If a MacBook is coming up with “Self-Assigned IP Address” related error message, it won’t be able to load webpages or access the internet; even if the network indicator shows the network as being connected. In such cases, the network indicator is indicating the status of the internal hardware (Mac & Router) as being connected, while the Mac is unable to connect to internet.
As indicated by the error message, the MacBook has assigned itself an IP Address (starting with 169.254.x.x); as it was unable to obtain an IP Address from the DHCP Server (Router). While the self-assigned IP Address allows the MacBook to communicate with other devices on the same local network; it prevents it from accessing the internet and communicating with devices outside the local-network range.
Hence, the solution for this issue is to make the MacBook to obtain a valid IP Address (192.168.x.x or 10.0.x.x) from the DHCP server; which is required to access the internet.
Reason for Self-Assigned IP Address Issue on Mac
The reason for Mac not being able to obtain an IP Address from the DHCP server and ending up with a self-assigned IP address is due to communication failure in the DHCP handshake process; which can happen due to the following reasons.
- DHCP Server Failure: If the Modem/Router unit is busy, frozen or crashed; it fails to respond to the Mac’s request for an IP Address. This can also happen; if the maximum limit of connected devices has been exceeded.
- Network Issues: The communication between Mac & Router can fail due to interference from other devices, weak signal strength, loose or degraded Ethernet cable and corrupted network settings.
- Security Software: In certain cases, this issue can be caused due to the local network traffic (required to complete the IP Assignment) being blocked by the antivirus software installed on the MacBook.
With this understanding, let us go ahead and take a look at the steps to fix “Self-Assigned IP Address” error and restore network connectivity on your MacBook.
1. Restart Modem/Router
Unplug the Modem/Router unit from its power supply source for about 30 seconds or more, and plug it back again. This can help in clearing the glitch or temporary error; which might be preventing the Modem/Router from allocating a valid IP Address to Mac.
After this, check if the MacBook can connect to internet and successfully load webpages.
2. Check Ethernet Cable
If you are accessing the internet using Ethernet, make sure that the Ethernet cable is not broken or become degraded and it is properly connected at both ends.
1. Unplug both ends of the Ethernet cable (from Mac & Router) and plug them back properly.
2. After this, check if your MacBook is able to connect to Internet.
3. If this did not help, unplug the Ethernet cable from its current Port on the Router and plug it into a different LAN Port.
After this, check if the MacBook can connect to internet.
3. Check Network Settings
1. Click on Apple Logo in the top menu-bar and select System Settings… in the drop-down menu.
2. From System Settings screen, go to Network > select your Network (Ethernet or WiFi) in the right-pane > On the next screen, click on Details.
3. On the next screen, select TCP/IP in the left-pane. In the right-pane, make sure Configure IPV4 is set to Using DHCP and Configure IPV6 is set to Automatically.
4. Click on OK to save the changes.
4. Renew DHCP Lease
In case of both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connection, you can force the MacBook to obtain an IP Address from the DHCP Server.
1. Click on Apple Logo in the top menu-bar and select System Settings… in the drop-down menu.
2. From System Settings screen, go to Network > select your Network (Ethernet or WiFi) in the right-pane > click on Details.
3. On the next screen, select TCP/IP tab in the left-pane and click on Renew DHCP Lease button.
4. Click on OK to save the revised settings.
After the DHCP lease is renewed, your Mac should be able to obtain a valid IP Address and connect to the internet.
5. Reset Network Preferences
The problem could be due to change or corruption of network related settings and preferences on your Mac and this can be fixed by deleting files related to network preferences on your Mac.
1. Click on the Finder Icon in taskbar > click on the Go tab in top-menu bar and select Go to Folder option in the drop-down menu.
2. In Go-to window, type /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/ and press the enter key.
3. In System Configuration folder, delete the following folders (right-click on the Folders and move them to trash).
- com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
- com.apple.network.identification.plist
- NetworkInterfaces.plist
- Preferences.plist
Note: Your MacBook will automatically recreate above Folders when it restarts.
4. After this, Restart Mac and you should be able to connect to internet.