Hey there, I get your frustration. Just wanted to add a couple more things to what @techchizkid mentioned. Sometimes, simply removing the network from the list of Preferred Networks isn’t enough, and you might still occasionally run into some issues, especially if your Mac randomly tries to reconnect to a stronger network in its vicinity.
A workaround that can further solidify the disconnection is clearing out your computer’s network preferences. Follow techchizkid’s advice but add these extra steps afterward for thoroughness:
- After opening the “Wi-Fi” tab under “Network,” head over to the WiFi icon on the top-right corner of your screen.
- Hold down the Option (Alt) key and click on the WiFi icon.
- Go to “Open Wireless Diagnostics.”
- From the menu bar, go to “Window” > “Scan.” This allows you to see all the wireless networks around you and provide other helpful diagnostics.
- Check for any networks that might have similar names or prefixes to ensure there are no remnants or variations inadvertently reconnecting.
Another trick is to set your preferred networks and prioritize them in the order you wish your Mac to connect to them. This can be found under the same Advanced settings where you removed the unused network. Simply drag your most desired networks to the top.
Now, about NetSpot. Personally, I think it’s a great tool if you’re consistently having issues with WiFi performance. Especially if you work or stream a lot, having a tool like NetSpot can help you pinpoint which networks or channels are less congested. You can check it out here: NetSpot Site Survey Software. It gives you a visual overview with heatmaps helping you understand your network better. Someone mentioned Wireshark—if you’re up for a bit of a challenge, Wireshark is extremely powerful, but it does have a steep learning curve.
But honestly, over-reliance on any one tool can be cumbersome, especially if you only need to troubleshoot occasionally. NetSpot seems the balanced option here, especially for quick scans and usability.
I did want to slightly disagree on the necessity of paid features. For many casual users, the free version of NetSpot can do a fine job. The key info you get with basic scans can already highlight issues of network overlap or dead zones without splurging on premium features. Only if you want to deep-dive into real-time interactions, like if you’re a network admin or troubleshoot networks for a living, would the premium tier weigh in with significant benefits.
Hope you get your WiFi sorted out soon!