WiFiBuddy processes Wi-Fi scans locally and does not collect analytics. macOS may still require system permissions because some Wi-Fi metadata and network operations are protected by the operating system.
Location access
macOS gates SSID, BSSID, and country-code Wi-Fi metadata behind Location Services. WiFiBuddy asks for access when you choose to reveal network names. The app does not request geographic coordinates, build a location history, or transmit scan results.
If you decline, signal strength, channel, width, and other information may remain available while protected names and identifiers stay hidden.
Change the decision
Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services, find WiFiBuddy, and change its toggle. Return to the app and run another scan.
macOS retains permission decisions independently of the app. Reinstalling WiFiBuddy may not reset the prompt.
Local network access
The Stability Test can probe a router or DNS server to measure latency, jitter, and packet loss. This requires outbound network access. WiFiBuddy does not listen for inbound connections and does not operate a server.
Data that stays local
- Nearby access point scan results.
- Signal history and stability measurements.
- Starred networks and display preferences.
- Region, language, appearance, and scan interval settings.
For the complete legal statement, read the Privacy Policy.