How to Disable IPv6 on a macOS computer?

Last modified: April 3, 2019

This guide will show you how to disable IPv6 on a macOS computer and answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQ).

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What is IPv6?

IPv6 is an Internet Protocol Version 6 and it was designed to replace IPv4 which is the current Internet protocol and still widely used.

Do you support IPv6?

At the moment we do not support IPv6 VPN tunnels. Most of our data centres and Internet Service Providers do not assign public IPv6 addresses. However, we will be supporting IPv6 when it’s necessary in the future.

Why do I need to disable IPv6?

Our VPN service works over IPv4. Your IPv6 traffic may leak if your network supports IPv6 and it’s enabled on your computer.

How can I do a quick check to see if IPv6 is enabled on my network?

Go to our IP checker site and check on your IPv6 capability.  If there is a red X sign, you’re good.

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Now that you’ve read and understood about IPv6, please follow the steps below to disable IPv6 on your macOS computer.

STEP 1: Accessing System Preferences

Click on the Apple icon (from the top left of your screen) and select System Preferences.

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STEP 2: Accessing Network Settings

In the System Preferences window, click on Network.

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STEP 3: Change Network Settings

Now, select your active network adapter (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) from the left panel.

Note: If you’re connected to the internet wirelessly, the corresponding adapter should be Wi-Fi. However, if you’re connected to the internet via a LAN cable instead, the corresponding adapter should be Ethernet.

With your active network adapter selected, click on Advanced.

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STEP 4: Disabling IPv6

In the Advanced menu, click on the TCP/IP tab. Next, click on the Configure IPv6 drop-down menu and set it to Off. Finally, click on OK to confirm and Apply to save the changes.

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STEP 5: Restart macOS computer

Now that IPv6 has been disabled, please restart your macOS computer for the changes to take effect.

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IPv6 Turn Off option missing?

You might not have an option to turn off IPv6 but you can run a command through the Terminal application instead to disable IPv6.

Most importantly, follow the steps below:

1. Open Finder.
2. Click on Applications.
3. Open the Utilities folder.
4. Double Click on Terminal.app.

With the Terminal application open, enter the command below according to your connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) followed by enter/return key on your keyboard.

If you’re on a Wi-Fi (Wireless Connection)

networksetup -setv6off Wi-Fi

If you’re on an Ethernet (Wired connection)

networksetup -setv6off Ethernet

If you’re on a Thunderbolt-base Ethernet Adapter

networksetup -setv6off “Thunderbolt Ethernet”

If you’re on an iPhone USB Tethering connection

networksetup -setv6off “iPhone USB”

This is how it should look like on Terminal app when you type in the command to disable IPv6 over Wi-Fi.

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