macOS Monterey has been out there for months and brings tons of refinements and features to the operating system to make your Mac ready for the M1 age. The latest macOS version adds features that you can use in iOS, such as Shortcuts and the redesigned Safari. In macOS 12.3, Apple introduces Universal Control, which allows you to use the keyboard and cursor from your Mac to control an iPad.
However, there are times when macOS becomes a cause of annoyance. Some Mac owners have reported experiencing issues with their Mac’s Ethernet port, or the Ethernet connection frequently drops for no reason. If you happen to be one of those who this problem has touched, we are here to help.
This tutorial will include all the possible fixes for the dropping ethernet connection issue in macOS Monterey. Make sure that your Mac has the latest version of the macOS update. Head to System Preferences > Software Update and check for any available updates.
Method 1: Make sure your Ethernet cable is not damaged
If your Ethernet connection keeps disconnecting, ensure that your cable works properly. You can check your cable for any signs of damage or use a different cable to see if the problem is dealt with.
If your cable is in good shape, check the connection between your Mac and the Ethernet device. Indeed, try plugging out the cable and then re-connecting. If the problem persists after doing a re-plugin, then read on.
Method 2: Restart Ethernet connection using Terminal
Terminal has been an integral part of macOS for years, allowing you to quickly take control of your operating system and make changes. It also serves as the perfect way to fix software-related problems. In this case, you can use Terminal to reboot your Mac’s network interface. Here are the steps;
Step 1: Open Terminal on your Mac (you can find it by heading to Applications > Utilities)
Step 2: Enter the following command: sudo ifconfig en0 down and hit the Enter key.
Step 3: Enter the password if prompted and then enter the following command and hit Enter: sudo ifconfig en0 up
Step 4: Check if the Ethernet connection is working now once you are done. If not, make sure you read on.
Method 3: Create a new Ethernet profile
Try creating a new user account or Ethernet profile if the problem remains. By doing so, you may fix the issues related to file corruption. It’s best to create a new admin account from the System Preference. Here are the steps;
Step 1: Open System Preferences and select Users & Groups.
Step 2: Select the Unlock the lock with your Mac login password option, then click on the “+” sign to add a new account.
Step 3: Select Administrator from the New Account’s drop-down menu from the pop-up menu.
Step 4: Now fill in the other details and hit the Create User button.
Step 5: Log into your newly-created account and test if the Ethernet connection is working.
To create a new Ethernet profile on Mac, head over to System Preferences > Network > Tap on Plus > Ethernet interface > Create.
When you are done, make some changes in Power Saver Settings. To do so, System Preferences > Energy Save. Check the box next to the Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off option.
Method 4: Restart your Mac in Safe Mode
Putting your Mac in Safe mode helps you determine if your Mac has any software-related issues. The steps to enter Safe mode on an M1 Mac are slightly different from how you do it on an Intel model. Here’s how;
Step 1: Press and hold the Power button for at least 10 seconds. Keep those buttons pressed until you see the startup screen.
Step 2: Select the Startup disk from the list, then press and hold the Shift key to proceed.
Step 3: Hit Continue in Safe mode. Let go of the Shift key and log into your Mac.
If you are now on an Intel-powered Mac, here are the steps;
Step 1: Power off your machine, press and hold the Power button until you see the startup screen.
Step 2: Select the startup disk and press and hold the Shift key. Keep the button pressed and click Continue in Safe mode.
Step 3: Release the Shift key and login into your Mac. Now check if your Ethernet problem has been fixed.
Method 5: Delete the Ethernet service and re-add
You can try removing the Ethernet service from your Mac and then re-adding it. Here are the steps;
Step 1: Plug in your Ethernet cable and then head to System Preferences > Network.
Step 2: From the list of all services, select Ethernet and click the remove button at the bottom of the list.
Step 3: Confirm your action by clicking Apply.
Step 4: Select Bluetooth PAN and hit the Advanced button.
Step 5: Hit the DHCP Lease button and hit OK, followed by Apply.
Step 6: Now restart your Mac and go to System Preferences > Network. Click the “+” button to trigger a popup menu. From here, click on Interface and select Ethernet from the drop-down menu.
Step 7: Hit Create and hit Apply. Your Mac will create the Ethernet service and automatically connect to the internet.
