Connecting a Mac laptop directly to a wireless router via a LAN cable boosts the internet speed. However, the latest MacBook Air lacks an Ethernet port, causing issues connecting a LAN cable. Now, the real question is – how to connect LAN to MacBook without ethernet ports?
You can still plug in a LAN cable to the MacBook using an Ethernet adapter. New MacBook Air users can connect the ethernet cable using a docking station. However, the adapter or docking station must be compatible with the Mac laptop.
If you use an old Ethernet adapter in the latest MacBooks, the internet won’t work. Hence, check the device’s compatibility before buying them from a store or online. Connecting the LAN to the Mac’s Ethernet port is not enough. You must configure the LAN settings to access the internet without connection failure.
Let’s learn the 3 easy ways to connect a LAN cable to a MacBook Pro or Air:
Do All MacBooks Have a LAN Port?
Ethernet ports on Mac laptops are not as prevalent as on Windows devices. Newer MacBook Pro and MacBook Air don’t offer this functionality anymore. However, you can locate an Ethernet port in all the older Mac laptops released between 2016-2017.
Do you want to know whether your Mac laptop has an Ethernet port? Check the MacBook’s side to confirm this. Identifying an Ethernet port on an Apple laptop is simple. It is a little wider than an iPhone jack and resembles a square with rigid zones at the bottom.
How to Connect LAN to MacBook with Ethernet Cable?
The new 15-inch and 13-inch MacBooks don’t feature an Ethernet port, but their counterparts do. These Apple laptops let you establish a secure internet connection using an Ethernet cable. Connecting LAN to older MacBook models is straightforward.
Plug in LAN cables, one end to the router’s Ethernet port and the other end to your MacBook’s port. Ensure the device where you want internet access is active. Open a reliable browser and try to access any site.
Did you receive the “No Internet” message? It indicates your MacBook failed to connect to the internet. Several reasons can be addressed for this internet connectivity error. For instance, a damaged Ethernet port can stop the Mac laptop from connecting to the internet.
A faulty or incompatible LAN cable can be the reason behind such an occurrence. Additionally, you must check whether the LAN cable is loose. Disconnect and reconnect the network cable to the router and laptop to fix the problem.
How to Connect LAN to MacBook with an Ethernet Adapter?
MacBook Pros released in 2019 don’t have an Ethernet port. But, what if the Wi-Fi goes down while sending important mail to the client? You can still restore the internet connection using an adapter to connect the LAN cable.
However, the Ethernet adapter must be compatible with your MacBook Pro. Otherwise, the Apple device will fail to establish a secure LAN connection. How to use an Ethernet adapter on a Mac laptop? Connect the Ethernet adapter’s one end to the MacBook Pro and plug in the LAN cable to the adapter’s other end.
Many MacBook owners think that only Apple-certified Ethernet adapters will work on MacBooks. Newer Mac laptop users can buy any USB-C to Ethernet adapter for connecting the LAN cable.
Here are the best Ethernet adapters to connect a LAN cable to MacBooks:
- Uni USB C to Ethernet adapter
- Belkin USB-C to Ethernet adapter
- Anker USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet adapter
- UGREEN USB-C to Ethernet adapter
How to Connect LAN to MacBook with a Docking Station?
USB-C docking stations have an Ethernet port which can be used to connect a LAN cable to your MacBook. It works like a USB-C to Ethernet adapter. How to establish a LAN connection on your M2-powered Mac laptop? You must first plug the Ethernet cable into the dock.
Connect the USB-C plug to your Mac’s USB port. Open your Apple laptop’s default web browser – Safari. Write Apple.com on the search bar and hit Enter to check if the site opens. The docking station might be incompatible with your MacBook without an internet connection.
Many MacBook owners use a USB-C docking station for Ethernet connectivity. Additionally, it lets you connect multiple external peripherals simultaneously. For instance, HP USB-C docking stations allow you to connect 2 monitors, a LAN cable and an SSD simultaneously.
Here we have curated the best USB-C docking stations for your MacBook:
- Anker 675 USB-C docking station
- Dockcase Smart Hub 7-in-1
- J5Create M.2 NVMe USB-C Gen 2 docking station
- Satechi USB-C Multimedia Adapter M1
Do You Need to Configure the LAN Connection on Your MacBook?
