How to Reset Network Settings on a Mac

Reset Network Settings on Mac

Last updated on February 8th, 2025 at 3:23 am

Macs are usually always trustworthy, although you may experience issues attaching to the web or experiencing poor surfing speeds at times. The web may be operating well on your additional devices, which might be frustrating. That’s not always clear what’s causing an issue, or whether one exists at all.

When you discover yourself in a similar scenario, you may try to reset network settings on Mac. There are several settings that may be changed, and the intricacies might be confusing. Don’t worry; we’ll tell you what you need to attempt to fix your network problems.

Why should you reconfigure your Mac’s internet settings?

This is not always your ISP’s problem. The Area network is operational, the web is operational, there is also no power cut, YouTube appears functional on the iPhone, as well as the net is fully functional on the Smartwatch, so why is it not operational on the Mac? You’ve come to the correct spot when you’re repeating it to yourself. Web setups are extremely delicate and adding or removing or just a switch may lead to your MacBook losing internet access.

Once you change your web configurations, which can be as easy as linking to a Private network, the Mac’s Wi-Fi setup may become tangled up.

In contrast to the iPad as well as iPhone, which feature only a one-click option for resetting connection configurations, completely reset network settings on a MacBook is time-consuming. However, here’s how to rapidly reset network settings on Mac.

When other simple troubleshooting procedures, such as disconnecting or activating Wi-Fi, rebooting MacBook, or adjusting DNS, fail, you must reset network settings on Mac.

How to Reset Mac Network Configuration?

Method 1: Wipe the Wi-Fi Connections from Your Computer

Erasing Wi-Fi connections on a MacBook is the same as reconfiguring a network setup. This will update the Wi-Fi connections and, more crucially, destroy any supporting files that may be damaged and create this problem. The identical files will be generated instantly after rebooting the Mac.

  • Deactivate the Mac’s, Wireless Fidelity.
  • Start Finder then select Go > Go To Folder… from the upper Mac panel.
  • Write the URL “/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/”
SystemConfiguration
source: howtoisolve
  • Hit “Go”
  • Choose the below files,
  1. com.apple.network.identification.plist
  2. com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
  3. com.apple.wifi.message-tracer.plist
  4. preferences.plist
  5. NetworkInterfaces.plist
apple network
source: howtoisolve
  • Copy every one of those documents from the desktop as a fallback option.
  • Then, from that SystemConfiguration Folder, drag these items to the Bin.
  • Remove every item from the Bin.
  • To reboot the Mac, go to the Apple menu and choose Restart.

Restart Internet connectivity from the Mac menu’s topmost Wi-Fi Button. To connect properly, activate the toggling after tapping on the Wi-Fi symbol, pick the Wi-Fi address, and type the pin. Additionally, we may reset the connection settings by disconnecting and reconnecting the Wi-Fi network.

Method 2: Removing and Repairing the Wi-Fi Connection

If the preceding procedure does not work for the reset network settings on MacBook, uninstall and reinstall the Wi-Fi connection on your computer. Below is how to accomplish that. During this procedure, your MacBook will create a new Wi-Fi network file.

We can construct many Wi-Fi interfaces with various service identities simultaneously and switch between them at any moment.

  • From the Upper Mac Panel, select the Apple symbol. Choose System Details.
  • Select the Network button.
network button
source: howtoisolve
  • To erase it, tap the Wi-Fi icon on the left bar and the (-) minus sign afterward.
create wi-fi
source: howtoisolve
  • Finally, press Apply. To include the Wi-Fi Connection, press the (+) addition icon once more. In the Connection, pick Wi-Fi, and after that, click Create.
  • Next, remove any previous Wi-Fi connections. Choose Wi-Fi from your window’s sidebar and press the Minus symbol to remove it entirely.
Wi-Fi Connection
source: howtoisolve

Connect to a new Wi-Fi network using the topmost Wi-Fi option or Wi-Fi setups.

If none of the previous methods work, try connecting to Wi-Fi using a different username and password. To test the Wi-Fi connectivity, we can establish numerous Administrator profiles and user profiles. To establish a new profile, follow the instructions below.

Method 3: Change Network Configuration on Mac Console

To reactivate the wireless Connectivity program and reset the connection adapter, enter the command prompt below. To resolve the inside network problem, use the Terminal instruction to switch off and Wi-Fi connections on your Mac.

  • Via Spotlight, start Terminal on your Computer. Now use the code (sudo ifconfig en0 down) to turn down the network service.
source: macreports
  • Run that command once more to reactivate the Wireless connection service.
  • If the preceding command does not run on your computer, try the following (ifconfig -a) instruction.


These procedures will frequently repair many wireless connectivity difficulties the MacBook experienced, and variants have been performed frequently throughout time for multiple wi-fi situations with various system software upgrades.

A continually losing signal, a denial to establish wireless connectivity, an excessively sluggish wi-fi signal on the Mac, an impossibility to link with the outer world, and other issues can also be signs of a wi-fi issue.

