Resetting macOS Network Settings: A Complete Guide to Fixing Connection Issues

Introduction / Why This Is Needed

macOS network settings can become "cluttered" over time: old configurations accumulate, incorrect IP addresses get cached, problematic DNS servers persist. This leads to symptoms such as:

Inability to connect to Wi‑Fi despite a correct password.
Random connection drops.
No internet despite a proper connection.
Slow network performance without an obvious cause.

Resetting network settings returns macOS to the "factory" state for network services. After this, the system requests a new IP address from the router, clears the list of known networks, and resets caches. This is one of the most effective ways to solve problems without resorting to complex diagnostics.

In this guide, we'll cover two methods: the standard one (via System Settings) and the advanced one (via Terminal). The first is suitable for most users, the second—for stubborn issues.

Requirements / Preparation

Before you begin, ensure that:

You have administrator privileges on your Mac (a password will be required for some actions).
You are running macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or newer. The instructions are current for Ventura, Sonoma, and older versions, but the interface may differ slightly.
(Optional) A backup of important data has been created via Time Machine or another method. Although a reset does not affect user files, this is a good habit before system changes.
You have physical access to the router (if a router reboot will be needed after the reset).

Method 1: Reset via System Settings (Recommended Method)

This method uses the graphical interface and is safe for most users. It removes saved Wi‑Fi networks and resets the current IP configuration.

Step 1: Release DHCP Lease

Open System Settings (System Settings) via the Apple menu or Spotlight.
Navigate to the Network section in the sidebar.
Select the active interface: Wi‑Fi or Ethernet (depending on how you are connected).
Click the Details (Advanced) button at the bottom of the window.
Go to the TCP/IP tab.
Click the Renew DHCP Lease button. This will force your Mac to request a new IP address from the router.
Click OK, then Apply.

💡 Tip: If you are using a static IP, switch to DHCP before releasing the lease; otherwise, the reset will not work.

Step 2: Remove Saved Wi‑Fi Networks

In the same Network section, select Wi‑Fi from the list of interfaces.
Click Details (Advanced).
Go to the Wi‑Fi tab.
In the Known Networks list, you will see all networks your Mac has previously connected to.
Select each network (you can select multiple with the Cmd key held down) and click the – (minus) button to remove them.
Confirm the deletion.
Click OK, then Apply.

Now your Mac will "forget" all Wi‑Fi passwords and settings.

Step 3: Reset Network Service Order (Optional)

Sometimes resetting the order of network interfaces helps:

In the Network section, click the Details (Advanced) button on any tab.
Go to the Network tab—you will see a list of services (Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, Thunderbolt Ethernet, etc.).
Drag the services into the desired order (e.g., Wi‑Fi above Ethernet if you want Wi‑Fi priority).
Or click Restore Default Order.
Click OK and Apply.

This step is not mandatory, but it can help if your Mac is selecting the wrong interface.

Method 2: Full Reset via Terminal (More Radical)

If problems persist after the first method, perform a full reset by deleting network configuration files. This is a more aggressive method, but it resolves most "deep" glitches.

Step 1: Stop Network Services (Optional but Recommended)

Open Terminal (via Spotlight or Finder → Utilities). Enter the following commands, pressing Enter after each. You will need an administrator password.

# Stop network services (may require password entry)
sudo launchctl unload /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.networkd.plist
sudo launchctl unload /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.ipsd.plist

If the services are already stopped, you will see a "No such process" error—this is normal.

Step 2: Delete Network Configuration Files

Execute the command that deletes key files in the /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/ and ~/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/ folders. These files store network settings, caches, and the interface list.

# Delete system network configuration files (requires sudo)
sudo rm -f /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
sudo rm -f /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.network.eppc.plist
sudo rm -f /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.netshadow.plist
sudo rm -f /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/NetworkInterfaces.plist
sudo rm -f /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/preferences.plist

# Delete user-specific files (without sudo, from home folder)
rm -f ~/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
rm -f ~/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.network.eppc.plist
rm -f ~/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.netshadow.plist
rm -f ~/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/NetworkInterfaces.plist
rm -f ~/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/preferences.plist

⚠️ Important: Ensure you type the commands exactly as shown. Deleting other files in these folders may cause loss of other settings (e.g., printers).

Step 3: Clear Caches (Optional)

For a complete clean, you can delete network caches:

# Clear network extension cache
sudo rm -rf /Library/Caches/com.apple.networkextension.cache
rm -rf ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.networkextension.cache

Step 4: Reboot Your Mac

After deleting the files, you must restart your computer. This will restore network services from scratch.

# Reboot (you can also do this via the Apple menu)
sudo reboot

Or select Apple → Restart.

Verifying the Result

After rebooting:

Connect to a Wi‑Fi network via the menu bar (or configure Ethernet).
Open System Settings → Network and verify the status is "Connected" and an IP address is obtained (not 169.254.x.x).
Open Terminal and run:
```
ping -c 4 ya.ru
```
If packets are sent and received, the internet is working.
Check speed and stability by opening several websites.

If the connection is not established automatically, you may need to manually select the network and enter the password.

Potential Issues

Cannot execute command with `sudo`

Ensure you are logged into an account with administrator privileges. When prompted for a password, enter your account password (characters are not displayed—this is normal).

Files do not delete (Operation not permitted)

Starting with macOS Catalina, System Integrity Protection (SIP) may block deletion of some files even with sudo. In this case:

Ensure you did not make a typo in the path.
Try disabling SIP (not recommended for average users). It's better to use the first method or boot into Recovery Mode and execute the commands there.

F.A.Q.

What's the difference between resetting via System Preferences and resetting via Terminal?

Is it necessary to restart the Mac after resetting network settings?

Will this reset the Wi-Fi network password?

Can I reset only Wi-Fi without affecting Ethernet?

Hints

Back up important data

Reset network settings via System Preferences (recommended method)

Full reset via Terminal (alternative method)

Restart network services and Mac

Check connection and reconfigure