Enable or Disable a Network Service with networksetup

Toggle macOS network services (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN) on and off without deleting their settings.

macOSconfigurationnetworksetupMedium risk

Run `sudo networksetup -setnetworkserviceenabled <service> off/on` to disable or re-enable the service while keeping its configuration.

01Command

Command

$ sudo networksetup -setnetworkserviceenabled Wi-Fi off
networksetup -listallnetworkservices

02What it does

This is distinct from powering the radio off: `-setnetworkserviceenabled` flips the service's on/off switch in the network preferences pane, so all saved settings (IP, DNS, proxies) survive. It is the cleanest way to script 'turn off Wi-Fi service' for kiosk machines or to disable a broken Ethernet entry temporarily. List valid service names with `-listallnetworkservices` — names are case-sensitive.

03Risk

RiskMedium risk

!Warning: Disabling the service you are connected through will immediately sever your session.

04Undo

Undo

$ sudo networksetup -setnetworkserviceenabled Wi-Fi on

05Sources

networksetup — macOS Command Reference
SS64 · technical · 2026-09-17
Evidence: Documents -setnetworkserviceenabled and -listallnetworkservices.

Last verified: 2026-09-17 · Category: Network