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Reset network settings on Mac

Posted in Network Tips & Tricks Troubleshooting

If you're having persistent networking issues on a Mac, like constantly dropping from a Wi-Fi network, inability to join networks, inappropriately sluggish internet connections that only impact the particular Mac, or other networking related issues, it may be helpful to reset the network settings.

The easiest way to reset Wi-Fi settings is to delete Wi-Fi related configuration files. Please note that by resetting network settings you will need to re-add and re-join any networks and enter the passwords again.

• Disable Wi-Fi by pulling down the Wi-Fi menu and choosing to toggle the Wi-Fi switch Off

• Go to the Finder, pull down the "Go" menu, choose "Go to Folder..." and enter the following path:

/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/

the click the "Go" button

• Select and delete the following files from this folder:

com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
com.apple.network.identification.plist
com.apple.wifi.message-tracer.plist
com.apple.network.eapolclient.configuration.plist
NetworkInterfaces.plist
preferences.plist

• Restart the Mac by going to the Apple () menu and choosing "Restart..."

• When the Mac boots back up, enable Wi-Fi again by going to the Wi-Fi menu and toggling it back On

• Select the network you wish to join

This approach will often resolve many wireless networking issues encountered on the Mac, but if you're still experiencing any Wi-Fi networking issues, you might want to reset the router and the modem itself, which typically involves unplugging those devices from power source for 10-15 seconds and then plugging them back in again, then waiting a few minutes for those to rejoin the appropriate networks.