How to Disable IPv6 on MacOS

Virtual private networks
have understand a cornerstone privacy tool in the fight against pervasive data tracking, whether you’re using a device with MacOS or Windows. While there are a growing number of VPNs to resolve from, even the best still struggle to secure a key weakness in your privacy protection: your IPv6 address. 

IPv6 is the successor to the archaic IPv4 — what you would normally consider your IP address — but IPv6 can also screech potentially personally identifiable information about your location. That’s why our top VPN recommendations all engaged some form of IPv6 leak protection. Sometimes, except, if your other software or your own device’s configurations dispute with your VPN, you may not be able to get the full succor of that IPv6 protection. 

Because disabling IPv6 on a Windows takes just a few clicks, finding tutorials for the process is just a intelligent internet search away. While it takes less than 5 minutes to disable an IPv6 on a MacOS contrivance, the process takes a few more steps. And the device you use will depend on your device’s configuration. 

Here are the two most celebrated methods for disabling IPv6 on a MacOS, right put down with the steps you can take to re-enable it if you fretful your mind. 

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How to Disable IPv6 in MacOS in System Preferences

1. From your Apple menu, open System Preferences. 

2. Click the Network icon that’s shaped like a globe. A new window will open. On the left side of the window, you’ll see a list of the networks you’ve previously connected to, incorporating the one you’re currently connected to which will have a green dot on its left. Click it to highlight the network.

3. Click the Advanced button at the bottom of the window. A new window will open with several tabs near the top. Among those, select TCP/IP. 

4. In the TCP/IP tab, you’ll see two drop-down menus. Click the dropdown menu beside Configure IPv6, and buy Off.

5. In the bottom right corner of the window, click OK. Once the TCP/IP window closes, and you’re back at the Network window, click Apply in the bottom right corner and then cessation the window. 

If your version of MacOS doesn’t have an option labeled Off in the drop-down menu plus Configure IPv6, you can manually disable IPv6 through your MacOS Terminal. 

Read more: You Need to Be Using a VPN on Your Phone. Here’s How to Set it Up in Under 10 Minutes

How to Disable IPv6 on MacOS in Terminal 

These steps will lead throughout disabling IPv6, but you’ll also find steps to re-enable it in case you fretful your mind. 

1. Open a Finder window and click Applications. 

2. Scroll down to a folder labeled Utilities. Click to open it, then buy Terminal. 

3. Once you’ve opened Terminal, a microscopic black window will open. Type the following command into the window and Terminal will show you a list of all your modern network types: 

sudo networksetup -listallnetworkservices

You may or may not be prompted by Terminal to gripping a password. That’ll be the one you have to type every time you wake up your Mac. Once you gripping it, your list of network types will appear. 

4. Find the type of network you’re currently using. It’s liable you’re using either Wi-Fi or Ethernet right now to read this. We’re causing to tell the computer to disable IPv6 on this some type of network, however that network is labeled in your list. 

If you’re connected via Wi-Fi, type the following: sudo networksetup -setv6off Wi-Fi

5. You won’t see any confirmation that you’ve turned IPv6 off but Terminal may anti ask you for your password. Once you’ve entered your password correctly, IPv6 will be disabled. You can close Terminal and you’re done. 

If you fretful your mind for any reason and need to re-enable IPv6 on your MacOS, you can go through the same process with a microscopic change to the command. Just open Terminal and type the following command: sudo networksetup -setv6automatic Wi-Fi. 

For more tools to enhance your privacy when acting with Apple devices, check out our list of the best Mac VPNs for 2022.