Launch Wireless Diagnostics

How to locate and launch your Mac’s built-in signal scanner

If you suspect that the wireless connectivity issues you are suffering are the result of a poor signal, then your Mac’s Wireless Diagnostics app can help. Strangely, this mythical app doesn’t reside in your Launchpad by default and locating it is almost akin to summoning spirits! Once open, the app will scan your wireless network and highlight any issues that arise.

1 Access the app

The easiest way to launch the Wireless Diagnostics app is to hold the alt key before clicking on the Wi-fi menu bar icon and choosing ‘Open Wireless Diagnostics’.

2 Check Performance

Before clicking on ‘Continue’, go to Window>performance (or hit alt+cmd+5) and three graphs will be generated that gauge your Wi-fi connection.

3 Monitor graphs

Leave the app running so that your Wi-fi connection can be monitored over time and the graphs should highlight possible dips and spikes.