Intro to network settings for Mac
Understanding network settings on macOS helps you resolve connectivity issues when users can’t access the internet. Mac computers connect to various networks including home Wi-Fi, organizational networks, and public hotspots, each with different configuration requirements.
Helping users with network settings creates opportunities to educate them about your organization’s policies and security best practices. When you document common connectivity patterns, you can identify infrastructure issues that may need broader solutions to improve the user experience.
When users experience connectivity issues, you may need to configure network settings manually. This involves accessing advanced options to adjust settings like IP addresses, subnet masks, and DNS servers. For Mac computers with multiple network connections, you can change the service order so the system prioritizes the most reliable connection. For more information see Change the order of the network services in the Mac User Guide.
Note: Complex network configurations like VPN setup, DNS resolution, proxy servers, or advanced security protocols should be escalated to your organization’s network administrator.