Why does a new Mac mini's internet connection work for one user but not another?

That's like saying that because grandpa smoked and lived to a hundred it's perfectly safe to smoke.

Many people use CMM and don't notice any problems but many do.

Macs are designed to work perfectly without the aid of "cleaning" software or any other "optimiser" or "security" gubbins.

These apps often mess with things that should be left alone and do more harm than good.

The makers are preying on the unfounded fears of the public.

Anyway my main comment was with regard to the Norton app which may or may not be a VPN.

As I mentioned, 2 of my 3 minis lost internet connection completely and switching off my VPN cured it instantly. I later switched it back on and all was well.

I know little about Etrecheck troubleshooting but 2 things stand out.

You have CleanMyMac which many users find causes trouble and also a Norton app.

Is it a VPN as only a few days ago 2 of my 3 Macs could not get onto the internet and I eventually discovered they both had VPNs switched on.

Switching them off instantly cured the problem.

Excellent catch @ Ian R Brown 😎 👍

For future reference and usage as you see fit - OK 👍

Disk Cleaner 

CleanMyMac , aka “ BrickMyMac “

New macOS Malware "Cthulhu Stealer" Targets Apple Users' Data

Un-Like Microsoft Windows, which does have “ Disk Cleanup “ and “ Defrag “ as part of their Operating System 

Apple does not  nor are they needed  

Have a good remainder of the wknd

crd100 wrote:

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. Forgot to ask did the dodgy third party app Etrecheck report tell us anything new, no, so as its a third party app I will not use it again

On behalf of ALL who have contributed to this question

You are welcome

As for the " dodgy third party app Etrecheck report " adding an now information ?

It would not Add Anything unless the user ( you ) were to run a new scan and post a New Report

Only for informational purposes

Do with it as you may

At one time there was an  Etrecheck Application available on the Apple Apps Store.

Due to certain constrains place upon the Developer by APPLE, the developer chose to remove it from the Store and make is available Directly from them.

This specific application is well known,  on these Forums,  as a Go To for trouble shooting and avoiding all the question / answer and question / answer to finally get the issue pinned down.

It is also known and reported by Reliable Sources that,  sometimes APPLE SUPPORT has invoked using this same Developer Distributed Version of Etrecheck application to trouble shot computer issues 

Lastly - should you decide to use and post the Report now or at a later time, we are willing to have a very close look and offer some insights 

There is nothing dodgy about Etrecheck.

It was created by a very respected member of these forums to help troubleshoot problems.

There is almost certainly nothing wrong with your M4 mini other than problems possibly caused by third party app conflicts which cannot be resolved.

A Very quick scan of the Report as I need to leave for Other Family Business

Jack Pot ,sorry to say

  [Running] Norton - version 15.0.562 (NortonLifeLock, Inc. - installed 2025-04-25)
        Application: /Applications/Norton.app - version 15.0.562

Under this specific situation with Third Party Security Software by any name

Once this type of software are installed and embedded into the computer 

Start Over from Scratch 

Heavy Handed - Yes ?

You can spend hours or days hunting down all the bits and pieces of this software and never really get it all off the computer

Effective in removing the AV Software - Yes 

For Apple Silicon computer >> Use Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple silicon.

Always make a Time Machine Backup  before  proceeding 

If going this route - I suggest Not using Startup Assist to migrate everything back.

This will probably Re-Introduce ( NortonLifeLock, Inc. ) back into the Operating System 

Addition info related to AntiVirus software

Windows-like viruses that self-replicate and affect macOS don’t exist because of the underlying UNIX Foundation and permission limitations.

The macOS operating system resides in a sealed and read-only volume that can’t be opened by users or third-party applications.

Mac app security enhancements are sufficient to protect computers from malware.

Adware and Malware can affect computers and are often downloaded from “shady” websites or developers who inject them into downloads.

Source: User tip from @Kurt Lang - Thank you Kurt Lang

What is malware? - Apple Community

OP wrote " I set up a new user and low and behold the second user has got internet connection OK. "

Tell-tale sign.

Some Third Party Software that is loaded to your Original User Account that is not effecting the Second User Account

To skip the Q&A session, just download the Application Etrecheck directly from the Developer. 

It’s a diagnostic tool that doesn’t change your computer at all. It gives you a clear and easy-to-read list of both your hardware and software. 

You can get it for free or pay for extra features. And don’t worry, the report won’t reveal any personal information. 

Once you’re done, just copy and paste the full report using the Additional Text Icon.

As Owl-53 mentions, an etrecheck report might greatly help us.

Creating a new user account has been a troubleshooting strategy for decades when apps don't behave the way they should.

+1¹ 

Also, etrecheck can save us time by not giving guesses That don’t fit

Follow on, if you please

There are 4 Categories of Third Party Software / Services that are baffling.

Why some users insist on installing and using the below software. 

Third Party 2 Way Firewalls

Commercial VPNs 

Third Party Security Software 

Third Party Disk Cleaners / Optimizer 

Whether you use the Etrecheck Application and post the report

That is the user's choice

Should you decide to do so now or later

Surely, someone will review the details and offer suggestions as to what or where the issue / issues are.

Please understand none of us are sitting at your computer

There we can see what is actually going on on or in the computer

Best we can do is Guess

Guessing in Technical Affairs in not productive and is wasting both your time and others time

Respectfully disagree regarding " It seems I have purchased a very expensive paper weight from Apple "

I have owned the original M1 Mac Mini, still own a M2 Mac Mini and currently using the M4 Mac Mini as we speak

CleanMyMac aka BrickMyMac, claims another victim

Any Third Party Applications that will interfere with the normal operation of the OS,  is an invitation for disaster. 

Certain Applications maybe available on the Apple Apps Store - this only means the Developer is prepared to pay Apple a percentage on each sale. 

What the Application may do to the computer is up to the User to check this out before purchase

To put the Third Party Disk Cleaner / Optimizer in context and the damages it may have or has already done.

This type of applications can or will Muck Up your User Account ( Home Folder ) of this machine.

It does not touch the Operating System itself unless you consider your User Account ( Home Folder ) as part of the Operating System.

The Operating System is hosed