No Internet Access After Computer Sleeps (macOS)

Instructions for resetting network settings on a Mac for when a connection drops when the computer goes to sleep.

Issue/Question

When I try to access a website after waking my Mac, my browser gives an error such as:

Unable to connect to the Internet.

or

Offline mode

or

You are not connected to the Internet.

I can try again after a few moments and the page will load.

Environment

• macOS

Cause

The network settings can become corrupted and cause the connection to lose the IP address. When the computer wakes, it can take about 30 seconds for the connection to be re-established.

Resolution

1. Click the browser title next to the (Apple menu button).
2. Select Quit.
3. Repeat for all open browsers.
4. Turn off Wi-Fi, if applicable:
   1. Click (Apple menu button).
   2. Select System Preferences... .
   3. Click Network.
   4. Select Wi-Fi.
   5. Click Turn Wi-Fi Off.
5. Click Finder.
6. Click Go.
7. Select Go to Folder... .
8. Enter:

   /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/

9. If they exist, delete these files:
   • com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
   • com.apple.network.eapolclient.configuration.plist
   • com.apple.wifi.message-tracer.plist
   • NetworkInterfaces.plist
   • preferences.plist
10. Click (Apple menu button).
11. Select Restart... .
12. Click Restart.
13. Once the computer has rebooted, re-enable Wi-Fi, if applicable:
    1. Click (Apple menu button).
    2. Select System Preferences... .
    3. Click Network.
    4. Select Wi-Fi.
    5. Click Turn Wi-Fi On.
    6. In the Network Name: menu, select your Wi-Fi connection.