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The key in the previous paragraph is “compatible” network traffic. If we disconnect from the Dock, the Wi-Fi network will take over. As long as the MacBook is connected to the Dock, Internet and local network traffic will be routed via the Ethernet connection. When you’re done, click OK and then Apply to save the change.Ĭonfiguring the service order this way means that for any compatible network traffic, our Mac will start with the Ethernet connection first. So, in our example, we’ll drag Thunderbolt Ethernet Slot 1 (which is our Dock’s Ethernet connection) to the top of the list, and then place Wi-Fi beneath it. Simply click and drag to rearrange these connections into the desired order, with the highest priority connection at the top. So, to start, log into your Mac and head to System Preferences > Network.Ĭlick the gear icon at the bottom of the network connections list and select Set Service Order.Ī menu labeled Service Order will appear showing all network connections that are available to your Mac, even those that aren’t currently active. To accomplish this, we’ll set our macOS service order to prioritize the Ethernet connection for normal network traffic while leaving the Wi-Fi connection available for these aforementioned features. We want to use the Ethernet connection when the MacBook is plugged into the dock so that we can access the internet and our network attached storage at a fast, consistent speed, but we also want to keep Wi-Fi enabled for features like AirDrop and using our Apple Watch to unlock the MacBook.

How to use apple airdrop on mac pro#

Set Service Order to Use Ethernet & Wi-Fi in macOSįor our example, we’re using a MacBook Pro with a Thunderbolt 3 Dock that has wired gigabit Ethernet. By setting the correct service order, you can ensure that your Mac will always connect to the network via the appropriate method.

You might connect to a wired Ethernet connection at work, a Bluetooth-enabled iPhone tether while on the road, and a Wi-Fi network at home. This is useful because network conditions change, especially for mobile devices like MacBooks. When you set the service order and your Mac tries to make a network connection, it will start at the top of the list and automatically work its way down until it makes a successful connection. It’s an ordered list of all currently available connections regardless of status.

How to use apple airdrop on mac how to#

The Service Order (also known as port priority) in macOS tells your Mac how to prioritize these network connections.

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For example, an iMac could have a Wi-Fi connection, a wired Ethernet connection, a Bluetooth connection paired with an iPhone, and an additional Ethernet connection via a Thunderbolt adapter. Your Mac can connect to various types of network connections, often connecting via multiple connections simultaneously. Understanding Network Service Order in macOS The steps here will tell your Mac to prioritize the Ethernet connection for your normal network activities, but this won’t help if you’re in an environment that simply doesn’t have Wi-Fi. First, we should note that you still need to have a Wi-Fi network for your Mac, iOS devices, and Apple Watch to connect to.