6 Easy ways to fix self-assigned IP address issue on Mac

macOS users often experience a self-assigned IP address issue that allows the network interface to create an ad-hoc connection if necessary. This means that even though you have working Wi-Fi, the “internet not working” messages will keep popping up.

Your system will create an ad-hoc network only if they find the hardware but have issues communicating with the DHCP server to obtain your IP address. The issue lies within the system’s Firewall configuration problems, and there are many ways to resolve it.

Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to fix the self-assigned IP error on a Mac.

• Reset your network preferences on Mac
• Renew DHCP lease on macOS
• Create a new network location
• Reset the firewall on your Mac
• Set Service Order from Mac’s Network settings
• Change DNS servers on macOS

Reset your network preferences on Mac

1. Launch Finder.
2. In the menu bar, click Go → Go to Folder.
3. In the pop-up window enter the mentioned line: /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/
4. Delete these files:
   com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
   Networkinterface.plist
   preferences.plist
5. Restart your Mac.
6. Log in and connect to your Wi-Fi network.
7. Go to the TCP/IP setting again and check the router files.

After your Mac restarts, you should be able to find the deleted files in your folder.

Renew DHCP Lease on macOS

1. Click on the Apple logo.
2. Go to System Preferences.
3. Find and go to Network settings.
4. Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Mostly, these options are selected by default.
   
   
5. Click the Advanced button.
6. Go to the TCP/IP tab.
   
   
7. Find and click the Renew DHCP Lease button next to the IPv4 Address line.
8. Click OK.

After the lease is renewed, check if you’re able to connect to your network. If that doesn’t help, try creating a New Network Location and renew the lease.

Create a new network location

1. Click the Apple logo.
2. Go to System Preferences.
3. Find and go to Network settings.
4. Next to Location, click the drop-down menu.
   
   
5. Click Edit Locations.
6. Click the + icon to add New Location.
   
   
7. Name the New Network Location.
8. Click Done.
9. Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Mostly, these options are selected by default.
10. Click the Advanced button.
11. Go to the TCP/IP tab.
12. Find and click the Renew DHCP Lease button next to the IPv4 Address line.
13. Click OK.

Try connecting to your network after renewing the lease.

When you try to perform configuration changes to the system, your Mac’s firewall experiences configuration issues. Let’s fix this problem by resetting the firewall.

Reset the firewall on your Mac

1. Launch Finder.
2. In the menu bar, click Go → Go to Folder.
3. In the pop-up window, enter in: /Macintosh HD/Library/Preferences/
4. Delete the following file: com.apple.alf.plist
5. Restart your Mac.

After your system boots, it’ll ask you to allow access to numerous programs and services. You may choose to allow access to numerous programs and services depending upon your choice. Try connecting to your network then.

Set Service Order from Mac’s network settings

1. Click the Apple logo.
2. Go to System Preferences.
3. Find and go to Network settings.
4. Click the gear icon at the bottom.
5. Click Set Service Order.
   
   
6. Drag services to the top of the list.

If you’re using Wi-Fi, drag and drop Wi-Fi to the top.

Change DNS servers on macOS

1. Click the Apple logo → Go to System Preferences.
2. Navigate to Network settings
3. Select your Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Usually, they are selected by default.
4. Click the Advanced button.
5. Go to the DNS tab.
   
   
6. Click the + icon.
7. Add these numbers:
   8.8.8.8
   8.8.4.4
   1.1.1.1
   9.9.9.9
8. Click OK.

If you’re still having self-assigned IP address problems, get in touch with the Apple Support team.

Which one of these methods worked best for you? Let me know in the comments. If none of these methods work, you may need to contact Apple Support.

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