WiFiBuddy begins scanning after launch. A useful first scan takes only a moment, but a stable baseline is easier to interpret when the Mac and nearby access points are not moving.
Before you scan
- Turn on Wi-Fi on your Mac.
- Stay in the room where you normally use the connection.
- Allow at least two scan passes so brief changes do not dominate the view.
- Remove a band filter if you want to compare 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz together.
Reveal network names
Signal levels and channels can remain available when network names are hidden. To reveal SSID and BSSID metadata, select Continue in the WiFiBuddy permission notice and make your choice in the macOS prompt.
Permission is optional. Declining it does not send data anywhere and does not prevent you from changing the decision later.
Read the first snapshot
Start with four observations:
- Identify your current connection in the nearby network list.
- Note its RSSI and SNR in the inspector.
- Look for strong curves overlapping the same channel in the signal map.
- Compare the band and width used by your connection with nearby access points.
Avoid making a router change from one momentary scan. Watch the environment across several passes, especially during the time of day when the connection normally feels slow.
Next step
Continue with Read the Signal Map to understand curve position, height, and overlap.