Ethernet port on Late 2012 iMac - can't insert cable

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Ethernet port on Late 2012 iMac - can't insert cable

I am a bit puzzled trying to insert a standard ethernet cable into the only available ethernet port on the back. I am assuming it's a standard port which accepts RJ-45 connector? Why am I not able to insert any cable (that comes with a cable modem for example) into this port? Am I missing something? I am having difficulty inserting the cable (even with the tab depressed of course - even though that can't be the issue as it will depress itself when inserting). I have tried more than one cable all of which have no problem with a cable modem port or the Netgear Powerline (ethernet over electrical lines) device. But the other end just doesn't seem want to go into the iMac 😀. I don't want to force it too much and possibly break something inside (I recently upgraded the RAM and the HD to SSD having to separate the glass screen and all - anyone who has done this prob. knows how much fun that is!). Is there something I don't know? Any suggestions?

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Oct 4, 2020 9:39 AM

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Answer 1

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den.thed

Level 10

91,582 points

Oct 4, 2020 10:21 AM in response to marconey

If you removed the logic board during the upgrades, the perhaps the I/O ports did not get realigned properly.

Turn the iMac around and look real close at the Ethernet and other ports, to see if that a correctly aligned with the openings in the case.

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Answer 2

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Oct 4, 2020 10:05 AM in response to marconey

You've got that tab topside right?

https://support.apple.com/kb/sp623?locale=en_US

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Answer 3

marconey Author

Level 1

109 points

Oct 4, 2020 12:25 PM in response to den.thed

Thanks to all of you!

I found the courage to apply some additional force and it snapped in!.... prob. realigned the logic board / port! Also, I "filed" the edges of the RJ-45 connector - kind of rounded them off a bit. The combination of these two seems to have worked!

Hopefully someone will find this discussion helpful someday.

My next task is to make the Netgear Powerline devices work. Netgear doesn't seem to have stellar Mac support. They haven't updated the app that supports the devices (XAV2001) neither could I update the firmware. I'll attempt to use them in the default settings with default security keys. I just want to have wired connection to the Mac that seems to be having problem staying connected wirelessley to the Motorola modem I just bought.

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Answer 4

den.thed

Level 10

91,582 points

Oct 4, 2020 11:18 AM in response to marconey

You should be able see if it is aligned or not by looking at it from the outside.

If it is not too far off, then the RJ-45 should go in.

If it is way off, then the logic board screws need to be realigned.

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Answer 5

marconey Author

Level 1

109 points

Oct 4, 2020 10:42 AM in response to BDAqua

Yes. I have done this so many times over the years, it’s baffling😊 it feels the connector is tiny bit oversized... but the other end has no issue going into the powerLine device.

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