How to restore WAN connection on 2015 iMac after disconnecting ethernet cable?

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How to restore WAN connection on 2015 iMac after disconnecting ethernet cable?

I have a 2015 iMac 27 i7. I disconnected the ethernet cable from the back while it was running so I could plug it into my Mac mini for a few minutes. When I plugged the ethernet cable back into the iMac, all network connections seemed to be gone, no wifi or ethernet connection to internet, no network connection to my other apple computers. I rebooted, with no change. I started in safe mode, with no change. I deactivated the ethernet connection in system settings, but wifi still doesn't work. I deleted the service and added it again, with no fix. Any help would be appreciated!

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iMac 27″, macOS 15.5

Posted on May 19, 2025 4:28 PM

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Answer 1

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rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,422 points

May 19, 2025 5:30 PM in response to VikingShips!

Please do the following and we can search to see if there is anything you installed that is causing your problem:

It will help us get a good idea of what is causing your problem if you provide a report of your system, that way we do not have to play 20 questions with you. The report we are requesting does NOT provide any personal information and is extremely safe to use. Please navigate towww.Etrecheck.com and download the free version of EtreCheck. Once you have you downloaded the app and installed it, please run the report and save it. This report will help us get a good idea what has been installed on your system and help us be able to diagnose what may be wrong.

When you have your report, you can attach it when you reply to this message and we can then review it and help you determine what is needed to get your system running well again.

For instructions on how to download your EtreCheck report and attach it to your reply to this message please click How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community It is helpful to us if you download the report to your Desktop.

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Answer 2

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,422 points

May 19, 2025 7:37 PM in response to VikingShips!

Restart the modem router and Mac and then retest.

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Answer 3

VikingShips! Author

Level 1

32 points

May 19, 2025 7:55 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Never thought to do that since my Mac mini, right beside the iMac, has network and the internet, but only on wifi since I replaced the ethernet cable in the iMac.

So I reset the modem. Exact same situation after that.

I got the latest Etrecheck using the Mac mini. I'd include the report here, but I'm guessing it's too long since I get an error message when I try to append it as extra text, and it's over the 5000 character limit for a regular post. It's 10 pages long...

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Answer 4

VikingShips! Author

Level 1

32 points

May 19, 2025 5:40 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Hmmmmmm. I have no network, no internet... I ran Etrecheck, but everything is blank. I can't update it, since I have no internet. Sorry...

Now what? any ideas?

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How to restore WAN connection on 2015 iMac after disconnecting ethernet cable?

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