How to Change Preferred WiFi Network in macOS Ventura

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of changing the preferred WiFi network on your macOS Ventura. Apple’s latest OS release has led to some controversy, leaving users frustrated with the removal of Network Locations and the ability to change network priority from Ventura.

Change Preferred WiFi Network in macOS Ventura

Before macOS Monterey, users could easily prioritize multiple WiFi networks based on their specific requirements through Network > Wi-Fi > Advanced. However, Apple decided to remove this functionality entirely, without any clear reasons. Unfortunately, this feature is also absent in Sonoma, so it won’t be coming back in the next macOS version.

While some users suggest turning off Auto Join for all networks except the top one on the preference list, this workaround won’t achieve the desired result. The goal is to have macOS “automatically” connect to the network, but in a specific order. Thankfully, there is a clever workaround that can help us achieve this. So, without further delay, let’s dive into the process.

How to Change Preferred WiFi Network in macOS Ventura

Let’s assume the current WiFi preferences in my list are A > B > C (where A, B, and C represent network SSIDs), but I want B to be at the top of the priority list. To accomplish this, follow the step-by-step instructions below:

1. Open Launchpad > Others > Terminal.
2. Obtain a list of all network codes with the following command:
   • networksetup -listnetworkserviceorder Typically, Wi-Fi on a MacBook is assigned to network interface en0, while an iMac uses en1.
3. Now, type in the following command (replace network_interface with en0 or en1):
   • networksetup -listpreferredwirelessnetworks network_interface
   • In my case, using an iMac, the command would be:
     • networksetup -listpreferredwirelessnetworks en1
4. Let’s assume I want Network B to be at the top of my preferred network list. To remove it, execute the following command:
   • networksetup -removepreferredwirelessnetwork network_interface SSID
   • In my case, the command would be:
     • networksetup -removepreferredwirelessnetwork en1 B
5. Next, add it back with a higher index value (counting starts from 0, 1, 2, 3, and so on) and set the WPA2 security protocol:
   • networksetup -addpreferredwirelessnetworkatindex network_interface SSID index_value WPA2
   • In my case, the command would be:
     • networksetup -removepreferredwirelessnetwork en1 B 0 WPA2
6. Verify the changes using this command (replace the values accordingly):
   • networksetup -listpreferredwirelessnetworks network_interface
   • In my case, the command would be:
     • networksetup -listpreferredwirelessnetworks en1
7. After completing these steps, Network B will occupy the topmost position, replacing the previous Network A.

These are the steps to change the preferred WiFi network on your macOS Ventura. If you have any queries regarding the steps mentioned above, please share them in the comments. We will promptly respond with a suitable solution.

FAQs

1. Is this feature available in macOS Sonoma?
   • No, the ability to change the preferred WiFi network is not present in Sonoma either.
2. Can I still make macOS automatically join my preferred network?
   • Yes, there is a workaround to prioritize WiFi networks without disabling Auto Join.
3. What are the network interface codes for MacBook and iMac?
   • A MacBook typically assigns network interface en0 to Wi-Fi, while an iMac uses en1.
4. Can I change the WiFi network order using Terminal commands?
   >
   • Yes, you can change the preferred WiFi network order using Terminal commands, as outlined in the guide.
5. Will my changes persist after restarting my Mac?
   • Yes, the changes you make to the preferred WiFi network order will persist even after restarting your Mac.