MacOS – Automatically try to join hidden network if no preferred network available

macbook promacosNetworkwifi

My work has a hidden SSID that I need to join every morning. Is there any way to make my Mac search for the hidden network if no preferred network is available?

Failing that, is there a command I can run from the terminal to connect to a specific SSID?

In my Network preferences, the hidden SSID is first on the list of preferred networks, but it still doesn't join when I'm in the office.

EDIT: It appears the answer below works if you've upgraded to Mojave. It did not work when I was on High Sierra.

Best Answer

I have a network with hidden SSID, which I configured using the "Join Other Network".

This was done years ago, and the network is joined when necessary.

You can see (and reorder) "remembered" networks in "Open Network Preferences" Advanced tab

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IOS – Can iOS 4 connect automatically to a closed network with a hidden SSID

Okay, so this solved the issue for me. Could ber completely wrong because my fix isnt ipod/Iphone related, although the same proplems described above have happened to my ipod.

*Please note: Precedure will vary for other routers. These instructions are specific to Netgear DGN2000 Wireless-N Router with Built-in DSL Modem.

Step 1. Using your computer, log into your routers login/Manager page. my default login address is * http://192.168.0.1 *

Step 2. Under setup (on the left hand side) click Wireless Settings.

Step 3. In the first section under "Wireless Network" there is a sub-heading "Mode".

Select the desired wireless mode. The options are:

* g & b   - Both 802.11g and 802.11b wireless stations can be used.
* g only   - Only 802.11g wireless stations can be used.
* b only   - All 802.11b wireless stations can be used. 802.11g wireless stations can still be used if they can operate in 802.11b mode.
* Up to 130 Mbps   - Wireless stations that support up to 130 Mbps can be used, such as the WN511B. In this case, your router will transmit two streams with different data in the same channel at the same time.
* Up to 270 Mbps   - Wireless stations that support up to 270 Mbps can be used, such as the WN511B. Your router will run in channel expansion mode to achieve 270Mbps. This mode will support 40MHz or 20MHz bandwidth. The router will transmit data with expansion or no expansion frame by frame to avoid interference from other APs/clients data transmission.

The default is "Up to 130 Mbps", which allows all 11b and 11g wireless stations. The NETGEAR WN511B runs at 126 Mbps or 270 Mbps when accessing this router.

Mine was set on "Up to 270 Mbps" mode. the iPod/iPhone's do not support this mode very well.

THe best choice i found was the "Up to 130 Mbps" mode. My iPod connected straight away and has worked perfectly with my hidden network.

Step 4. Be sure to save and apply your settings.

If this helps anyone, please post a reply. Interested to know if this is "one" solution to what could be one of many problems on this topic, actually works for others.

<3 Dallen :]

MacOS – Disable the “None of your preferred networks are available” dialog on OS X

Open the Network pane of the System preferences.
Select AirPort in the list on the left.
Uncheck the “Ask to join new networks” checkbox.
Et voilà! :)

Best Answer

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IOS – Can iOS 4 connect automatically to a closed network with a hidden SSID

MacOS – Disable the “None of your preferred networks are available” dialog on OS X

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