Troubleshoot Ethernet Connection on macOS Sonoma

Are you having trouble connecting to the internet via Ethernet after upgrading to macOS Sonoma? You are not the only one. This is a common problem that many users have reported.

Fortunately, there are some easy and effective ways to fix this issue and enjoy a stable and fast Ethernet connection on your Mac.

In this blog post, we will show you how to troubleshoot your Ethernet connection on macOS Sonoma using four simple methods.

Fix 1: Update Your Network Drivers

Network drivers are software that let your Ethernet adapter and operating system communicate. Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause Ethernet problems.

To fix this, update your network drivers to the latest version for macOS Sonoma. This will improve your Ethernet data transfer.

To update your network drivers, do this:

1. Find your Ethernet adapter model and brand. Check the device, packaging, or documentation.
2. Go to the manufacturer’s website and find the driver download section. It is usually under support or downloads.
3. Find the driver for your Ethernet adapter and macOS Sonoma. If you are not sure, ask the manufacturer’s customer service.
4. Download the driver file to your computer. Save it somewhere easy to access, like your desktop or downloads folder.
5. Open the driver file and follow the instructions to install it. You may need to enter your password or give permission.
6. Restart your computer to activate the new driver.
7. Check your Ethernet connection by opening a website. If it works, you are done. If not, try another fix or contact your internet service provider.

Fix 2: Disable And Re-enable Ethernet

Ethernet interface is the part of your computer that connects to the Ethernet cable. Sometimes, it can have connectivity problems due to network settings or glitches.

To fix this, you need to disable and re-enable Ethernet interface. This will reset your network settings and clear any glitches.

To disable and re-enable Ethernet interface, follow these steps:

1. Go to System Preferences and click on Network.
2. On the left side, find Ethernet and select it.
3. Click on the minus (-) button at the bottom to remove Ethernet interface.
4. Click on the plus (+) button at the bottom and add Ethernet interface again.
5. Click on Apply to save the changes.
6. Check your Ethernet connection by opening a website. If it works, you are done. If not, try another fix or contact your internet service provider.

Fix 3: Toggle Ethernet Hardware Configuration

Ethernet hardware configuration is the set of parameters that define how your Ethernet adapter works. Sometimes, these parameters can be different from what macOS Sonoma expects, causing Ethernet problems.

To fix this, you need to toggle the Ethernet hardware configuration. This means changing the parameters manually and then changing them back automatically. This can reset the configuration and fix any errors.

To toggle the Ethernet hardware configuration, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Apple logo at the top-left corner of your screen and select System Preferences.
2. Click on Network and select Ethernet on the left side.
3. Click on the Details button and select Hardware on the left side.
4. Change the Configure dropdown menu from Automatically to Manually.
5. Click on OK to save the changes and wait for the system to apply them.
6. Go back to the Hardware tab and change the Configure dropdown menu from Manually to Automatically.
7. Click on OK to save the changes and check your Ethernet connection by opening a website. If it works, you are done. If not, try another fix or contact your internet service provider.

Fix 4: Restart Your Router And Modem

Routers and modems are devices that connect your computer to the internet. Sometimes, they can have problems due to software errors or hardware failures.

To fix this, you need to restart your router and modem. This will reset their settings and fix any problems.

To restart your router and modem, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the power cable from both your router and modem. This will turn them off.
2. Wait for about 30 to 60 seconds. This will allow the devices to clear their memory and cache.
3. Plug the power cable back into your router and modem. This will turn them on.
4. Wait for the devices to fully restart. You will see some lights on them indicating their status.
5. Check your Ethernet connection by opening a website. If it works, you are done. If not, try another fix or contact your internet service provider.

Fix 5: Check Firewall Settings

Firewall is a software that protects your computer from unauthorized network access. Sometimes, it can block your Ethernet connection by mistake.

To fix this, you need to check your firewall settings and make sure that your Ethernet connection is allowed. This will prevent the firewall from interfering with your network traffic.

To check your firewall settings, follow these steps:

1. Go to System Preferences and click on Security & Privacy.
2. Click on the Firewall tab and see if the firewall is turned on. If it is, click on the lock icon at the bottom and enter your password to make changes.
3. Click on Firewall Options… and look at the list of applications and services. Find your Ethernet connection and make sure that it is not blocked. You can change the status by clicking on the red or green icons next to the name.
4. If you want, you can add or remove applications from the list by clicking on the plus (+) or minus (-) buttons at the bottom. You can also disable the firewall temporarily by clicking on Turn Off Firewall at the top. This can help you test your Ethernet connection without the firewall.
5. After making changes, click on OK and then re-enable the firewall if you had disabled it. Check your Ethernet connection by opening a website. If it works, you are done. If not, try another fix or contact your internet service provider.

Fix 6: Remove Network Filter

Network filter is a software that controls your network traffic. Some examples are VPNs, antivirus software, or security products. Sometimes, they can cause Ethernet problems, especially after you upgrade your system.

To fix this, you need to remove or disable network filter. This will prevent it from interfering with your Ethernet connection.

To remove or disable network filter, follow these steps:

1. Go to System Preferences and click on Network.
2. On the left side, find any network filter services. They may have different names, but they usually have a lock or shield icon next to them.
3. Select the network filter service and click on the minus (-) button at the bottom to remove it. Or, you can uncheck the box next to it to disable it.
4. Confirm any prompts to remove or disable the service. You may need to enter your password or give permission.
5. Restart your Mac and check your Ethernet connection by opening a website. If it works, you are done. If not, try another fix or contact your internet service provider.