HOW TO Manage networks your Mac connects to

Network settings

Open System Preferences and click Network. The networking options shown will depend on what type of Mac you have: MacBook laptops tend to rely on Wi–Fi, but desktop Macs also have Ethernet ports for wired networks.

Just in case

You’ll probably never need to do this, but you can use Bluetooth to connect to mobile broadband via a smartphone. It’s also possible to set up a quick mini–network between Macs using their Thunderbolt ports.

Which Wi–Fi?

Many offices and apartment buildings may contain several different Wi–Fi networks — use Network settings to specify which one to use. You can also tell your Mac to ask permission before joining other types of network.

Plug and play

Desktop Macs will show an additional set of controls for Ethernet networks. You can also add Ethernet to a laptop by using Apple’s USB Ethernet adapter. Just plug in the adapter and your Mac will detect it automatically.

Office options

You can generally rely on the default DHCP option for connecting to an Ethernet network. However, some office networks may need you to enter additional settings using this menu, or the Advanced button below.

Location, location

If you mainly use Wi–Fi at home, leave that as the default Automatic setting. However, if you often switch to Ethernet when you’re at work in the office, click on the Location menu and select Edit Locations.

Home and away

The standard Automatic setting just grabs the first network connection it finds. That’s fine for accessing your home Wi–Fi, but you can also create new network settings to be used in a specific location, such as your office.

Choose a network

Click the gear icon to view additional settings. The Set Service Order option tells your Mac to connect to networks in a specific order, or you can opt for Make Service Inactive to ignore a particular type of network.

Network priority

Here, the Service Order for Office tells the MacBook to connect to Ethernet if possible, but to fall back on Wi–Fi if needed. You can create additional settings for coffee shops, hotels, and other locations.