Show the Network Service Order
Print the order in which macOS uses Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and VPN services with one command.
Run `networksetup -listnetworkserviceorder` to list every service in priority order.
01Command
Command
$ networksetup -listnetworkserviceorder02What it does
macOS picks its default route from the topmost active service in this list, which explains why plugging in Ethernet does not always take over from Wi-Fi. The output also shows which hardware port each service is bound to, handy for matching service names to en0/en5 style device names before changing settings with other networksetup commands.
03Risk
!Warning: This is read-only; to change the order use System Settings > Network > ⋯ > Set Service Order.
04Undo
✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.
05Sources
- networksetup — configure network settings (macOS man page)Evidence: Documents -listnetworkserviceorder showing services in the order the system will use them.
Last verified: 2026-09-18 · Category: Network