Wi-Fi automatically connecting on iMac when using ethernet

Question

Wi-Fi automatically connecting on iMac when using ethernet

So I have my iMac connected to the network via Ethernet because, well, it’s not going anywhere so it may as well be. However, I also want to keep the Wi-Fi on my iMac turned on so I can use features such as AirDrop and unlocking with Apple Watch.

When I disconnect/forget the Wi-Fi on my iMac, it does the same on my MacBook, iPhone and iPad. Then when I reconnect all those devices, my iMac also reconnects. I’ve tried un-checking “Auto-join”, but again it relays the setting to all my devices. It’s a never-ending cycle of annoyance and chaos.

Before anyone suggests just turning off Wi-Fi, remember I want to use features on the iMac that require Wi-Fi, and I don’t want to be turning it on and off all the time just to unlock the computer.

Any other suggestions or help is greatly appreciated!!

iMac 27″ 5K, macOS 12.3

Posted on Apr 19, 2022 6:26 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

David McKinlay

Level 7

22,474 points

Apr 19, 2022 8:02 PM in response to lewis shields

Try one other thing - in System Preferences > Network change the order of services to place Ethernet above Wi-Fi.

Edit: Originally I suggested to remove Wi-Fi entirely, but I realised this might instead disable Wi-Fi.

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Answer 2

Apr 19, 2022 8:02 PM in response to lewis shields

It’d be typical to have Wi-Fi second in the list of network devices, and to have either the wired and wireless networks in the same IP subnet if the Wi-Fi device is configured as an access point or switch between the networks, or in separate IP subnets if there’s a router between the wired and wireless networks.

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Answer 3

Apr 26, 2022 3:30 AM in response to David McKinlay

I think this has done the trick! Sorry for the delay in response - I got a bit busy. But now trying, I think this may have worked.

I created a separate location called “Home” and remained connected to the wireless network, but instead just unchecked “Automatically join this network”.

I’m now running on Ethernet whilst Wi-Fi is turned on and not connected. I’ll keep you updated in case there’s any faults later on down the line

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Answer 4

Apr 26, 2022 3:29 AM in response to David McKinlay

Accidentally marked this reply as solved. I haven’t tried this so I wouldn’t know if it works. Sorry

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Wi-Fi automatically connecting on iMac when using ethernet

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