Retrieving the SSID on macOS

[richb-hanover]

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In macOS 15.3, Apple has further restricted access to the SSID for privacy reasons. The system now redacts the SSID unless the application has explicit location permissions.

How to Fix This

To retrieve the SSID successfully, you must grant location access to your terminal or script:

Step 1: Grant Terminal Location Access

1. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services.
2. Scroll down to Terminal (or iTerm, VSCode, etc.).
3. Enable Location Services for your terminal.
4. Restart your terminal and try running the commands again.

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Alternative: Use CoreWLAN with Full Permissions

If you’re writing a program, using Swift or Python with CoreWLAN (with location permission granted) still works.

Swift Code

import CoreWLAN

if let interface = CWWiFiClient.shared().interface(),
   let ssid = interface.ssid() {
    print("Connected to WiFi: \(ssid)")
} else {
    print("Not connected to WiFi")
}

✅ Ensure your app has the com.apple.developer.networking.wifi-info entitlement.

Python Code (Requires pyobjc)

from CoreWLAN import CWWiFiClient

wifi_client = CWWiFiClient.sharedWiFiClient()
interface = wifi_client.interface()
ssid = interface.ssid() if interface else None

if ssid:
    print(f"Connected to WiFi: {ssid}")
else:
    print("Not connected to WiFi")

Before running:

pip install pyobjc-framework-CoreWLAN

✅ Run this script from a terminal with Location Services enabled.

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Why Is macOS Hiding the SSID?

• Apple has increased privacy protections in macOS 15.
• Without location permission, all system commands (networksetup, airport, ioreg, etc.) return "<SSID Redacted>".
• Only apps with explicit permission can read the SSID.

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Final Solution

1. For CLI commands: Enable Location Services for your terminal.
2. For Swift/Python apps: Use CoreWLAN and request WiFi Info Entitlement if needed.
3. For automation: Use a script running inside a signed & notarized app with proper entitlements.

Would you like a guide to create a signed script with the necessary permissions? 🚀