When you are continuously having wi-fi connectivity troubles on your MacBook, you have to reconfigure the router as well as broadband, which normally entails removing those units from the electrical supply for 10 to 15 seconds and immediately placing these back again, then waiting for a few moments for them to reconnect the right networks.

Alternatively, you may cleanse Cache and cookies on the MacBook to fix DNS search difficulties and other website lookup-related problems.

Remember that you may also reconfigure network configuration on the apple devices, where the procedure is considerably easy.

Conclusion

Whenever you reset network settings on Mac, you effectively erase all previously saved internet as well as wireless options and setups. It is a systematic approach for repairing Wi-Fi or any other networking difficulties that stop a machine, smart gadget, or games console from operating normally. However, you may inadvertently destroy the user information as well as the updated settings throughout the procedure. A stellar information recovery program for Mac may help in such cases. This is accessible free installation. 

With this free sample edition, you can just recover data approximately 1 Gigabyte. But, if you have to recover additional data, you must purchase the licensed edition; for that, you will have to spend some money.

Author Bio:

Dinesh Lakhwani

Dinesh Lakhwani, the entrepreneurial brain behind “TechCommuters,” achieved big things in the tech world. He started the company to make smart and user-friendly tech solutions. Thanks to his sharp thinking, focus on quality and the motto of never giving up, TechCommuters became a top player in the industry. His commitment to excellence has propelled the company to a leading position in the industry.

Popular Post

Recent Post

How to Change Mouse Scrolling Settings In Windows

By TechCommuters / February 19, 2026

A mouse is one of the most used computer tools. People use it every day. They scroll through emails. They scroll through documents. They scroll through websites and images. The movement becomes automatic. Most users do not notice it. That is why problems often go unnoticed. Scrolling problems show up slowly. At first, it feels […]

Keyboard Light Settings: Keyboard Lighting Control [Complete Guide]

By TechCommuters / February 16, 2026

Keyboards are no longer simple typing tools.  Well, yes! Over time, they have evolved to include features that improve comfort, visibility, and overall experience. One of the most useful features today is keyboard lighting. It helps users work comfortably in low-light conditions. It also reduces strain when typing for long hours. Many users first notice […]

Customizing Pointer Appearance: Complete Guide

By TechCommuters / February 13, 2026

The way your mouse pointer looks on your computer may seem like a small detail. But customizing pointer appearance can make using your PC more comfortable and visually appealing. Many users do not realize that they can change the pointer size, color, and style to fit their needs. Whether you want a bigger pointer for […]

How To Choose a Computer Monitor: Monitor Buying Guide

By TechCommuters / February 10, 2026

Buying a monitor looks easy. Many people think all screens are the same. That belief causes regret later. A monitor is not just a display. It is a daily tool. You read on it. You work on it. You relax with it. Small problems become big over time. Poor brightness hurts eyes. Bad size causes […]

How To Get Help With File Explorer in Windows 11 [Complete Guide]

By TechCommuters / February 7, 2026

File Explorer is one of the most important tools in Windows 11. It is used to open folders, view files, and manage stored data. Almost every action on a Windows computer depends on it in some way. When users open documents, save downloads, or organize photos, File Explorer is always involved. Because it is used […]

How To Fix A Frozen Computer: Complete Guide [Windows 11/10]

By TechCommuters / February 4, 2026

A frozen computer is one of the most common problems Windows users face. The screen stops responding. The mouse pointer does not move. Keyboard inputs do nothing. You may hear the fan running loudly. Sometimes the system looks alive, but nothing works. This situation often happens when you are busy or working on something important. […]

How to Upgrade Computer RAM: Complete Guide

By TechCommuters / February 1, 2026

Upgrading RAM is one of the simplest ways to improve a computer. It helps the system feel faster and smoother. Apps open quicker. Browsers handle more tabs. Games and tools run with less delay. Many users search for how to upgrade computer RAM because it gives real results without high cost. You do not need […]

How To Clean Your Computer Keyboard: Complete Guide

By TechCommuters / January 29, 2026

A computer keyboard is touched more than almost any other device you own. It is used during work, study, gaming, and casual browsing. Fingers carry natural oils, sweat, and dirt. Small food crumbs fall between keys without notice. Dust settles each day slowly. Over time, this creates a hidden layer of grime. Many users do […]

Computer Mouse Buying Guide for Beginners and Advanced Users

By TechCommuters / January 24, 2026

Buying a mouse looks easy at first. Many people think all mouse work the same way. Well, that idea often leads to regret later. A mouse affects comfort, speed, and daily work. It matters for office tasks, gaming, design, and study. The right choice reduces strain and improves control. The wrong one feels annoying every […]

How To Overclock a Computer: A Complete Guide

By TechCommuters / January 22, 2026

Overclocking is the process of making your computer run faster than its factory settings. It mainly affects the processor, graphics card, and sometimes memory. Many people choose this method to improve performance without buying new hardware. It is popular among gamers, video editors, and users who run heavy software. When done properly, overclocking can give […]