The menu bar at the top of your Mac screen is prime real estate for system icons and third-party utility widgets. By default, macOS displays a Wi-Fi icon on the right side of this bar, providing quick access to network selection and signal strength. However, if you primarily use a wired Ethernet connection, or if you prefer a completely minimalist desktop aesthetic, this permanent icon represents unnecessary clutter. Fortunately, you can easily remove the Wi-Fi icon from the menu bar without actually turning off your Wi-Fi connection.
How to Hide the Wi-Fi Icon
On modern versions of macOS, menu bar icons are managed through the Control Centre settings.
- Click the Apple Logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Select System Settings from the drop-down menu.
- In the left-hand sidebar, scroll down and click on Control Centre.
- In the main window, look under the “Control Centre Modules” section at the very top.
- Find the entry for Wi-Fi.
- To the right of it, you will see a drop-down menu that likely says “Show in Menu Bar.”
- Click this drop-down menu and change the selection to Don’t Show in Menu Bar.
The Wi-Fi fan icon will instantly vanish from the top right of your screen, freeing up space for other applications.
How to Access Wi-Fi Without the Icon
Hiding the icon does not disable your internet connection. If you ever need to change Wi-Fi networks in the future, you have two simple options:
- Use the Control Centre: Click the Control Centre icon (the two small switches located at the far right of your menu bar, next to the clock). Your Wi-Fi controls are permanently housed here, regardless of whether the icon is hidden from the main bar.
- Use System Settings: Open System Settings and click on Wi-Fi in the sidebar for full network management.