Mac: Sort network connections by priority - how it works

Mac OS X can manage various network connections. You can sort them by priority. We show you how it works.

Sort Mac network connections by priority

To sort the order of the network connection according to priority, proceed as follows:

1. Open "System Settings"> "Network" and click on the lock icon to unlock the following settings:
2. Click on the small gear icon and select the "Set order of services ..." option.
3. Drag-and-drop the respective services (connections) to the desired position.
4. Confirm the changes with the [OK] button.
5. Click the [Apply] button.
6. Finally, click the lock icon again.

Sort Mac network connections by priority in changing environments

If you use your Mac in different locations, it can be helpful to create one or more coordinated environments - for example, if you use your MacBook both at home and at work. You may use a static (fixed) IP address in your home network, but in your workstation network the IP address is assigned dynamically (via DHCP server). In order to not always have to make the necessary changes for the relevant network device manually, environment profiles are available. In the future, just click on the corresponding profile to adapt the computer to the respective network environment:

1. Open System Preferences> Network and click the lock icon to authorize the following settings.
2. From the Environment drop-down list, choose Edit Environments ...
3. To add a new environment, click "+".
4. Enter a suitable name - for example "Home" or "Office" - and click the "Done" button. The new environment is automatically entered as active.
5. Click on the small gear icon and select the "Set order of services" option.
6. Drag-and-drop the respective services (connections) to the desired position.
7. Confirm with the [OK] button.
8. Click on [Apply].
9. Finally click on the lock symbol.

Tip: This practical tip shows you how to read out a MAC address on a Mac.