scutil - macOS System Configuration Utility Guide

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Basic Usage
• Network Configuration
• DNS Configuration
• Proxy Settings
• VPN Management
• System State
• Troubleshooting

Overview

scutil is a powerful command-line tool for managing system configuration in macOS. It provides access to the dynamic store containing network configuration and system state information.

Key Features

• DNS configuration management
• Network service control
• Proxy settings management
• VPN configuration
• System state queries
• Computer/hostname management

Basic Usage

Interactive Mode

# Enter interactive mode
scutil
 
# Common interactive commands
> list
> show *
> quit

Computer Name Management

# Get computer name
scutil --get ComputerName
 
# Set computer name
sudo scutil --set ComputerName "NewName"
 
# Get host name
scutil --get HostName
 
# Set host name
sudo scutil --set HostName "hostname.local"

Local Host Names

# Get local host name
scutil --get LocalHostName
 
# Set local host name
sudo scutil --set LocalHostName "localhostname"

Network Configuration

Check Network Status

# Get primary service
scutil --nwi | grep "Primary interface"
 
# Show all network information
scutil --nwi
 
# Get specific network interface details
scutil --nwi en0

Network Services

# List all network services
scutil --nc list
 
# Show specific network service details
scutil --nc status "VPN Service Name"
 
# Start network service
scutil --nc start "VPN Service Name"
 
# Stop network service
scutil --nc stop "VPN Service Name"

DNS Configuration

View DNS Settings

# Show DNS configuration
scutil --dns
 
# Get DNS servers
scutil --dns | grep "nameserver"
 
# Check DNS search domains
scutil --dns | grep "search domain"

DNS Cache Management

# Flush DNS cache
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Proxy Settings

View Proxy Configuration

# Enter interactive mode
scutil
> show State:/Network/Global/Proxies

Check Specific Proxy Settings

# Web proxy (HTTP)
networksetup -getwebproxy "Wi-Fi"
 
# Secure web proxy (HTTPS)
networksetup -getsecurewebproxy "Wi-Fi"
 
# SOCKS proxy
networksetup -getsocksfirewallproxy "Wi-Fi"

VPN Management

VPN Service Control

# List VPN services
scutil --nc list
 
# Show VPN status
scutil --nc status "VPN Name"
 
# Connect VPN
scutil --nc start "VPN Name"
 
# Disconnect VPN
scutil --nc stop "VPN Name"

VPN Configuration Details

# Show VPN configuration
scutil --nc show "VPN Name"
 
# Watch VPN status
scutil --nc watch "VPN Name"

System State

System Preferences

# Get system preferences
scutil --get SystemVersion
 
# Check preference values
defaults read /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/preferences.plist

Dynamic Store Access

# Enter interactive mode for dynamic store
scutil
> list
> show Setup:/System
> show State:/Network/Global/IPv4

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

1. Network Interface Problems

# Check interface status
scutil --nwi
 
# Verify DNS configuration
scutil --dns

2. VPN Connection Issues

# Check VPN status
scutil --nc status "VPN Name"
 
# Show detailed VPN information
scutil --nc show "VPN Name"

3. Hostname Resolution

# Verify hostname configuration
scutil --get HostName
scutil --get LocalHostName
scutil --get ComputerName

Debug Commands

# Show all network information
scutil --nwi --verbose
 
# Display all dynamic store entries
scutil
> list
> show *

Advanced Usage

Dynamic Store Manipulation

# Enter interactive mode
scutil
> d.init
> d.show
> get State:/Network/Global/IPv4

Network Service Management

# List all network services with details
networksetup -listallnetworkservices
 
# Get specific service information
networksetup -getinfo "Wi-Fi"

Quick Reference

Essential Commands

# Computer Name Management
scutil --get ComputerName
sudo scutil --set ComputerName "name"
 
# Network Information
scutil --nwi
 
# DNS Configuration
scutil --dns
 
# VPN Control
scutil --nc list
scutil --nc status "VPN Name"

Common Flags

• --get: Retrieve system settings
• --set: Modify system settings
• --nc: Network connection operations
• --dns: DNS configuration
• --nwi: Network information
• --proxy: Proxy settings

Interactive Mode Commands

# Enter interactive mode
scutil
> list
> show Setup:/
> show State:/
> show Pattern:/
> quit

Best Practices

1. System Changes

   • Always use sudo for system modifications
   • Backup configurations before changes
   • Verify changes after implementation

2. Network Management

   • Regular DNS configuration checks
   • Monitor VPN connection status
   • Document network service configurations

3. Troubleshooting Steps

   • Check network interface status
   • Verify DNS configuration
   • Monitor system logs
   • Test connectivity after changes

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Remember:

• Most system-modifying commands require sudo privileges
• Always backup configurations before making changes
• Test changes in a controlled environment first
• Document all configuration changes

This guide covers the most common and useful scutil commands. For detailed information, consult the man pages (man scutil).