You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Wi-Fi and Wired network load preference

Last modified: Mar 22, 2017 10:39 AM
3 9531 Last modified Mar 22, 2017 10:39 AM

I'm in a (admittedly rare) situation where I have users on Mac who need both an internal and external network. In some of these cases the wi-fi needs to take precedence over the wired network. OS X will allow a network connection to have priority over another connection in any account but you will need the Administrative account to set this up.


• Go to >System Preferences


• Choose Network


• Unlock the panel using the padlock icon in the lower left hand corner of the window with your administrative user and password.


• Go to the gear iconUser uploaded fileand choose Set Service Order

User uploaded file


• Drag the Ethernet listing below the Wi-Fi listing and click Ok.

User uploaded file


• Then click apply

User uploaded file


when the Wi-Fi is off it will list under Ethernet

User uploaded file


As soon as you turn it on and it connects to a Wi-Fi broadcast it will move in position above ethernet making it the primary network connection

User uploaded file


This user tip was generated from the following discussion: Wi-Fi and Wired network load balance

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.