Questions and answers
If the answer is not here, email feedback@wifixray.com. Bugs, feature requests, refunds, anything. Include your macOS version and a screenshot if you can.
Why does WiFi X-Ray ask for Location permission?
macOS only reveals Wi-Fi network names to apps that hold Location permission. That is an Apple platform rule, not a choice this app makes. WiFi X-Ray uses it for that single purpose and never reads or stores your location. If you decline, the app still works, but some network names may appear blank.
A device shows up as "unknown". Why?
Modern phones and laptops use randomized private Wi-Fi addresses, which hides the manufacturer from a normal vendor lookup. WiFi X-Ray still tries to identify them by name and behaviour using Bonjour, UPnP, and port fingerprinting. You can also label any device yourself, and the label sticks across scans.
What does the security audit actually check?
Four things: your Wi-Fi encryption mode (WPA3, WPA2, WPA, WEP, or Open); your router's own exposure, meaning whether UPnP is enabled and whether it runs plaintext services such as Telnet or FTP; unidentified devices on your network; and Bluetooth exposure around you, including openly connectable devices and item trackers. Every finding comes from a real observation, and each expands into fix steps for your specific router brand.
How are the router-specific fixes generated?
WiFi X-Ray identifies your router from what it broadcasts: UPnP make and model, hardware vendor, and network name. It then shows the exact app or admin address and the steps for that brand, covering Netgear, ASUS, TP-Link, eero, Google Nest Wifi, Ubiquiti, and major ISP gateways including Bell, Rogers, Telus, Xfinity, and Fios. If it cannot identify your router confidently, it gives clear generic steps instead of guessing.
Can it tell me if someone has hacked my network?
No, and it does not pretend to. WiFi X-Ray grades your security posture from things it can genuinely observe, such as weak encryption, an exposed router service, or a device it cannot identify. It is not an intrusion detection system, a firewall, or an antivirus, and it will never tell you that it has detected an attacker.
What is in WiFi X-Ray Pro?
Unlimited device discovery, deep scan, and Pro tables; per-device port scan and connection diagnostics including latency, jitter, packet loss, and speed test; auto-refresh, 5 and 6 GHz channel analysis, and new-device alerts; CSV and JSON export; and exportable security reports. Pro is a one-time purchase, not a subscription.
I bought Pro on another Mac. How do I restore it?
Open Settings, go to Account, and choose Restore Purchases. As long as you are signed in with the same Apple ID, Pro will unlock.
Is the speed test sending my data anywhere?
No. The optional speed test downloads from a public speed endpoint to measure throughput, which is a standard download with no personal data attached. Everything else WiFi X-Ray does stays on your local network. See the privacy policy for the full detail.
Does WiFi X-Ray work without an internet connection?
Yes. All scanning is local. The only feature that touches the internet is the optional speed test.
What are the system requirements?
macOS 14 Sonoma or later, on a Mac with built-in Wi-Fi. It runs natively on both Apple Silicon and Intel. Location Services should be enabled for full network name visibility.