How to manually set WiFi network preference order in macOS

How to set "Preferred" WiFi network ordering in Sequoia and Tahoe?

Manually ordering network preference was a great feature in macOS,

apparently deprecated in Ventura in favor of an automated system based on usage. :(

The problem with the automated system is that it can make errant assumptions.


Example: I used a MiFi portable hotspot while traveling.

The MiFI hotspot has limited monthly bandwidth, so I want my laptop to use my home or client office WiFI whenever it can access them.


But, after traveling on MiFi for a long time, the new automated logic will prefer my MiFi hotspot over my home WiFi and trusted client WiFis, requiring me to turn off my MiFi when I get home or to a client's office, to force my laptop to use the home/client network. :(


I seriously wish Apple would enable the Preferred Networks menu again,

providing a manual override to the current automated system. /\

A new UX could display the algo weightings for reference (insight into the algo),

while allowing users to manually specify relational ordering,

so specific networks (eg: MiFi hotspot in my example) are always lower priority

than trusted fiber/etc networks.


In the meantime, is there a way to directly force ordering and/or edit the new automated system weighting?

ie: Is there a plist or such which can be directly edited from terminal?


Thanks for your time and advice! :)

Posted on Nov 18, 2025 4:20 AM

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How to manually set WiFi network preference order in macOS

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