Support
Find answers to common questions and troubleshooting tips for WiFi Checker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does WiFi Checker need Location permission?
Starting with macOS Sonoma, Apple requires Location Services permission to access Wi-Fi network names (SSID). This is a privacy measure by Apple. WiFi Checker does not track your location — it only uses this permission to display your network name.
Why is the network name showing as blank?
This usually means Location Services permission hasn't been granted. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services, find WiFi Checker and enable it. You may need to restart the app.
What do the signal strength numbers mean?
Signal strength is measured in dBm (decibels relative to milliwatt). Higher numbers (closer to 0) are better: -30 to -50 dBm is Excellent, -50 to -60 dBm is Good, -60 to -70 dBm is Fair, -70 to -80 dBm is Weak, and below -80 dBm is Very weak.
What is jitter?
Jitter measures the variation in ping times. Low jitter (under 5ms) indicates a stable connection. High jitter can cause issues with video calls and online gaming.
Does WiFi Checker collect my data?
No. WiFi Checker is 100% privacy-focused. It does not collect, store, or transmit any personal data. All network measurements are processed locally on your Mac and never leave your device.
How do I quit the app?
Click on the WiFi Checker icon in the menu bar, then click the gear icon (⚙️) to open Settings. Scroll down to find the "Quit WiFi Checker" option.
Understanding Signal Strength
Signal strength is measured in dBm (decibels relative to milliwatt). Values closer to 0 indicate stronger signals.
Tips for Improving Signal Strength
- Move closer to your router
- Reduce interference from walls and obstacles
- Keep away from other electronic devices
- Consider using 5GHz band for shorter distances
- Update your router's firmware
Troubleshooting
The app is not showing in the menu bar
Try these steps:
- Check if the app is running in Activity Monitor
- Restart the app
- Check System Settings → Control Center → Menu Bar Only to ensure there's space
- Try restarting your Mac
Speed test results seem incorrect
WiFi Checker uses Cloudflare's speed test servers. Results may vary based on:
- Current network congestion
- Distance to Cloudflare servers
- Other devices using your network
Tip: Try running the test multiple times for more accurate results.
Still Need Help?
If you couldn't find the answer you're looking for, feel free to reach out.
Email Support
support@wifichecker.appAbout WiFi Checker for Mac
WiFi Checker is a lightweight macOS menu bar application designed to help you monitor and diagnose your wireless network connection in real-time. Whether you're experiencing slow internet speeds, frequent disconnections, or simply want to understand your network better, WiFi Checker provides all the tools you need without the complexity of traditional network analyzers.
Unlike other Wi-Fi diagnostic tools that require technical expertise, WiFi Checker presents network metrics in an easy-to-understand format. You can instantly see your signal strength measured in dBm, monitor latency to both your router and the internet, track packet loss that might be causing connection issues, and run speed tests using Cloudflare's reliable servers,all from a convenient menu bar interface.
Built with privacy as a core principle, WiFi Checker operates entirely on your device. No account registration is required, no data is collected or transmitted, and all network measurements stay local to your Mac. This makes it an ideal choice for privacy-conscious users who want powerful network diagnostics without compromising their data.
WiFi Checker requires macOS 14.0 Sonoma or later and is optimized for both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. The app is designed to be resource-efficient, using minimal CPU and memory while providing continuous network monitoring in the background.
