WiFi Lens for MAC
Free, open-source Wi-Fi analyzer and network diagnostics app for Mac, with band scanning, channel scores, roaming tests and AP Radar. A paid Pro edition exists.
WiFi Lens Overview
WiFi Lens is a native Mac app for understanding the Wi-Fi around you. It scans nearby networks across the 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz bands, charts channel occupancy, scores congestion and recommends channels for your region. For each network you can inspect the PHY generation, channel width, 802.11k/r/v support and WPA3, and for your own connection the IP, gateway, DNS, MAC, transmit rate and security summary. A roaming test monitors handoffs between access points, a heatmap compares occupancy per band, and AP Radar helps you track a selected access point by signal strength, with optional audio feedback.
This post covers the free open-source edition, released under the Apache-2.0 license by Shiina Labs, a studio led by Kaoru Shiina. It handles live analysis only. WiFi Lens Pro, a one-time purchase on the Mac App Store, adds menu bar monitoring, continuous observation, event history, statistics, insights and spectrum recording. Version 2.0.1 focuses on showing only what the app can confirm: values it cannot verify now read as Unknown. WiFi Lens needs macOS 14.6 or later and works on Apple Silicon and Intel. Scanning 6 GHz requires Wi-Fi 6E or 7 hardware, and macOS requires Location Services permission for the app to see network names. Network Self-Check is still marked as a preview. There is no usage telemetry, and scan data stays on your Mac.
Key Features
WiFi Lens gathers the tools for reading a local Wi-Fi environment into one app.
- Wi-Fi scanning: nearby networks across 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz.
- Spectrum view: channel occupancy charts for each band.
- Channel quality: congestion scores with regional recommendations.
- Network details: PHY generation, channel width, 802.11k/r/v and WPA3.
- Roaming test: monitor access point handoffs and save sessions.
- AP Radar: track one access point by signal strength.
- BLE scanner: discover and track Bluetooth LE devices.
- MCP server and export: connect local AI tools and save PNG or CSV files.
What’s New in Version 2.0.1
WiFi Lens 2.0.1 focuses on showing only what the app can confirm.
- Values that cannot be verified now read as Unknown instead of a default or an old reading.
- A failed scan clears the network list instead of leaving old results on screen.
- The roaming test records a transition only between two continuous samples.
- The signal curve now breaks where there is no measurement.
- AP Radar stops pulsing and playing audio once its signal data goes stale.
- The Analysis group in the sidebar is now Network Experience and Problem History.
WiFi Lens FAQ
Is WiFi Lens free?
The open-source edition is free under the Apache-2.0 license. WiFi Lens Pro is a one-time purchase on the Mac App Store.
What does the Pro edition add?
Menu bar monitoring, continuous monitoring, event history, historical statistics, insights and spectrum recording. The open-source edition does not have these.
Which macOS version does WiFi Lens need?
macOS 14.6 or later.
Does WiFi Lens run on Apple Silicon and Intel?
Yes. It works on both.
Can WiFi Lens scan 6 GHz networks?
Yes, but 6 GHz scanning requires Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 hardware in your Mac.
Why does WiFi Lens ask for Location Services?
macOS requires this permission before an app can see Wi-Fi network names. The developer says WiFi Lens does not read your GPS position.
Does WiFi Lens collect my data?
The developer says it collects no usage analytics, crash telemetry or Wi-Fi scan data, and scan data stays on your Mac.
Can AI tools use WiFi Lens?
Yes. You can turn on its built-in MCP server in Settings. The server binds to 127.0.0.1 only, so compatible local clients can read your Wi-Fi data.
Can I install WiFi Lens with Homebrew?
Yes, from the developer’s tap. Run brew tap ShiinaLabs/apps and then brew install --cask ShiinaLabs/apps/wifi-lens.
Where does the WiFi Lens download on wifi-lens.FULLMAC.app come from?
The download button leads to the official WiFi Lens releases on GitHub at https://github.com/ShiinaLabs/wifi-lens/releases/latest. wifi-lens.FULLMAC.app does not change or repackage the app.
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FULLMAC.app does not host this app. Download buttons lead to the developer’s own pages.