WIFI turning on by itself still a problem.

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Level 1

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WIFI turning on by itself still a problem.

I still have this issue on my Mac Pro desktop now running MacOS Sonoma 14.1.1.

I have a reliable and fast internet connection permanently wired into my Mac Pro desktop, and every now and again I notice on my toolbar above that I am on Wifi. So I turn it off.... the some weeks later I notice Wifi is back on again.

What gives here?

I never have a reason to use Wifi with this computer, and my Wifi actually runs slower than the hardwire connection. It's really annoying, especially to see that this question was an issue back in 2015 when this thread first began, and here we are, almost 2024 and it still hasn't been resolved.

Posted on Nov 19, 2023 10:42 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Grant Bennet-Alder

Level 10

140,201 points

Nov 19, 2023 12:12 PM in response to Paulcogley

System preferences > Network

use the gear icon in the box below the list of networks to select "set Service order" and drag Ethernet Topmost, and wi-Fi wherever you like. packets going toward the Internet are sent to the TOPMOST working interface in the list.

Wi-Fi can be used to get an approximate Location, if web sites or other software ask for your location. there is no penalty for having additional connections active.

if you don't want Wi-Fi to connect, get rid of all approved Wi-Fi networks. Deleting a network deletes its password as well, so manual password entry would be required to re-join:

and here, under (advanced):

...

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Answer 2

Nov 19, 2023 2:29 PM in response to Paulcogley

I recommend turning ON "ask to Join New Networks"

then at least it will ASK.

then click (Advanced) and on the default pane, Wi-Fi, it should list KNOWN networks.

Delete them ALL, so none are known.

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Answer 3

Paulcogley Author

Level 1

5 points

Nov 19, 2023 12:58 PM in response to Paulcogley

Well thanks, but I have not seen that window in a while. And yes, I had been turning off WIFI at that level.

And this is what that window looks like these days. Your options are diminishing.

Unfortunately, it seems that the line between phone, tablet, watch and Desktop computer is ever more blurred. When digging deep into isolating your wifi connections, it would affect your phone and everything else, so it has become more problematic and I do not want to limit my phone's wifi connections, so it is less viable. It never made any difference before, the WIFI still seems to find a way to reconnect. I am sure the day is coming when we will lose all say in the matter.

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Answer 4

Paulcogley Author

Level 1

5 points

Nov 19, 2023 3:03 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thanks for your help Grant.

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WIFI turning on by itself still a problem.

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