Native Ethernet port on Mac Mini M4 Pro not working after lightning strike

It would appear so. Apple Diagnostics might confirm the damage: Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac - Apple Support, but then again it might not.

If necessary, or in doubt, Contact Apple Support for a definitive diagnosis.

Ethernet surge protectors exist. The ones I use (PNET1GB - APC ProtectNet with Gigabit Protection) have been discontinued. Whether they work or not is unknown, but nothing can provide absolute protection.

ETA: for new installations I would recommend these: https://store.ui.com/us/en/category/accessories-poe-power/collections/pro-store-poe-and-power-surge-protection/products/uacc-eth-sp-din

chrison600 wrote:

This Mini is covered by AppleCare+, so I suppose that's good. Maybe I should launch a support ticket...

Yes. Yes, you should do that.

I’d still swap the cable and the switch port, though. Probably not the problem, but an easy test and easy fix.

Doubtful, but start with the Support link on these pages.

As the case with most Macs the NIC is an SMD and as such nobody other than a highly specialized third party repair expert will be interested in doing anything but replacing the entire logic board.

Component level repair is a lost art. Replacing the Broadcom Ethernet chip is microsurgery, besides, damage is most likely not confined to it alone.

chrison600 wrote:

Is there a mobile Apple repair service that would come out and replace the NIC in this Mini?

Your local area might have an authorized repair provider that makes onsite repair calls, but Apple is likely going to expect you to bring the mini into them.

Absent AppleCare+ coverage, the repair may be most of the way to an M5 or M6 mini.

Contact the nearest Apple Genius Bar or Apple Authorized Service Provider for repairs.

You might be able to use a USB-C to Ethernet adapter in the interim.

What is the Cat rating of the cables and switches that make up your Ethernet Network...?

The Mac mini's native port is looking for a 1Gb (Cat 5e) or better network connection.

see the Communications spec's at > Mac mini (2024) - Tech Specs

What I would do, is test the Mac mini connected directly to the main router using a Cat 6a cable.

This Mini is covered by AppleCare+, so I suppose that's good. Maybe I should launch a support ticket...

I appreciate your response. This Mini had an ~1Gb down connection up until the lightning strike. The strike also took out a piece of pool equipment. I think that indicates that there was no issue with the cable spec. It was a surge that cooked the NIC.

"Native Ethernet port on Mac Mini M4 Pro not working after lightning strike"

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Use a Surge Protector:

Was this plugged into surge protector? If nt, then that mat have prevented this. Get one at a local retailer, or on a site like Amazon.com or newegg.com.

Interestingly, I have surge/battery units on pretty much everything, and the one used for this Mini has Ethernet protection on board, but I was connected directly to the wall. My mistake I see.

Is there a mobile Apple repair service that would come out and replace the NIC in this Mini?

chrison600 wrote:

This Mini is covered by AppleCare+, so I suppose that's good. Maybe I should launch a support ticket...

Yes that's good. The repair might cost you nothing but time and inconvenience.