Explore the guide library · Mac network help
Refresh an automatically assigned address without replacing a planned manual configuration or resetting the whole router.
A Mac can have several network services, including Wi-Fi, a dock’s Ethernet connection and virtual interfaces. When investigating an address problem, renew the DHCP lease on the service actually carrying the affected connection. Changing a different service may produce no useful effect.
Inspect before changing
Open System Settings, choose Network, select the relevant service and inspect its Details and TCP/IP settings. Record the address, router value and configuration method privately. Apple documents that the renewal control is available when the service uses DHCP.
Confirm automatic configuration is intended
A normal home client often receives its address automatically. A managed workstation or specialized local device may instead have a planned manual configuration. Do not replace that configuration just because a generic repair guide recommends DHCP for every situation.
Renew the lease
Use Renew DHCP Lease for the intended DHCP service. Allow ongoing work to finish first because connection behavior may change during renewal. Then inspect the resulting address and router information rather than relying only on the button having been pressed.
Verify three separate outcomes
- The selected service has suitable address information for the network.
- The Mac reaches an intended local resource when one is available.
- The original internet or application task works again.
Respond to an unsuccessful renewal
If the Mac still cannot obtain a usable configuration, compare another client on the same network and inspect the local connection. Repeatedly renewing cannot repair an unplugged Ethernet path or a DHCP service that is unavailable to every client.
If the address changes but the application still fails, continue with name resolution or service-specific checks. Keep a brief before-and-after record, including which adapter was selected. This distinguishes an actual addressing repair from a coincidental recovery and avoids resetting every device in the household to solve one Mac’s connection problem.
Sources and editorial notes
Sources checked 8–9 October 2026. Independent guidance and original illustrations; product comparisons use published specifications rather than hands-on benchmarks. Check the exact model, revision and regional documentation before changing settings.