Missing USB-C to Ethernet Network Option

Question

Level 1

23 points

Missing USB-C to Ethernet Network Option

System Information:

Macbook Pro 15-inch, 2016

MacOS Sierra 10.12.4

I do not have a network option for a USB-C to Ethernet connection. I have the following options in the Network Pane when I try to add a network option:

Thunderbolt Bridge

Thunderbolt 14

Thunderbolt 13

Thunderbolt 1(en2)

Thunderbolt 1(en1)

Bluetooth PAN

Wi-Fi

LPSS Serial Adapter (2)

LSPP Serial Adapter (1)

I have a USB-C to Ethernet adapter, plugged in with an ethernet cable, but no option. I can plug it into a colleague's identical MacBook and there's no problem. The USB-C to Ethernet option is there, and she can use ethernet. However, that is not an option on my Mac.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, macOS Sierra (10.12.3)

Posted on Apr 20, 2017 1:10 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

361,995 points

Apr 22, 2017 11:53 AM in response to Grammar-Nazi

Yes, there is. Open Network preferences panel. At the bottom of the port list on the left click on the Add [+] button. Select Ethernet from the list. This will create a new port for Ethernet.

Reply

Answer 2

Kappy

Level 10

361,995 points

Apr 22, 2017 3:34 PM in response to Grammar-Nazi

Then there may be something wrong with the adapter. It may be incompatible. Not all of those work. If it's an Apple product then take it back and bring the computer.

Reply

Answer 3

Grammar-Nazi Author

Level 1

23 points

Apr 22, 2017 1:28 PM in response to Kappy

That's my point. Ethernet is not an option when I do that. It doesn't exist in the drop-down menu after I click the +.

Reply

Answer 4

Grammar-Nazi Author

Level 1

23 points

Apr 23, 2017 8:14 AM in response to Kappy

As I said in my original post, the adapter works just fine in a colleagues identical MacBook. So, it's not an incompatible adapter.

Reply

Answer 5

Grammar-Nazi Author

Level 1

23 points

Apr 24, 2017 10:44 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

I attempted the SMC reset. No help.

Reply

Answer 6

Kappy

Level 10

361,995 points

Apr 24, 2017 3:02 PM in response to Grammar-Nazi

Take your MB and the adapter to where you purchased the adapter. Demonstrate the problem and let them fix it for you. I have two MBs, 2015 and 2016. In many respects identical, but not in every respect.

Reply

Answer 7

Nov 14, 2017 10:51 AM in response to galvezd

Which option worked for you?

I also have a Satchi USB-C adapter and it worked just fine and then stopped working when I installed MacOS update 10.12.6, but then I deleted it and rebooted and it came back and started working again for about 2 weeks. Then today it stopped working again and when I deleted it and restarted now it's gone and won't come back.

Reply

Answer 8

Kappy

Level 10

361,995 points

Apr 22, 2017 11:42 AM in response to Grammar-Nazi

Connect the adapter with an Ethernet connection via cable, then reboot the computer. See if that helps. You may need to create a new Ethernet port in your Network preferences.

Reply

Answer 9

Grammar-Nazi Author

Level 1

23 points

Apr 22, 2017 11:43 AM in response to Kappy

I have tried the first suggestion; I can't do the second suggestion because there's no option to create an ethernet port in my Network preferences.

Reply

Answer 10

Apr 23, 2017 8:29 AM in response to Grammar-Nazi

When hardware does not appear, the first step is an SMC reset.

Reply

Answer 11

ipbabble

Level 1

4 points

Aug 14, 2017 11:13 AM in response to Grammar-Nazi

I used the "USB 10/100/1000 LAN" option. But I had to manually add it (using the '+') and then reboot it for it to be activated. I.e. just adding it didn't activate it.

Reply