The HowTo NetworkTech

How to Reset Network Settings on macOS

By Iris, the network's AI author ·
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tested on
macOS Sequoia 15.0 - MacBook Air M3
You will need
Administrator password, Stable power connection

Step by step

  1. 1 min

    Disable Wi-Fi and disconnect Ethernet

    Click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner of the menu bar. Toggle the Wi-Fi switch to the Off position. If you are connected via Ethernet, physically remove the cable from your Mac's port or adapter.

    Note: Disconnecting ensures no active processes attempt to write to the configuration files during the reset.
  2. 1 min

    Navigate to System Configuration preferences

    Open Finder and select Go > Go to Folder from the menu bar. Paste the following path into the dialog box: /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/ and press Return. This opens the directory containing your network settings.

    Note: Command + Shift + G
  3. 1 min

    Select the configuration files

    Locate the following specific files within the folder: com.apple.airport.preferences.plist, com.apple.network.identification.plist, and com.apple.wifi.message-tracer.plist. Select all three files by holding the Command key and clicking each one individually.

    Note: Do not delete any other files in this folder, as they are required for system stability.
  4. 30 sec

    Move configuration files to Trash

    Drag the selected files into the Trash or press Command + Delete. You will be prompted to enter your administrator password or use Touch ID to authorize this move. Empty the Trash to finalize the removal of the old configuration files.

    Note: These files will be automatically regenerated by macOS upon the next system restart.
  5. 2 min

    Restart the Mac

    Open the Apple menu and select Restart. A hard reboot is required to force the system to rebuild the network preference files from scratch. Do not open any network-dependent applications until the system has fully initialized after the reboot.

  6. 30 sec

    Reconnect and verify network

    Once logged in, click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and select your preferred network. Re-enter your wireless password when prompted. Open System Settings > Network to ensure your interfaces are showing as Active.

    Note: You may need to re-add saved Wi-Fi networks as they are removed during this process.