How do I make my wireless router the default network?

[mikepow2001]

Tried googling this with no luck. I'm new to the mac/laptop world. My new mac keeps picking my neighbor's network over mine. It (obviously) fails to connect to the neighbors router coz password is required. I then have to scroll down a list of networks and instruct my computer to connect to my router. Is there a way to simplify my life...Guys I need your HELP!!!!!

[flopticalcube]

On the Airport icon in the menu bar select Open Network Preferences... then click on Advanced in the lower right hand corner. Remove your neighbors network from there.

[TEG]

Open the Network Preference Pannel, select Airport. Change the network connection setting to preferred networks, then make sure your network is at the top of the list, by just dragging it.

TEG

[Killerbob]

I am having similar problems on my Mac Air.

I have two WiFi networks in the house, plus the countless others from neighbors. I have done as prescribed: set up my two WiFi networks, they are the only two on the "preferred networks" list, and I only have the Airport turned on, and it all works when I select my primary network. It has all the passwords etc. memorized. However, when I put the Air to sleep, and eventually wake it up again, it asks what network I want to join? Every time!

How do I configure it to remember the primary network, and always log into it?

TIA

KB

[mikepow2001]

Thanks guys. I knew there had to be an easier way...LOL. What a relief!!!

[jpvand1]

Same problem.
The solutions given so far aren't doing the trick. I'm in a college apartment complex and everyone has wifi, so each time I open the macbook it lands on a different network. I've tried to remove them from the list of "preferred" but to no avail.

Anyone got an idea?

Thanks!

[capps]

In the network preferences there is an option to not connect to "open" networks, this will prevent it from finding the first "linksys" or "netgear" and connecting to it. Next, go into your list of preferred networks and clear it out. Now, select your network and type in your password. Tell it to remember that network.

[duanemsmith]

I tried all of the good suggestions here, however I still had the same problem as jpvand1. That is because even though I have setup my list of preferred networks and even established my order of preference, Airport will still seek out other new networks within range thinking that I may want to connect to another stronger network, which is not what I want to do. I want to connect to my preferred home WiFi network whilst still being able to connect to other preferred WiFi networks or other public WiFi networks. I finally figured out how to do this and it was quite simple as I missed something basic because the option was not completely clear to me. I have my Network Name set to my home network called 'NETGEAR' and 'Ask to join new networks' ticked or selected. I did not unselect this as I thought I would not be able to browse other WiFi or wireless networks. However, with this option un-checked (un-selected) I now can see all networks close by and my MacBook knows to connect to my Network Name and will also connect to my other preferred networks in order of preference. Finally, if I do want to connect to another unknown WiFi connection I can manually select it an provide the appropriate credentials. Thanks all

[ratzzo]

For future configuration, remember that the list works as a queue system. The computer will try connecting to the first one first, else the second, and so on.

[emorrisiv]

You can go into the advanced area of the wireless tab, you should see a list of all you previous wireless networks. Drag your favorite to the top. This should make it the default.

[Wabuf]

Hey guise,

This is my first post here at MacRumors. I registered just to let you all know of what solved my problem. Also, the problem is surrounding my very first piece of Apple hardware: MacBook Pro Retina 15".

Symptom:
Upon every wake, prompted with preferred networks screen (had to manually select my 'linksys' connection every time).

Solution:
What fixed it for me? After going into [Apple Logo Menu] > System Preferences > Network > Advanced..., I realized that the 'linksys' network on that list was not secured (i.e. Security: Open). However, my router requires a WPA key. So I removed that 'linksys' Open connection and manually added it again with the Plus [+] button. I dragged it up to the top, clicked OK and Apply. Finally, I tested it out by putting the laptop to sleep and waking it back up. To my great satisfaction, I was automatically connected with no sign of that prompt!


Really hope this solves others' issues. It may not fix everyone's automatic network detection problems, but it should do the trick .. had your Mac learned your network without a key or possibly a key has been changed.