I am trying to add an ethernet switch and/or change routers. My IMac's (2011) ethernet cable seems to be locked into the Airport Extreme. Other ethernet cables release easily, but not the one between the Extreme and my iMac. How do I release it? Thanks for any advice.
aggiefromny
iMac 27″, macOS 10.13
Typically, the RJ-45 Ethernet connector has a tang, which would be pressed down to disengage the connector for removal. Sometimes this tang can break off. However, more often than not, if they do, the connector would easily slip out. From what you posted, it sounds like either the connector was inserted incorrectly originally (obviously, that wouldn't be the case, if the connection was working before) or that it somehow got jammed in. The only time I have seen this was the result of a lightning strike that "fused" the plastic into the Ethernet jack of the device.
Thanks so much, Teserax. It seemed stuck, and I was afraid to break something off, but I finally wiggled it free, and it did release. I'm not going to use that cable anymore. I purchased another.
aggiefromny
Locked in that you physically cannot remove it? Or is it locked in the sense your Mac insists upon using a network connection that no longer exists?
Yes, John. It seemed locked in place, and I was afraid to force it. I finally got it to free up. Thanks so much for replying.
aggiefromny
Good thing you didn't force it. That might have been difficult to fix.
You're very welcome! I'm glad you got it worked out, and that you decided to replace the cable. That would be a sound plan.
How do I release my iMac (2011) ethernet cable from my Airport Extreme? It seems locked in place.
