Updated on November 6, 2026
To get a Mac onto your home network, join the router’s Wi-Fi or plug into it with Ethernet. To connect two Macs without a router, you can use a direct Ethernet cable. After the Macs are connected, turn on File Sharing on the Mac that has the files you want to open.
Choose the kind of connection you need
| Goal | Start here |
|---|---|
| Join a home or office network | Select its Wi-Fi network or connect an Ethernet cable to the router. |
| Connect two Macs without a router | Run a standard Ethernet cable between them. Use adapters if you need them. |
| Open files on another computer | Set up sharing on that computer, then find it in Finder or enter its SMB address. |
| Share the Mac’s internet connection | Use Internet Sharing and choose the source connection and the interface other devices will use. |
Join a network or connect two Macs directly
For Wi-Fi, choose the network from the menu bar or System Settings > Wi-Fi and enter its password. For Ethernet, plug the Mac into the router and check System Settings > Network for the connection status. Most home routers assign an address automatically.
For a direct link, connect the Ethernet ports on the two Macs. Use a USB-C or Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter if the Mac has no Ethernet port. See our guide to Mac ports and Apple’s two-Mac Ethernet steps.
Share a folder and open it from Finder
- On the Mac with the files, open System Settings > General > Sharing and turn on File Sharing.
- Open the info button beside File Sharing. Add the folder, choose who can access it, and note the network address shown there. For Windows clients, check the SMB options.
- On the other Mac, open Finder and choose Go > Connect to Server. Use the host’s address, such as
smb://office-mac.local, and sign in with an account allowed to access the folder.
Use the folder permissions to decide who can read or edit files. See Apple’s File Sharing settings.
Share the Mac’s internet connection
Open System Settings > General > Sharing and configure Internet Sharing. For example, choose Ethernet as the source and Wi-Fi for the devices you want to connect. Set a Wi-Fi name, security type and password before turning it on. See Apple’s Internet Sharing steps.
Frequently asked questions
Can I connect two Macs without internet access?
Yes. Connect them to the same local network or link them directly by Ethernet, then turn on the sharing features you need.
Why can I join Wi-Fi but can’t see the other Mac?
Check that both Macs are on the same local network and the host has File Sharing enabled. Guest Wi-Fi can keep devices apart. Try the host’s SMB address in Finder if browsing doesn’t find it. If Finder works but an app can’t see the other Mac, check that app under System Settings > Privacy & Security > Local Network.
Which address do I enter in Connect to Server?
Use the address shown on the host Mac in File Sharing settings. You can also use its local IP address after smb://.
Where are these settings on an older Mac?
Older macOS releases use System Preferences. Look for the Network and Sharing panes.