How to reset network settings on Mac [5 best methods]

Frequent network connections and security issues bother you? Especially in the working environment where network changes are often changed, the chaos in the background network settings is even worse. Resetting network settings is usually effective in solving such problems, and this article will explain in detail how to easily reset network settings on your MacBook.

But network reset is not a panacea. The following table lists when you should reset your Mac's network settings to troubleshoot Wi-Fi:

When do you need to reset your Mac's network settings?

Macs sometimes experience some annoying network issues that force you to try resetting. For example, Wi-Fi is frequently disconnected, it is difficult to connect to different networks, and even the network speed is extremely slow. Here are some common questions that require resetting your Mac network settings:

question	Solution
Clear files interfering with the network	Use CleanMyMac to quickly identify and delete these files to improve Mac performance.
Monitor network data	Use iStat Menus to track network connections from the menu bar.
Try a basic quick fix	Turn off and re-turn Wi-Fi, restart your Mac and router.
Reset the network through system settings	Go to System Settings > Wi-Fi > Forgot your Wi-Fi and reconnect.
Reset the network through the terminal	Use the following command to switch Wi-Fi: sudo ifconfig en0 down ; sudo ifconfig en0 up .
Quickly locate and troubleshoot Wi-Fi issues	Install WiFi Explorer.

But what if the problem is just a simple Wi-Fi interrupt caused by an ISP or modem? In this case, it is best to try a simpler network troubleshooting method before resetting the network. Let's learn more about it:

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iStat Menus – The ultimate Mac app to understand the internal health of your Mac computer. Available on Setapp.

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First, optimize your Mac by clearing files that interfere with the network

Before trying any, check your Mac health. A messy Mac is often filled with duplicate files, junk data, malware, unnecessary resource-intensive applications, and memory overloads—which is what causes system failure and further disconnection of network connections.

Solution? CleanMyMac and optimize performance with just a few clicks.

Operation steps:

1. Install and open CleanMyMac.
2. Click Performance > Scan in the left sidebar.
3. After the scan is completed, click "View all tasks" and then delete it.
4. Select the file you want to delete > Run.

Before reset: Turn off Wi-Fi, restart Mac and router

If there is a problem with your Mac's network connection, try to fix the network on your Mac in the following order.

Sometimes, resetting network settings is a more complex and time-consuming solution. For example, using a terminal to reset the network settings requires the correct use of commands. If the command error occurs, it may cause more problems.

Instead, try the following quick fix:

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar > Close and turn on Wi-Fi again.
2. Then, restart your Mac. Click the Apple menu > Restart.
3. Finally, turn off the router > wait 30 seconds to 1 minute > turn on again.

Tip: Both your system and network may affect your internet connection and security. What if you could monitor the health of your Mac’s internal and connected networks at any time? Try iStat Menus – the ultimate tool for monitoring and scanning your Mac.

Simply click on the application icon in the menu bar and you will see a detailed drop-down menu that displays the current download/upload speed, ping value, IP address, network status, and graphic history of network activity. With this data, you can quickly monitor and troubleshoot network connectivity issues.

How to reset network settings through system settings

The most common way to troubleshoot Wi-Fi issues, such as unconfigured Wi-Fi, is to delete and re-add the Wi-Fi interface in your system settings.

Operation steps:

1. Click on the Apple menu > System Settings > Network.
2. Click the three dots next to the network you want to delete.
3. Click "Forgot this network" > "Forgot".
4. Enter your Mac password.
5. Click "Connection" under other networks to re-add > enter your password.

Note: This method deletes the saved network and resets the basic Wi-Fi configuration.

How to reset network settings on your Mac using a terminal

If you are familiar with the CLI (command line interface) tools, you can reset your network settings on your Mac in the terminal. Just type in some commands and it will do the rest. But this is not for users who are not familiar with the terminal, as typing incorrect commands can lead to some unexpected problems. It can cause you to disconnect, mess up important system settings, or, in the worst case, wipe your entire hard drive.

Anyway, here's how to reset your network settings on your Mac using a terminal:

1. Open Finder>Applications>Utilities>Terminal.
2. enter sudo ifconfig en0 down And press Return to turn off Wi-Fi.
3. Enter your administrator account password.
4. enter sudo ifconfig en0 up And press Return to restart Wi-Fi.

Check if your Wi-Fi issue is resolved. If you have other problems (such as the Mac cannot connect to Wi-Fi), you can also try this method.

Tip: When I first encountered Wi-Fi issues, I tried various methods - restarting my router, forgetting my network, and even resetting my network settings. But the problem still cannot be solved, which drove me crazy. Finally, after searching for the best solutions online, someone mentioned in a blog that WiFi Explorer is their tool of choice. I tried it and to be honest, it changed the game.

The application helps track detailed information about all networks, including its frequency band, range, signal quality, security status, and more. Most importantly, you don't need to be a web professional to use this tool.

How to reset the internet on your Mac [All answers revealed]

Now you know how to use system settings, terminals, and other methods to reset network settings on your MacBook. While manually fixing your Mac network is not difficult, using applications like iStat Menus and WiFi Explorer can simplify operations and help you learn more about network connections. CleanMyMac can help keep the system clean and clutter-free.

You can try all these apps for free for seven days with the Setapp trial, a platform with over 250 top Mac and iOS apps. Download as many apps as you like and save your favorite apps for later use!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does resetting network settings actually do?

Resetting network settings usually removes all Wi-Fi, local network, and paired device settings saved on your Mac. Your device will return to its default state, thus solving many potential Wi-Fi issues.

Will resetting network settings change the Mac address?

No, resetting your network settings will not change your Mac address. It will only delete saved network information, which you can re-enter to reconnect.

Will resetting your network settings lose anything?

You will only lose saved network settings such as VPN settings, Wi-Fi passwords, and pairing devices. This will not affect personal files and data saved on your Mac.

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