---
title: "Mac Ethernet adapter not detected: find the port and add the service · Kilobat Guides"
url: "https://kilobat.app/guides/ethernet-adapter-not-detected"
description: "Find out why a Mac does not show a USB-C, USB or Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter, check the hardware port, and add the network service again."
---

Ethernet and tethering

# Mac does not detect a USB or Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter

A USB or Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter must appear as a hardware port and as a network service. Find which one is missing, then add it.

Applies to: macOS 13 Ventura and later for the System Settings steps. `networksetup` is in all current macOS versions. · Checked: 29 October 2026

## Symptoms

- The adapter is connected, but Network settings does not show it.
- The adapter shows Not Connected, although the cable goes to the router.
- The adapter worked on another port or another Mac.

## Likely causes

- **The cable or port.** A damaged cable or a loose connector stops the link.
- **A hub or dock.** A hub can give too little power or bandwidth, or it can have a fault.
- **No network service.** macOS can see the hardware but have no network service for it.
- **The device at the other end.** The router or switch port can be off or have a fault.

## How to check

1. List the hardware ports that macOS knows. Look for the adapter by its name.

   ```
   networksetup -listallhardwareports
   ```

   Output Blocks of Hardware Port, Device (for example `en5`) and Ethernet Address.
2. List the network services. An asterisk means that a service is inactive.

   ```
   networksetup -listnetworkserviceorder
   ```
3. Look at the state of the device that the first command gave you. Replace en5 with that device.

   ```
   ifconfig en5
   ```

   Output A `status:` line that is `active` or `inactive`, and a `media:` line.
4. Open System Information from Applications > Utilities. Look for the adapter in the USB or Thunderbolt section.

## How to fix it

1. Make sure that the Ethernet cable is not damaged. Connect it firmly at both ends.
2. Connect the adapter directly to a port on the Mac, not through a hub.
3. Choose Apple menu > System Settings > Network. Look for a service with the adapter's name.
4. If there is no service, click the Action pop-up menu and choose Add Service. Choose the adapter as the Interface. Click Create.
5. Or let macOS find new hardware and make a default service for it.

   ```
   sudo networksetup -detectnewhardware
   ```

   Needs an administrator password.
6. Shut down the Mac. Turn off the router or switch, wait a few minutes, then turn it on.
7. Start the Mac again when the router or switch is ready.

## With Kilobat

1. See the counters of physical and VPN interfaces separately.

   ```
   kilobat interfaces --json
   ```
2. Find which layer fails when the adapter is up but the internet does not work.

   ```
   kilobat diagnose
   ```

## Questions

**Does the adapter need a driver?**

Read the instructions from the adapter's maker. If the maker supplies a driver for macOS, follow those instructions.

**The service is there, but it shows no IP address. What next?**

Make sure that the router gives addresses. See [Mac has a self-assigned IP address](https://kilobat.app/guides/self-assigned-ip-address) and [Renew the DHCP lease on a Mac](https://kilobat.app/guides/renew-dhcp-lease-mac).

## Sources

- [Apple Support: Troubleshoot an Ethernet device on Mac](https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/troubleshoot-an-ethernet-device-on-mac-mchlp2727/mac)
- [Apple Support: Set up a network service on Mac](https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/set-up-a-network-service-on-mac-mchlp1176/mac)
- networksetup(8), man page installed with macOS 27.2
- ifconfig(8), man page installed with macOS 27.2

Sources checked on 29 October 2026. Man pages are the ones installed with macOS; open one with `man <name>` in Terminal.

## Related guides

- [Ethernet on a Mac is slower than expected](https://kilobat.app/guides/ethernet-slow-link-speed): An Ethernet link runs at the speed that both ends and the cable support.
- [Mac uses the wrong network connection](https://kilobat.app/guides/network-service-order): When more than one connection is active, the Mac tries the service at the top of the list first.
- [Mac has a self-assigned IP address](https://kilobat.app/guides/self-assigned-ip-address): If the Mac gets no answer from a DHCP server, it gives itself a link-local address from 169.254.0.0/16.
- [See Mac network settings in Terminal](https://kilobat.app/guides/network-settings-terminal): macOS includes command-line tools that show the same network settings as System Settings, and more.