Mac Mini (2014) does not connect to ethernet after boot

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Level 1

4 points

Mac Mini (2014) does not connect to ethernet after boot

Hi everyone,

I recently acquired a used Mac Mini 2014 for my first steps on iOS development. Everything seems to work fine with the exception of a reliable internet connection after starting the Mac. Sometimes after booting the device it is not connecting to the LAN/Internet via the plugged-in ethernet cable. If I unplug the cable and put it back-in it works just fine. During a sessions I have never any internet connection issues, it just works. I have not collected enough data points, but the boot issue seems only to occurs if the Mac was turned-off for a couple of hours. This is a bit annoying, as I plan to use the device headless and want to connect remotely).

I run 10.15.7. The machine is connected to a (German) High-End Router Fritzbox 7590 which is working with a zoo of devices for many years reliably. In the network settings the Ethernet connection is on the top of the list and using DHCP is turned on. I have turned-off WIFI (I had issues trying to connect to WIFI but have chosen to ignore them, as I do need it).

First Mac, first post...

DJ

PS: I opened the device to upgrade HDD and RAM. So I could caused some hardware issues.

Mac mini, macOS 10.15

Posted on Oct 31, 2020 1:31 AM

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Answer 1

Eric--F

Community Specialist

Nov 3, 2020 7:52 PM in response to DJOrgJazz

Hello DJOrgJazz,

Thanks for asking the Apple Support Communities for help with your Mac not connecting to the internet after boot.

First, check the info and troubleshooting here: Troubleshoot connecting your Mac to the internet - Apple Support

When you are experiencing the issue, try creating a new network location and testing. Go to System Preferences > Network > Location top center > Edit Locations. Create a new location using the + symbol. This article should help: How to use network locations on your Mac - Apple Support

If the new location is working, use the bottom portion of the article to prevent the other network that isn't working properly from being used.

If you still have issues, you may also want to check for hardware issues: How to use Apple Diagnostics on your Mac - Apple Support

Thanks and have a wonderful day.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

91,174 points

Nov 4, 2020 8:33 AM in response to DJOrgJazz

Sounds like you need to change the service order and/or disable the wi-fi.

Go to > Apple > System Preferences > Network > click on the Cog (bottom left of the panel) > set Ethernet to the top of the Service Order.
Select Wi-Fi and turn off the Wi-Fi Service if it is not needed.

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Mac Mini (2014) does not connect to ethernet after boot

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