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WiFi Explorer scans for wireless networks using the built-in Wi-Fi adapter. It uses a mechanism called active scan, where probe requests are periodically sent on each supported channel for the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands. When a nearby access point receives a probe request, it replies with a probe response. A probe response includes a set of information elements that describe the wireless network’s capabilities and configuration.
Since macOS Mojave 10.14, Apple’s CoreWLAN framework restricts access to network information, such as the network name (SSID) and BSSID, unless Location Services is authorized for WiFi Explorer. Without this permission, WiFi Explorer cannot scan for or display wireless networks. See Enable Location Services below.
The bands and channels visible in WiFi Explorer depend on the Mac’s Wi-Fi hardware, the regulatory domain, and the scan source.
To manually start or stop a scan for wireless networks, click the Start or Stop buttons in the toolbar.
The scanning interval is automatically determined by how fast the Wi-Fi adapter can scan for wireless networks and cannot be changed.
The Networks Table lists the scan results and displays the capabilities and configuration of each network.
If the computer is connected to a wireless network when launching WiFi Explorer, the network will be automatically selected when the first scan results are shown.
The display units for signal strength and noise are dBm or %. To change the display units, go to WiFi Explorer > Settings > General and select the desired units to display the signal strength. The same units are used for displaying noise measurements.

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Enable Location Services

WiFi Explorer will never try to determine, save, or share your physical location. The Location Services permission is used exclusively to let WiFi Explorer access network information from macOS.
  1. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
  2. Turn on Location Services if it isn’t already enabled.
  3. Find WiFi Explorer in the list and select its checkbox.
WiFi Explorer only appears in the Location Services list after you’ve launched it at least once.

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See also