to Reset Network Settings on Mac Featured Image

How to Reset Network Settings on Mac: 4 Easy Ways

Restore Mac connectivity with simple steps to reset network settings.

Written by

Reviewed by

Last updated: February 6, 2025

Expert verified

SVG Image

TL;DR

To reset network settings on Mac:

  1. Go to System Settings > Network.
  2. Select your network and click Details.
  3. In the TCP/IP tab, click Renew DHCP Lease.
  4. Click Apply and OK to save changes.

Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.

I was having constant issues with my Mac’s network connection, and after trying several things, I decided to reset the network settings. It’s not as tricky as it sounds, and I’ll show you the easiest ways to get your Mac’s connection working smoothly again.

Before You Reset Network Settings on Your Mac

If your Mac is slow or having connection problems, resetting your network settings might seem like the solution, but it’s a big step that might not be necessary. Try these simple fixes first:

  1. 🔁 Restart Your Mac: Sometimes, a quick restart can fix network issues.
  2. 🔌 Restart Your Router or Modem: Unplug your router or modem, wait a few seconds, then plug it back in and reconnect.
  3. 📞 Contact Your ISP: If problems persist, contact your internet provider for help.
  4. 🧹 Clear Junk Files: Remove junk files to prevent them from causing issues. MacKeeper is a good option for clearing out unnecessary files.

How to Clear Junk Files Using MacKeeper

  1. Download and Install MacKeeper.
MacKeeper interface showcasing Safe Cleanup option and scan readiness message.
MacKeeper interface showcasing Safe Cleanup option and scan readiness message.
  1. Launch MacKeeper and select Safe Cleanup from the left-hand menu.
  2. Click on Start Scan to scan your Mac for unnecessary files. Once the scan is complete, review the files that can be safely removed.
MacKeeper Safe Cleanup interface for eliminating junk files safely.
MacKeeper Safe Cleanup interface for eliminating junk files safely.
  1. Check the boxes next to the files you want to delete, or use the Check All option to delete the unnecessary files.
MacKeeper Safe Cleanup showing 291 MB of junk files to clean
MacKeeper Safe Cleanup showing 291 MB of junk files to clean
  1. Tap Clean Junk Files to delete the selected files.
MacKeeper Safe Cleanup showing 291 MB of junk files ready for cleaning.
MacKeeper Safe Cleanup showing 291 MB of junk files ready for cleaning.

This will delete all the unwanted junk files from your Mac.

What Else Can MacKeeper Do?

Besides clearing junk files on your Mac, MacKeeper can help delete duplicates, remove login items, and detect malware. You can learn more about its amazing features in my detailed MacKeeper review and improve your Mac’s performance.

How to Reset Network Settings on Mac

Why You Can Trust MacBook Journal verify badge We always conduct first-hand research and verify every method or solution we present, ensuring you receive reliable and effective advice. Learn more about our process.

Below, I’ll show you top four easy ways to reset network settings on Mac to fix issues with Wi-Fi and network settings configuration:

Warning: This process can change your current network configurations, and you might need to re-enter some network information afterward.

1. Use System Settings

System Settings is the easiest way to reset all network settings to default. This can fix any issues with your network connection, like slow internet speeds or difficulty connecting to Wi-Fi.

Here’s how you can reset network settings on your Mac using System Settings:

  1. Click the Apple menu and select System Settings.
click the apple icon and select system settings
  1. Click Network in the System settings window.
  1. Select the type of network connection you want to reset (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, etc.) from the list on the right side.
click network and select a type of network connection
  1. Click the Details button next to your Wi-Fi network.
click the details button next to your wi fi network
  1. Select the TCP/IP tab.
click the tcp ip tab in wi fi settings
  1. Tap the Renew DHCP Lease button.
click the renew dhcp lease button
  1. Confirm by clicking the Apply button.
click apply on the pop up to confirm the dhcp lease renewal
  1. Click the OK button to save your changes.
click ok to save your network changes

Your Mac will now reset the network settings for the selected network connection. After the reset, you may need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network or Ethernet connection.

