The Unstable Connection
If you live or work in an area with multiple saved Wi-Fi networks (for instance, a primary 5GHz network, a slower 2.4GHz network, or an unstable public hotspot), your Mac may exhibit a frustrating behavior. macOS constantly monitors the signal strength of all known networks in the vicinity. If your primary network’s signal drops even slightly, your Mac might aggressively drop the connection and automatically switch to a weaker or slower network simply because it detects it. This automatic “hopping” can interrupt video calls, pause downloads, and disrupt your workflow.
How to Reorder Network Priorities
macOS maintains a hidden, prioritized list of your preferred networks. When multiple saved networks are available, it will automatically connect to the one highest on the list. You can manually drag your preferred network to the top so macOS stops prioritizing slower connections.
1. Click the Apple logo () in the top-left corner.
2. Select System Settings (or System Preferences).
3. Click on Wi-Fi in the left-hand sidebar.
4. Scroll down past the list of currently visible networks and click the Advanced… button at the bottom.
5. You will see a section labelled Known Networks. This list is in priority order.
6. Find your preferred, primary Wi-Fi network. Click the circle with the three dots next to it.
7. If you are on an older version of macOS (Monterey or earlier), you can simply click and drag the network name to the top of the list. On newer macOS versions, you must tell the Mac to forget the competing networks, or turn off Auto-Join for them.
How to Disable Auto-Join for Specific Networks
The most effective way to stop your Mac from switching to a specific annoying network (like a weak public hotspot you used once) is to explicitly tell macOS never to connect to it automatically.
1. Still in the Wi-Fi settings menu, locate the secondary or unwanted network under “Known Networks.”
2. Click the circle with three dots next to that specific network.
3. Uncheck the option that says Auto-Join.
Your Mac will still remember the password for this network, but it will never connect to it unless you manually click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and select it yourself. By turning off Auto-Join for all secondary networks, your Mac will stay firmly locked onto your primary connection.