Connect your Mac to the internet using Ethernet

You can use Ethernet to connect to the internet, either through an Ethernet network or through a DSL or cable modem.

Before you begin

Set up an Ethernet connection

  1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu  > System Settings, then click Network in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)

    Open Network settings for me

  2. Click the Ethernet service , then click Details.

    Note: If your Mac doesn’t have a built-in Ethernet port and you’re using an adapter, look for a service that contains the name of the adapter manufacturer or the type of adapter. For example, the service might be named [manufacturer name] USB-C LAN, or just contain the model number of the adapter.

  3. Turn Limit IP Address Tracking on or off.

  4. Click TCP/IP in the sidebar, click the Configure IPv4 pop-up menu, then choose your ISP’s recommended configuration method.

    • Using DHCP: Choose this option if you didn’t receive a specific IP address from your ISP.

    • Using DHCP with manual address: Choose this option if you received a specific IP address and your ISP uses DHCP, then enter the IP address.

    • Manually: Choose this option if you received a specific IP address, a subnet mask and a router address from your ISP; then enter those values.

  5. If you received DNS server or search domain settings, click DNS in the sidebar, then enter the information you received.

  6. If you received WINS (Windows Internet Name Service) settings, click WINS in the sidebar, then enter the information you received.

  7. If you received proxy server settings, click Proxy in the sidebar, then enter the information you received.

  8. If you received Ethernet hardware settings, click Hardware in the sidebar, then enter the information you received.

  9. Click OK.