2. Delete and Re-add Your Wi-Fi Connection

Deleting and re-adding your Wi-Fi connection on a Mac can often resolve issues related to network connectivity. Here’s how to delete your Wi-Fi connection:

  1. Click the Apple menu and select System Settings.
click the apple icon and select system settings
  1. Click Network in the left sidebar and select Wi-Fi.
click network and select a type of network connection
  1. Click the Details button next to your Wi-Fi network.
click the details button next to your wi fi network
  1. Click Forget This Network on the next window that appears.
on bottom left corner select forget this network
  1. A prompt may appear asking if you’re sure you want to remove the Wi-Fi service. Confirm your choice by clicking Remove.
click remove to delete a wi fi network
  1. To re-add the Wi-Fi network, click the Connect button next to your desired network.
click connect in right of your wifi name
  1. Once connected, try browsing the internet or performing an online task to ensure the connection works properly.

3. Reset Network Configuration Files

Resetting network configuration files forces your Mac to recreate default settings, resolving deeper network issues. Here’s how to reset network configuration files on Mac:

  1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and toggle off Wi-Fi.
  2. Open a new Finder window. Click Go in the menu bar and select Go to Folder or use the shortcut: Shift ⇧ + Command ⌘ + G.
click go in the menu bar and select go to folder
  1. Enter the following path and press Enter:
/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/
  1. Select the following files:
    • com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
    • com.apple.network.identification.plist
    • com.apple.network.eapolclient.configuration.plist
    • com.apple.wifi.message-tracer.plist
    • NetworkInterfaces.plist
    • preferences.plist
  1. Copy all these files to the desktop to create a backup.
  2. Right-click these files in their original location and select Move to Bin to delete them.
  3. Restart your Mac. After your Mac restarts, reconfigure your network settings. This includes reconnecting to your Wi-Fi network and entering the password.

4. Try a Terminal Command

Using Terminal commands allows for manual control over network settings and can help troubleshoot more complex issues. Here are the steps to reset network settings on Mac using Terminal:

This method requires administrator privileges and should be used cautiously, as it can potentially harm your system if misused.

  1. Open Terminal from the Utilities folder or by searching for Terminal in Spotlight.
type terminal in spotlight search
  1. To turn off Wi-Fi, type the following command and press Enter:
sudo ifconfig en0 down 
type sudo ifconfig en0 down in terminal
  1. Alternatively, you can type the following command to restart Wi-Fi and press Enter:
sudo ifconfig en0 up
type sudo ifconfig en0 up in terminal
  1. Type your administrator password if prompted.
type your administrator password in terminal
  1. Wait for the command to execute. This may take a few minutes and your Wi-Fi should be turned off (or on, depending on the command you used).
wifi will be turned off
  1. Restart your Mac, and it should fix the Wi-Fi connection issues.

Reset Your Mac Network Settings

If your Mac has slow internet or connection problems, resetting network settings can help. But this doesn’t fix everything. Here are some tips to solve other common Mac issues:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between resetting network settings and all Mac settings?

Resetting network settings on a Mac specifically targets and restores internet and connectivity configurations to default, without affecting other system settings. In contrast, resetting all Mac settings reverts the entire system, including display, sound, and user preferences, to their original factory state.

What does resetting network settings do on a Mac?

Resetting network settings on a Mac restores all network configurations to their original state. This process can solve issues related to Wi-Fi, ethernet connections, and other network-related problems by erasing customized settings and returning them to default factory settings.

Can resetting network settings on Mac fix issues with slow internet speeds?

Resetting network settings on Mac can fix issues with slow internet speeds, depending on the cause of the issue. It can help resolve problems related to network configuration issues, such as incorrect DNS settings or outdated network preferences, which can cause slow internet speeds.

Ojash

Author

Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

Hashir Ibrahim

Reviewer

Hello! I'm Hashir, a seasoned tech journalist with a unique blend of academic expertise and hands-on experience. With a bachelor's in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and over a decade in the industry, I've built a reputation for demystifying complex Apple hardware. My work has been featured in top tech outlets like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac.

Total
0
Shares
You May Also Like