Michael Jones, our Chief Technician says:
"Mac users, particularly those with MacBook Pros, may occasionally encounter error code 49153, typically tied to network issues or connectivity errors. Understanding the potential causes and solutions can help you quickly resolve this issue and prevent it from recurring. Let’s explore the common causes and actionable steps to troubleshoot and fix error code 49153. "
What Is Error Code 49153?
Error code 49153 on a MacBook Pro generally appears when attempting to connect to a shared drive, network resource, or remote server. This error essentially indicates that your device was unable to establish a connection with a networked device or resource, often due to network configuration issues or permissions conflicts.
Common Scenarios for Error Code 49153
This error commonly appears in the following situations:
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Attempting to access a shared network drive or server.
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Connecting to another Mac or Windows machine over the network.
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Opening files or applications stored on a network location.
Understanding the specific scenario in which you encounter error code 49153 can help you narrow down the cause and apply the appropriate solution.
Potential Causes of Error Code 49153
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A misconfigured network, such as incorrect IP addresses or subnet masks, can cause your Mac to fail when trying to connect to a networked device.
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If the shared network drive or server requires specific login credentials, incorrect username or password entries may trigger error 49153.
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Firewalls, both on your MacBook Pro and within your network, can sometimes block necessary connections. Restrictions at the network or router level can prevent access to shared network resources.
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Cache or minor software bugs can sometimes lead to connectivity issues. Restarting your Mac or clearing cache files can often resolve such issues.
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Differences in file-sharing protocols (like SMB or AFP) can cause compatibility issues. This is particularly relevant when connecting between macOS and Windows systems.
Solutions to Fix Error Code 49153 on a MacBook Pro
Here are several solutions to address error code 49153, arranged from the most straightforward fixes to more advanced troubleshooting steps.
1. Check Your Network Connection
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Ensure your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection is stable.
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Disconnect and reconnect to your network.
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If possible, try connecting to a different network to see if the error persists.
2. Restart Your MacBook Pro
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Restarting can help clear cache and resolve minor glitches that may interfere with network connections.
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Go to Apple Menu > Restart to reboot your Mac and try reconnecting to the network resource.
3. Verify Login Credentials for Network Resource
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If you are accessing a network drive or server that requires authentication, double-check the username and password.
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For security reasons, shared drives or servers may lock access if too many incorrect login attempts occur. If this happens, contact the network administrator to verify your credentials.
4. Clear Cache Files Related to Network Connections
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Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder....
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Type in /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/ and delete the following files:
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com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
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networkinterfaces.plist
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preferences.plist
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com.apple.network.identification.plist
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Restart your MacBook Pro after clearing these files and try reconnecting.
5. Update File Sharing Protocol Settings
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If you are connecting to a Windows server, ensure both systems are set to communicate over a compatible protocol, such as SMB (Server Message Block).
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Go to System Preferences > Sharing and check File Sharing options to ensure the settings match the protocol your network resource uses.
6. Disable Firewalls Temporarily (for Testing)
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Sometimes, a firewall can interfere with your connection. To test if this is the issue, temporarily disable your firewall.
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Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall, and turn it off.
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If disabling the firewall resolves the error, consider adjusting your firewall settings or adding a rule to allow the specific network connection.
7. Check Router or Network-Level Restrictions
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If you’re using a network managed by an administrator, they may have configured access restrictions.
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Check with the network administrator to confirm that your MacBook Pro’s IP address has permission to access the network resource.
8. Update macOS and Network Drivers
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An outdated operating system or network driver can sometimes cause network issues.
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Go to System Preferences > Software Update to check for any macOS updates.
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If an update is available, install it and restart your Mac to see if the problem persists.
9. Reset Network Settings
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Open System Preferences > Network.
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Select your current network connection (e.g., Wi-Fi) and click the minus (-) button to remove it, then click Apply.
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Click the plus (+) button, re-add your network, and try connecting again.
Our Tips for Preventing Error Code 49153 in the Future
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Regular updates can improve compatibility with network protocols and shared drives.
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Make sure both the Mac and network devices are set up to use the same file-sharing protocols (SMB or AFP).
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Frequent drops or unstable networks can cause intermittent errors, including error 49153. Use reliable networks where possible.
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Ensure your permissions are kept up to date, especially if you work on managed networks where access rights may change over time.
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Author:
Michael Jones, Chief Technician
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