To connect your MacBook air through a wired Ethernet connection, you will need a USB-C to Ethernet adapter. The MacBook Air does not natively come with the required port to connect an Ethernet directly to it.
My name is Ty Robinson. I have worked professionally in the technology field for a few years, but I have been the resident IT helper at home since grade school. I will share some of my techy knowledge with you now!
Through this article, I will show you how you can connect your MacBook Air through a wired connection and what to do if plugging it in does not work right away.
Let’s get into it!
Contents
Key Takeaways
- An ethernet cable carries a broadband connection from a modem, switch, or router to a wired internet-capable device.
- MacBook Airs don’t have an Ethernet port.
- A USB-C to Ethernet adapter is required to plug the ethernet into your MacBook Air.
- If your device does not automatically connect after being plugged in, you can add a wired network connection through System Preferences.
MacBook Air Models Do Not Come with an Ethernet Port
As time goes on, the hunt for a thinner, more portable, and more compact Laptop continues. Laptops used to come with CD Drives, VGA ports, and much more.
But those were clunkier in design and much heavier. Apple achieved the sleek, lightweight design of the MacBook by removing many of those old features. All MacBook Air models do not come with Ethernet Ports.
You can use an ethernet port to connect your device directly from your router, modem, or switch for stronger and faster internet connectivity.
If you have an older MacBook Air, there is a possibility that your model does have an ethernet port. Simply check the sides of your MacBook Air for the port shown above. If it does have it, you simply need to plug the ethernet in, and voila!
A USB-C Adapter is Required to Connect MacBook Air to Ethernet
Since your MacBook Air does not come with the necessary port, you will need to purchase an adapter to make it possible to connect your MacBook via LAN and not WiFi. You can buy this kind of adapter on Amazon.
You can also get a USB-C docking station with an ethernet port, multiple USB ports, and HDMI Ports! Of course, a heftier price tag comes.
How to Add Wired Connection After Connecting MacBook Air
Normally, your MacBook Air will instantly recognize the ethernet connection. Still, it might not, and you will have to manually add the ethernet connection from within the network settings.
- Click the System Preferences icon in the Dock.
- Click the Network icon (under Internet & Network).
- From the Connection list on the left, click Ethernet.
- Click the Configure IPv4 pop-up menu and choose Using DHCP.
Final Thoughts
MacBook Air models, especially newer ones, don’t have an ethernet port. Purchasing an adapter or dock with an ethernet port will allow you to add a wired connection to your device.
If the wired connection does not automatically connect, you can do so within the network settings. Once you set it up, you’ll be enjoying much faster internet speeds!
