OS X Yosemite: Connect two Mac computers using Ethernet

Connect two Mac computers using Ethernet
Connect two computers using Ethernet

You can use an Ethernet cable to connect two Mac computers to share files or play network games. If your computer doesn’t have an Ethernet port, try using a USB Ethernet Adapter or a Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter.

  1. Connect a standard Ethernet cable from the Ethernet port on one computer to the Ethernet port on the other. You don’t need to use an Ethernet crossover cable.

    If your computer doesn’t have an Ethernet port, try using a USB-to-Ethernet adapter.

  2. On each computer, open Sharing preferences (choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Sharing) and note the computer name for each computer.

  3. In the Finder on one of the computers, choose Go > “Connect to Server,” then click Browse.

  4. Double-click the other computer in the window, then enter your password, if necessary.

If you manually configured the TCP/IP settings for the Ethernet service on the computer you are connecting to, you may need to enter that computer’s TCP/IP address in the “Connect to Server” dialog.

To see or set the TCP/IP address, open Network preferences (choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Network) and select Ethernet in the list.

Last Modified: Sep 23, 2015
Helpful?
56% of people found this helpful.

Additional Product Support Information