Over the last week, my MBP on Big Sur stopped connecting to the network via ethernet. Trying to resolve, I have inadvertently deleted the Ethernet connection in the list of network connects. Now I can't get it back. I've done restarts, read some threads about delete some of the .plist files, etc etc. Nothing has worked thus far. Anyone have a solution?
MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 11.0
Have you tried adding it via the "+" symbol at the bottom of the list of network interfaces in the Network Preference Pane? If so, was it available in the list that came up?
I was connecting via a Dell docking station, so it was MBP -> Dell docking via usb-c and Ethernet was plugged into docking. This worked fine for weeks. About 3 days before my original post, it stopped connecting to Ethernet wired, but would connect to the WiFi network. When I started investigating the why, I inadvertently deleted the connection listed as 100/1000/Ethernet or whatever that connection was called. I then started researching how to get that back and tried all the “reboot”, delete certain .plist files, etc etc. including trying to create a new location. Nothing has the Ethernet connection showing. The only thing I have are 4 Thunderbolt listings, PPPoE, and VPN
I tried ordering an Ethernet dongle for the MBP, but when it arrived it was Thunderbolt to Ethernet and the MPB only has USB-C
so....here I am.
I’ll try booting it in safe mode and see what can be done. Thanks for the response and attempt at help. Post back with results.
Hi WPC2,
We understand that you're currently unable to add an ethernet connection to your MacBook Pro, and we want to help. Are you connecting the ethernet cable directly to the MacBook Pro, or using an ethernet adapter? Also, when you try to add the connection back, are you opening System Preferences > Network and then clicking on the "+" to add an Ethernet connection, but not seeing the option to do so?
If you're using an ethernet adapter, the first step we would suggest is trying a different certified adapter, just to rule out any compatibility problems between the adapter and macOS Big Sur
Otherwise, if you don't see the option to add a new Ethernet network location, please make sure you're currently signed into an Administrator user account, and then try adding the new network location while the MacBook Pro is booted into safe mode.
How to use safe mode on your Mac
Please let us know if the behavior changes at all and we'll take it from there!
Have a great day.
Ethernet gone
