Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Level 1

5 points

Thunderbolt to Ethernet Adapter doesn't work with Retina MacBook Pro

I can't seem to connect to Ethernet with my Retina MacBook Pro. I bought an adapter and when I plugged it in, the network setup assistant showed that I was connected to the internet but my web browsers (Safari, Firefox and Chrome) couldn't connect, nor could any other programs (like Mail). The error message said that my computer was not connected to the internet, which did not match what Network Diagnositcs said. After a phone call with Apple Support, I had a replacement adapter mailed to me. With the new adapter, my computer now says that it is connected to the internet and I even have an IP address, but programs still can't connect and I get an error message saying the DNS lookup failed. This happens even when I manually enter the DNS server. I have already tried running the Thunderbolt software update 1.2.1 as well as the recent Thunderbolt firmware update, but the installer says they are not compatible with my computer. The problem occurs for both Thunderbolt ports. Is anyone else having this issue? I have no problem connecting to WiFi, so my temporary work around is using internet sharing on my old MacBook, which can connect to the ethernet connection in my apartment with no problems.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on Jul 13, 2012 8:49 AM

25 replies

Oct 21, 2013 9:11 AM in response to davideglin

I have the same problem. Green light + IP address but no internet.

Did you solve the problem?

Oct 30, 2013 5:34 PM in response to michael_m_c

I am having the same problem. Brand new MBPro 11.1. Ethernet lights up but unable to make connection. Claims no ethernet connection. Thunderbolt to Ethernet connection works on my Air.

Oct 31, 2013 12:16 AM in response to mruthjh

Problem solved.

The issue was missing DNS server IP address in the Network preferences.

I manually added the missing info and everything started to work just fine.

Oct 31, 2013 7:04 AM in response to Paul Kleeberg

Interesting, for me, I deleted the thunderbolt service in the network preferences and started from scratch and now it appears to work (Assigning the IP, gateway and DNS). Only tried if for a few moments and had to leave for work. Odd since this was copied using migration assistant from a MacBook Air.

DalekSec

Level 1

0 points

Mar 22, 2014 9:57 AM in response to mruthjh

I solved this by deleting the Thunderbolt Ethernet connection in Network Preferences and then re-adding it.

hnrcdata

Level 1

0 points

Apr 29, 2014 2:00 PM in response to mruthjh

I am experiencing intermittent internet loss with a brandnew MacBook Pro w/ Retina display. I have tried every solution given and am still having the same issue. I setup this machine from a time machine backup of a iMac.

I have added a fixed location in network prefs. I have removed the thunderbolt to ethernet setting in network prefs and readded it. I am already plugging it in next to the magsafe adapter. My DNS settings are already configured. here is the kicker I switched to a USB to ethernet adapter and it was doing the exact same thing??? Clearly an issue with the MBP.

Are there any real solutions from Apple?

JeffBudz

Level 1

10 points

Jun 12, 2014 10:50 AM in response to hnrcdata

I just ran into this with my rMBP, the adapter just stopped working. I deleted it and re-added and still not working. Then I went to the advanced tab and pushed "Renew DHCP" - suddenly started working, have disconnected and reconneted several times. Huh.