Ethernet missing from Network Settings after troubleshooting

Question

Ethernet missing from Network Settings after troubleshooting

I am working with a 2018 Mac Mini, with a 10GB ethernet port, running macOS 14.5. The mini was having issues connecting to Ethernet - as a part of the troubleshooting process, I removed the Ethernet interface from Network Settings. (We later found out someone had unplugged the power to a switch upstream, which is why it wasn't connecting, but we found that out too late to help.)

When I tried to re-add Ethernet to the Mac, the option is not listed under Network => Add Service

I've tried:

Rebooting
Disconnecting and re-connecting the ethernet cable
Clearing NVRAM and SMC
Renaming the NetworkPreferences.plist file

None of these worked. We have Wi-Fi on the mini, so it's not completely dead in the water, but we'd like to get the 10GB Ethernet back in use.

I kicked off an upgrade to 15.4 last night, and am waiting to hear back from the owner if this may have helped. If it did not, what next steps can I take to restore the Ethernet interface under Settings => Network?

Thank you for your help!

Posted on Apr 6, 2025 08:06 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Apr 7, 2025 02:18 PM in response to 6x6

I did try this, although I forgot to list it above - no luck with a new Location, either.

I can see the device listed in NetworkPreferences.plist - surely there's a way to restore it in Settings?

Reply

Answer 2

6x6

Level 6

18,219 points

Apr 6, 2025 04:23 PM in response to Geoffrey Schaller

Hello Geoffrey,

If you can't add Ethernet after the upgrade, go to System Settings > Network, click the "..." button at the bottom of the page, click Locations then Edit Locations. Finally click the "+" icon to add a new location.

The Ethernet interface might then be visible for this new location.

Reply