Adding an Ethernet Adapter to Mac Computer

Details

The majority of Mac computers will automatically detect an Ethernet adapter, or Multi-port adapter once it is plugged in, and will ask for permission on screen to use the adapter. Once you select yes, this should automatically allow the ethernet port to be active on the adapter, and should recognize the ethernet connection once connected. If this does not happen, try the steps below:

For macOS Ventura (13.0) and above:

  1. Go to System Settings
  2. Go to Network Settings
  3. Click the Ellipses on the bottom right
  4. Click on Manage Virtual Interfaces
  5. In the menu that appears, click on Plus Sign
  6. Select whichever generic name most closely relates to the dongle being used. It may read something like USB-C LAN, or Belkin ethernet adapter, or something entirely different like the brand name associated with the device being used.
  7. Name the connection whatever you would like
  8. Click Create
  9. In the bottom right click Done
  10. Your ethernet interface should connect if it's already plugged into the ethernet cable. Once it has you'll see a green dot and the word "Connected"
  11. From here, open a web browser and visit cip.jmu.edu to register your device on the JMU network (if applicable) using your eID and password

Symptoms

  • mac won't connect to the internet on ethernet
  • network registration not appearing when visiting a random site
  • new locations not working
  • when using an ethernet adapter for a Mac, the interface may not populate automatically. this means even if the cable is plugged in, the computer has not been instructed to use the adapter for networking.

Solution Properties

Keywords
ethernet adapter Mac MacOS TDX
Solution ID
240617082825563
Last Modified Date
09/04/2025 12:45:16 PM
Taxonomy
  • Internet and Network > Wired
Collections
  • External Collection
  • Student Content
Views
0