macOS · Network & Internet
Connect Your Mac to Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi settings let you join, manage, and prioritize wireless networks on your Mac, including hidden networks and networks that require a captive-portal sign-in.
How to open Wi-Fi Connection
- Open System Settings → Wi-Fi (or click the menu bar icon).
- Select a network from the list and enter its password.
- Turn on 'Auto-Join' so your Mac reconnects automatically next time.
What you should know
- Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar to see and join nearby networks quickly.
- Known networks are remembered and rejoined automatically when in range.
- You can manually add a hidden network by entering its exact name and security type.
- Network preferences let you reorder which known network is preferred when multiple are in range.
Avoid signing in to sensitive accounts on public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
Why it matters
Wi-Fi is how most Macs get online, so a flaky or misconfigured connection affects everything from web browsing to iCloud sync and software updates. Knowing how to manage known networks, forget bad ones, and configure advanced settings like DNS helps you fix connectivity problems yourself instead of guessing. It's also the setting most directly tied to security risk, since joining the wrong network can expose your traffic to snooping.
Best practices
- Forget old or public networks you no longer use so your Mac doesn't attempt to auto-join them later.
- Avoid entering passwords or accessing sensitive accounts on open, unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
- Reorder preferred networks so your most trusted network (like home) takes priority when multiple are in range.
- Use a VPN when connecting to Wi-Fi you don't control, such as at a hotel or airport.
Common problems and fixes
- Mac won't join a network it used to connect to automatically.
- Select the network, choose 'Forget This Network,' then rejoin and re-enter the password — this clears a corrupted saved credential.
- Wi-Fi shows connected but there's no internet access.
- Test another device on the same router, then toggle Wi-Fi off and back on, or renew the DHCP lease from the network's advanced TCP/IP tab.
- Mac can't see or join a hidden network.
- Manually add the network using its exact, case-sensitive name and correct security type via Wi-Fi → Other Networks, since hidden networks don't broadcast and won't appear in the standard list.
Tips and tricks
- Option-click the Wi-Fi menu bar icon to reveal detailed diagnostic info like the exact channel, signal strength (RSSI), and transmit rate.
- Use Wireless Diagnostics (hold Option and click the Wi-Fi icon, then choose 'Open Wireless Diagnostics') for a guided troubleshooting assistant.
- Keychain Access lets you view or export saved Wi-Fi passwords for networks you've previously joined, handy when setting up a new device.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Mac keep switching to a weaker Wi-Fi network?
macOS can prefer a network based on saved priority order rather than signal strength alone; reorder your preferred networks list in Wi-Fi's advanced options to fix this.
How do I see my Wi-Fi password on Mac?
Open Keychain Access, find the network under the 'System' or 'login' keychain, and check 'Show password' after authenticating — this only works for networks your Mac has previously joined.
Is public Wi-Fi at cafes safe to use on my Mac?
It carries some risk since traffic on open networks can potentially be intercepted; using a VPN and avoiding sensitive logins is the safer approach.
Related settings
- Bluetooth DevicesBluetooth settings let you pair and manage wireless accessories such as keyboards, trackpads, mice, headphones, and speakers with your Mac.
- Apple Account & iCloud SynciCloud settings control which of your apps and data — Photos, Mail, Contacts, Find My Mac, and more — stay in sync across all your Apple devices, plus your iCloud storage plan.
- Software UpdateSoftware Update in System Settings keeps macOS current with the latest security fixes, features, and app compatibility improvements. Regular updates help keep your Mac fast, stable, and protected.
More Network & Internet guides for macOS
- VPN & Network ProfilesVPN settings let you connect to a private network over an encrypted tunnel — common for remote work — while Network preferences let you manage multiple connection profiles, proxies, and advanced TCP/IP settings for different locations or services.
- AirDrop & HandoffAirDrop lets you wirelessly send files, photos, and links directly to nearby Apple devices without email or messaging apps, while Handoff lets you start something on one Apple device — like a browser tab or email draft — and pick it up instantly on your Mac.
- Screen Sharing & Remote LoginScreen Sharing lets you view and control another Mac's screen remotely (or let someone control yours), while Remote Login enables secure command-line (SSH) access to your Mac from another computer. Both are toggled independently under Sharing settings.
- EthernetEthernet settings manage wired network connections through built-in Ethernet ports or USB and Thunderbolt adapters, including IP configuration, DNS, and connection priority relative to Wi-Fi.
- FirewallThe built-in Firewall controls which apps and services are allowed to accept incoming network connections, adding a layer of protection against unauthorized access while connected to any network.
- ProxiesProxy settings let you route web and other network traffic for a given network connection through a specified proxy server, either configured manually or automatically via a PAC file or auto-discovery protocol.