How to Connect to Wi-Fi Using a Specific MAC Address on Mac ?

Connecting to a Wi-Fi network using a specific MAC address (also known as the BSSID, or Basic Service Set Identifier) on macOS Sequoia can help you target a particular access point when multiple ones share the same SSID (network name). This is useful in environments with Wi-Fi extenders, mesh networks, or enterprise setups where you need to connect to a specific access point for stability, performance, or device compatibility (e.g., IoT devices tied to a specific router).

macOS Sequoia (released in late 2024) doesn’t offer a direct GUI option to select a BSSID, but you can achieve this using built-in tools and Terminal commands.

This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, tailored for macOS Sequoia, while addressing privacy and security considerations.

Why Connect to a Specific MAC Address?

When multiple access points use the same SSID, macOS automatically connects to the one with the strongest signal. However, this may not always be ideal due to congestion, interference, or specific requirements. Targeting a BSSID ensures you connect to the desired access point, improving reliability.

Prerequisites to connect to a specific Mac address in macOS sequoia?

• A Mac running macOS Sequoia (version 15.x).
• The SSID and password of the Wi-Fi network.
• Administrator access to your Mac.
• Optional: Access to the router’s admin settings for alternative configurations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Connect to Wi-Fi Using a Specific MAC Address on macOS Sequoia

1. Identify the MAC Address (BSSID) of the Wi-Fi Access Points

To connect to a specific access point, you need its BSSID. Here’s how to find it on macOS Sequoia:

A. Use the Wi-Fi Menu with Option Key:

1. Hold down the Option key.
2. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar (top-right corner of the screen).
3. The network you’re connected to will display detailed information, including the BSSID (e.g., 80:7A:7B:7C:00:01).
4. To see BSSIDs of other access points with the same SSID, you’ll need to scan all networks (see the next method).

B. Use Wireless Diagnostics:

1. Hold the Option key, click the Wi-Fi icon, and select Open Wireless Diagnostics.
2. In the Wireless Diagnostics window, go to the menu bar and select Window > Scan (or press Command + 4).
3. Click Scan Now to list all nearby Wi-Fi networks, including their BSSIDs, SSIDs, channels, and signal strengths.
4. Note the BSSID of the access point you want to connect to.

C. Use Terminal (Advanced):

/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Apple80211.framework/Versions/Current/Resources/airport -s

2. Check and Disable Private Wi-Fi Address

macOS Sequoia uses a Private Wi-Fi Address feature to randomize your device’s MAC address for privacy. If the network uses MAC address filtering, or if you need to use your hardware MAC address to connect to a specific BSSID, you’ll need to disable this:

1. Go to System Settings (click the Apple menu > System Settings).
2. Select Wi-Fi in the sidebar.
3. Click the Details button next to the network you’re targeting.
4. Under Private Wi-Fi Address, select Off to use your Mac’s actual hardware MAC address. Alternatively, if you need a consistent private address, select Fixed, but Off is recommended for this task.
5. Click OK and reconnect to the network if prompted.

3. Connect to a Specific BSSID Using Terminal

macOS Sequoia doesn’t let you select a specific BSSID through the GUI, but you can force a connection via Terminal:

1. Turn Off Wi-Fi:

• Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and select Turn Wi-Fi Off.

2. Use the airport Command to Associate with the BSSID:

• Open Terminal.
• Run the following command to connect to the specific BSSID:

sudo /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Apple80211.framework/Versions/Current/Resources/airport -A SSID --bssid=BSSID --password=PASSWORD

• Replace SSID with the network name (e.g., HomeWifi).
• Replace BSSID with the MAC address of the access point (e.g., 80:7A:7B:7C:00:01).
• Replace PASSWORD with the Wi-Fi password.
• Example:

sudo /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Apple80211.framework/Versions/Current/Resources/airport -A HomeWifi --bssid=80:7A:7B:7C:00:01 --password=MyPassword123

• Enter your admin password when prompted.

3. Turn Wi-Fi Back On:

• Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and select Turn Wi-Fi On. Your Mac should now connect to the specified access point.

4. Verify the Connection:

• Hold the Option key, click the Wi-Fi icon, and confirm the connected BSSID matches your target.

4. Alternative: Configure Router Settings

If the Terminal method doesn’t work or you prefer a more permanent solution, adjust your router settings:

• Assign Unique SSIDs:

1. Access your router’s admin panel (e.g., via a browser at 192.168.1.1—check your router’s manual).
2. If multiple access points share the same SSID, assign unique SSIDs (e.g., HomeWifi_Router, HomeWifi_Repeater).
3. Connect your Mac to the desired SSID.

• MAC Address Filtering:

1. In the router’s admin panel, enable MAC Address Filtering.
2. Add your Mac’s hardware MAC address (found in System Settings > Wi-Fi > Details > Hardware) to the allowed list for the desired access point.
3. Block your Mac’s MAC address on other access points with the same SSID.

5. Troubleshoot Common Issues to connect to specific Mac address

• Private Address Conflict: If the network uses MAC address filtering, ensure Private Wi-Fi Address is set to Off.
• Weak Signal Roaming: If the target access point’s signal is weak, your Mac may switch to a stronger one. Move closer to the target access point or adjust the router’s transmit power.
• Command Failure: The airport command may be restricted in future macOS updates. If it fails, use the router method or check Apple’s documentation for updates.
• Enterprise Networks: For WPA2/WPA3 Enterprise networks, BSSID targeting may require IT admin support due to additional authentication.

Privacy and Security Considerations

• Private Wi-Fi Address: Disabling this feature exposes your hardware MAC address, which can be used for tracking across networks. Re-enable it after your task, especially on public Wi-Fi.
• Use a VPN: When connecting to public or untrusted networks, use a VPN to encrypt your traffic.
• Router Security: Ensure your router uses WPA3 or WPA2 encryption and a strong password to prevent unauthorized access.

Limitations to connect to specific wifi Mac address

• No GUI Option: macOS Sequoia prioritizes seamless connectivity, so BSSID selection requires Terminal commands.
• Roaming Behavior: Your Mac may switch to another access point with the same SSID if the signal drops, unless you use router-level restrictions.
• Hardware Compatibility: Older Macs (e.g., pre-2012) running Sequoia via tools like OpenCore Legacy Patcher may face additional compatibility issues with Wi-Fi drivers.

For most users, configuring the router to use unique SSIDs is the easiest and most reliable method. The Terminal approach works for macOS Sequoia but requires technical comfort and may not persist after reboots. Always prioritize privacy by re-enabling the Private Wi-Fi Address feature after completing your task.

If you encounter issues specific to your Mac model or network setup, let me know in comments.