Internet over a cable (Ethernet) on your MacBook

Modern MacBooks have no network port, but internet over a cable (Ethernet) is still possible. With a small adapter or a dock you connect a network cable. That gives a more stable and often faster connection than Wi-Fi, handy for video calls, big uploads or when the Wi-Fi signal in your home is weak. This article explains what you need, how to set it up and what to do when it does not work.

Blue Apple repairs MacBooks in Amsterdam. If Wi-Fi is also poor and the connection keeps dropping, there may be something with the hardware; more about that at the end.

What do you need?

• A USB-C to Ethernet adapter, or a hub or dock with a network port (often called "LAN" or "RJ45"). Choose at least gigabit (1000 Mbit/s). There are also 2.5-gigabit adapters, if your router and subscription support it.
• A network cable from your router or a network socket in the wall.

An adapter needs no driver: macOS recognises most straight away. More about hubs and docks in dock, hub or adapter for your MacBook.

Connecting

1. Plug the adapter into a USB-C port on your MacBook.
2. Connect the network cable to the adapter and the router.
3. Open System Settings, Network. You see a new connection, for example "USB 10/100/1000 LAN" or the name of your dock, with a green dot when it works.

Making the cable take priority over Wi-Fi

If Wi-Fi is also on, the Mac usually picks the cable by itself. To be sure, set the order of connections: in Network click the menu with three dots below the list and choose the option to set the service order. Drag the wired connection to the top. Or simply turn Wi-Fi off while you work on the cable.

When is a cable better?

• For video calls and online meetings that stutter.
• For big uploads or downloads, such as cloud backups.
• For online games, for lower latency.
• In a place where the Wi-Fi signal is weak or many networks interfere, such as an apartment block.

It does not work

1. No green dot: try another cable and another port on the router.
2. Adapter not recognised: plug it into the other USB-C port, or connect it directly instead of via a hub.
3. Connected but no internet: restart the router and check whether other devices have internet over a cable.
4. Slow: an old cable or a 100 Mbit/s adapter slows things down. Check in System Information, Network what speed the connection has.

Wi-Fi does not work well either

If Wi-Fi keeps dropping on your MacBook while other devices at home work fine, there may be something with the Wi-Fi antenna or the logic board, for example after liquid or a drop. If internet over the cable works fine, that points to the Wi-Fi hardware. If only websites fail to load, first try flushing the DNS cache.

Setting up a fixed workspace

If you often work in the same place, a dock with a network port is handy: one cable to your MacBook, with internet, monitor and charger all on it. See connecting your MacBook to a monitor.

What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam

We test your MacBook's USB-C ports, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and replace a broken port. You hear beforehand what is needed. More on our pages about MacBook port repair and MacBook repair in Amsterdam.

Frequently asked questions

Does an Ethernet adapter for Windows work on a Mac?

Usually yes. Adapters needing a special driver sometimes do not; look for Mac support.

Is wired internet faster than Wi-Fi?

Often yes, and above all more stable. It also depends on your subscription and router.

Can I be connected by cable and Wi-Fi at the same time?

Yes. The Mac then uses the connection at the top of the order.