Resetting Wi-Fi preferences in macOS

Summary

This article will outline the steps to reset Wi-Fi settings in macOS to diagnose or remedy connection issues.

Environment

macOS

Directions

1. It is strongly suggested that you create a backup folder for existing Wi-Fi preferences on the desktop.
2. Turn off Wi-Fi from the menu bar (upper right-hand corner of the screen).
3. Within Finder press Command+Shift+G to bring up the Go To Folder command. Input the following path: /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/
4. Press Return to go to that folder, then locate and select the following files:
   • com.apple.airport.preferences.plist

   • com.apple.network.identification.plist
   • com.apple.wifi.message-tracer.plist
   • NetworkInterfaces.plist
   • preferences.plist
5. Copy and paste the above .plist files into your backup folder, and delete them.
6. Restart the computer.
7. Turn Wi-Fi back on from the wireless network menu again in the upper right corner of OS X.