> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.intuitibits.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Find wireless networks

> Find wireless networks in WiFi Explorer.

*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.

<Note>
  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](#enable-location-services) below.
</Note>

<Note>
  The bands and channels visible in *WiFi Explorer* depend on the Mac's Wi-Fi hardware, the regulatory domain, and the scan source.
</Note>

To manually start or stop a scan for wireless networks, click the **Start** or **Stop** buttons in the toolbar.

<Note>
  The scanning interval is automatically determined by how fast the Wi-Fi adapter can scan for wireless networks and cannot be changed.
</Note>

The *Networks Table* lists the scan results and displays the capabilities and configuration of each network.

<Note>
  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.
</Note>

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.

***

## 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.

<Note>
  *WiFi Explorer* only appears in the Location Services list after you've launched it at least once.
</Note>

## See also

* [Filter scan results](/wifiexplorer/filter-scan-results)
* [Show or hide columns](/wifiexplorer/show-or-hide-columns)
* [Wi-Fi troubleshooting basics](/troubleshooting-basics)