My iMac keeps going offline saying "your ethernet cable is unplugged". Then 10 seconds later I'm back online. This happens continuously. My mac is a late 2015 model running macOS Monterey version 12.3. I've updated to the latest OS. I've turned off my computer and router. My other computer that uses this same router is not having this issue. I swapped out the ethernet cable.
What's the issue?
iMac 27″, macOS 12.3
Hey jsfifer,
To help isolate this further, you could see if the same issue appears in safe mode and a temporary new user. Safe mode only allows certain software to load, which is why that can help isolate this further. You can read more about that here: How to use safe mode on your Mac
As for a temporary new user, this can show if the issue happens system-wide or your user specifically, as a new user doesn't have any custom or changed settings, which is why this is another way to isolate the issue: Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac
Let us know how those steps go.
Take care!
Hey jsfifer,
To help isolate this further, you could see if the same issue appears in safe mode and a temporary new user. Safe mode only allows certain software to load, which is why that can help isolate this further. You can read more about that here: How to use safe mode on your Mac
As for a temporary new user, this can show if the issue happens system-wide or your user specifically, as a new user doesn't have any custom or changed settings, which is why this is another way to isolate the issue: Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac
Let us know how those steps go.
Take care!
This solution worked for me. I logged in as another user and the issue was still there. Then I started my Mac in safe mode and the issue was still there. Then finally I started my computer with Command + R and re-installed my operating system which seems to have solved the issue. The next step was going to be erasing everything and starting completely over, but that was going to be a huge amount of effort.
Good for you but once it’s broken which can be any time or never, your choices are limited (already listed). Replacing the LAN card has a good chance of fixing it assuming you don’t want to go the switch route. But before that, try a 10’ cable to confirm the length issue. Good luck!
Too long, use 10 feet max, preferably shorter.
Hello jsfifer,
Have you tried a shorter cord or a different cable to help isolate this issue?
Cheers!
Since you won’t explain “other computer”, I’m assuming it’s not an Apple puter.
For Apples, generally speaking, anything beyond 10’ is pushing the envelope. A failure that can show any time. For longer lengths, use a switch. I’m afraid other than that your only option is to schedule bring-in repair. The estimate is free, replacing the LAN card will cost, I’m guessing around $300. Non-refundable, if it still doesn’t work, you’re back to square one. Good luck!
No that is terrible advice. It’s not too long. My other computer also has a 150ft Ethernet cable and is not having any issues. Ethernet cables can be very long and still be effective. Otherwise you could only have a computer 10ft away from your router?
I have two computers hooked up to my router. Both are iMacs. Both have 150ft Ethernet cables. One computer is having an Ethernet connection issue, the other is not. I’ve switched the router port each computer was using and still having the same issue for the one computer.
How long is the cable? Any switches/power lans in between?
150ft of Ethernet cable from router to my iMac. Nothing in between.
What other computer?
Yes. I just installed a brand new cat 5 Ethernet cable. Still having the same issue.
My iMac keeps going offline saying "your ethernet cable is unplugged".
