Ethernet & WiFi on, will it use Ethernet 1st?

[MrMister111]

I have an iMac with Ethernet (powerline) connected now, works ok. I normally had WiFi switched off but, for the "continuity" facilities from my iPad/iPhone I switched on WiFi on my iMac and connected to network fine.

However, what will the iMac use for connecting to the internet? Ethernet (powerline) or WiFi? I would expect Ethernet (powerline) is faster and more stable, how do you know?

thanks

 

[Weaselboy]

Go to the Network pane in System Preferences. The one on top will be used first.

You can change that by clicking set service order and dragging the one you want to the top.

 

[MrMister111]

ah ha, thanks for that, logical I suppose! I always just left WiFi off, now as I've said its on for iPhone/iPad continuity, calls etc.

So Ethernet is at the top, so I presume this takes precedence as you've said. Thanks for help

 

[MrMister111]

So do most people leave WiFi on now even though using Ethernet wired? This allows handover etc I believe?

I used to switch off WiFi when I used Ethernet, but suppose will leave on now for the extra functionality from my iPhone, calls even via my iMac now

 

[Weaselboy]

So do most people leave WiFi on now even though using Ethernet wired? This allows handover etc I believe?

I used to switch off WiFi when I used Ethernet, but suppose will leave on now for the extra functionality from my iPhone, calls even via my iMac now

I leave it on and I believe most others do also. If you turn it off none of the location services stuff works either. It really does no harm to leave it on.

 

[marvin_h]

I have an iMac with Ethernet (powerline) connected now, works ok. I normally had WiFi switched off but, for the "continuity" facilities from my iPad/iPhone I switched on WiFi on my iMac and connected to network fine.

However, what will the iMac use for connecting to the internet? Ethernet (powerline) or WiFi? I would expect Ethernet (powerline) is faster and more stable, how do you know?

thanks

Curious whether you ever got this sorted. The Apple solution, to prioritize ethernet over wifi, doesn't work on my MacBook pro, either on my home network nor at the office. Reading through Apples support forum, and other posts on macrumors, it seems I am not alone.

The only way to force ethernet use is to turn off wifi, unfortunately.

 

[MrMister111]

Curious whether you ever got this sorted. The Apple solution, to prioritize ethernet over wifi, doesn't work on my MacBook pro, either on my home network nor at the office. Reading through Apples support forum, and other posts on macrumors, it seems I am not alone.

The only way to force ethernet use is to turn off wifi, unfortunately.

Haven't noticed it using the WiFi tbh, I know that continuity works now, and presume I'm on Ethernet (power line), when browsing son I've just left as described above.

 

[mcaswell]

Curious whether you ever got this sorted. The Apple solution, to prioritize ethernet over wifi, doesn't work on my MacBook pro, either on my home network nor at the office. Reading through Apples support forum, and other posts on macrumors, it seems I am not alone.

The only way to force ethernet use is to turn off wifi, unfortunately.

Could you leave WiFi on (so that it is available for AirDrop, Continuity, etc.), but just not have it actually be connected to any WiFi network? Option-click on the WiFi menubar icon and select "Disconnect from...". Not sure if that will stick through a sleep/wake cycle or a restart though.