A Mac laptop automatically establishes a super-fast internet connection after connecting the LAN cable. However, you must configure the MacBook’s network settings if you can’t access the internet. Here are the step-by-step instructions to modify the Apple device’s LAN configuration:
Access the Apple Menu
Click the Apple icon from your MacBook desktop’s top-left corner. Choose “System Preferences” on MacOS Catalina or later when the pop-up menu appears. However, you will notice the System Settings option instead of System Preferences on macOS Ventura or earlier.
Click on the Network Option
Go to the navigation panel from the System Preferences or System Settings window. Write “Network” or scroll down to the options list to locate the Network option. Tap on the “Network” icon – it looks like a small globe.
Choose Your Ethernet Connection
Search for your McBook’s ethernet when the Network window opens. Go to the Network window’s left sidebar and check the available Ethernet name on the list. Click on your Ethernet connection from the list and navigate to “Advanced”.
Configure the IPv4 Connection
Locate the “Configure IPv4” option in your MacBook’s “Ethernet” window. Click on it and select the correct configuration method from the list. However, you must contact the ISP before modifying any IPV4 settings. Experts recommend using these 4 IPv4 configurations:
Using DHCP
Did your ISP provide an IP address? Choose the “Using DHCP’ option from the Configuration IPv4 option list.
Using DHCP with a manual address
This option will be viable only when you receive a specific IP address. Enter the IP address in the blank field if your ISP uses DHCP.
Using BootP
Does your internet service provider use BootP? Select this option from the “Configuration IPv4” pop-up list.
Manually
The last option in the Configuration IPv4 list is, Manually. Choose this option if you have received these 3 details from the ISP – a particular IP address, router address and subnet mask. However, enter the correct value of the subnet mask, IP and router address.
Apply the Changes
Don’t make any other changes once you choose the correct IPv4 configuration method. The selected option will automatically be applied to the Mac’s IPv6 address and DNS server. Do you want to enter a DNS server manually? Tap on “DNS” from the sidebar and enter the correct value provided by your ISP.
Additionally, you can select “WINS” from the sidebar and enter the correct value in the blank field. Tap on “Proxy” if you want to modify the proxy server settings. Provide the correct address and port number.
Enable the “Proxy server requires password” if required. Don’t forget to enter your Mac username and security password when prompted. Tap on “OK” and select “Apply” after making the necessary changes on the Network window.
Is the Ethernet Connection not Working on MacBook? Try these Quick Fixes
Many MacBook users switch to Ethernet from Wi-Fi to get faster and more secure connections. However, sometimes the ethernet might stop working even after configuring the settings correctly. A software glitch can be blamed for this ethernet connection issue.
A faulty or frayed Ethernet cable can also generate this connectivity problem on the MacBook. Besides, a malfunctioned router or modem can lead to internet loss issues. Whatever the reason is, you can fix this complicated ethernet error using these solutions:
Inspect your LAN Cable
Check for any sign of wear and tear in the Ethernet cable connected to your MacBook. Replace the cable if you notice any scorch marks or twists. Plug in a different LAN cable to the wireless router and Mac port to resolve the problem.
Check the Mac’s Network Settings
Does your Ethernet cable have no sign of damage? The next thing that you must do is check your Mac laptop’s network settings. Ensure the Ethernet option is selected instead of Wi-Fi. Misconfiguration can cause problems in getting a LAN connection.
Hence, access the Apple menu, head to “System Preferences” or “System Settings” from the pop-up menu. Choose “Network”, choose “Ethernet”, and choose the correct network name.
Can’t see the Ethernet option? Tap on the Add icon instead and write the ethernet connection name. Click “Advanced” to modify the necessary network settings. You can now access the internet on your MacBook without connection problems.
Lastly, Restart Your Mac’s Ethernet Connection with Terminal
Restarting your Mac laptop’s ethernet connection will help eliminate the problem. Hence, open the Finder window, select “Applications”, and select “Utilities”. Click on “Terminal” and write “sudo ifconfig en0 down” in the black window.
Hit the Enter button and close the Terminal window. Access your MacBook’s network window from System Preferences, and you will see your ethernet’s name on the left sidebar. Connect with MacBook Repair India experts if the ethernet is not working on your MacBook.
