How to Reset Network Settings on macOS

Resolve persistent connectivity issues on your Mac by resetting network configurations to their factory defaults. Follow these precise terminal commands.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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. 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.