Why can't I see my neighbour's hidden network?

Hidden networks don't broadcast their SSID, so they won't appear in a passive scan. You'd need to know the network name and connect to it manually for it to show up.

Which channel should I switch my router to?

On 2.4 GHz, channels 1, 6 and 11 are the only non-overlapping ones. Pick whichever has the fewest competing networks. On 5 GHz there are many non-overlapping channels, so any lightly used one works well.

Does the analyzer need location permission?

Yes, on Android scanning Wi-Fi networks requires the Location permission because nearby networks can be used to infer your position. The tool itself never uses or stores your location.

Can I export the scan results?

Yes — use the share button to export the current scan as text so you can paste it into a report or send it to someone helping you with your network setup.

WiFi Analyzer

APP

Scan nearby Wi-Fi networks, channels and signal strength.

Best on the app

WiFi Analyzer needs your phone's hardware

Scanning nearby Wi-Fi needs the device radio. Download Carbide free to use it — plus all 111 tools, fully offline.

SCAN TO INSTALL

What it does

WiFi Analyzer scans the wireless networks around you and gives you a clear picture of the radio environment. It lists every visible SSID along with its signal strength in dBm, the frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz), the channel it occupies, and the security type. At a glance you can see which channels are congested, which band your own router is broadcasting on, and whether a neighbouring network is overlapping with yours and dragging your speeds down. This makes it invaluable when you're setting up a new router, choosing the quietest channel, or diagnosing a weak spot in your home. Everything runs directly on your device — no account, no sign-up, no data shared with anyone. It's free and completely private.

How to use the WiFi Analyzer

Open the WiFi Analyzer tool. The app immediately begins scanning for visible networks around you.
Browse the list of detected SSIDs. Each entry shows the network name, signal strength (dBm), band, channel and security type.
Tap any network to expand its details and see a signal-strength history graph.
Switch to the Channel view to see a bar chart of networks by channel — identify crowded channels and find a quieter one for your router.
Use the information to adjust your router's channel or band setting for better performance.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I see my neighbour's hidden network?: Hidden networks don't broadcast their SSID, so they won't appear in a passive scan. You'd need to know the network name and connect to it manually for it to show up.
Which channel should I switch my router to?: On 2.4 GHz, channels 1, 6 and 11 are the only non-overlapping ones. Pick whichever has the fewest competing networks. On 5 GHz there are many non-overlapping channels, so any lightly used one works well.
Does the analyzer need location permission?: Yes, on Android scanning Wi-Fi networks requires the Location permission because nearby networks can be used to infer your position. The tool itself never uses or stores your location.
Can I export the scan results?: Yes — use the share button to export the current scan as text so you can paste it into a report or send it to someone helping you with your network setup.

Take Carbide everywhere

All 111 tools, offline, on iOS & Android — free.