WiFi Scanner

The WiFi Scanner tool in PortDroid provides detailed insights into nearby wireless networks, allowing you to view essential data about their signal strength, frequency, and security status.

Usage

• Initial Setup: Launch the WiFi scanning tool. If prompted, grant the necessary permissions (ACCESS_LOCATION). Additionally, ensure your device’s location services are enabled. Without these settings, the WiFi scanner will not operate.
• Network Frequencies: Depending on your device’s capabilities, you can toggle between 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz network views.
• Display Options: Visualize the networks in a list format for a detailed breakdown, or opt for a graph visualization for a more visual representation.

Demo

You can see this in the screenshots below:

Advanced Features

• Scan Throttling: Android’s later versions have set a default throttle on WiFi scanning to once every 30 seconds (technically 4 scans in 2 minutes). However, if you need more frequent scans, you can adjust the rate to once every 5 seconds by accessing developer settings and disabling the WiFi scan throttling.
• Sorting Options: Customize how you view the networks by sorting them based on name, signal strength, or frequency (channel).
• Snapshot View: If you prefer viewing networks at specific intervals instead of a continuous scan, disable the continuous scanning feature. Use the pull-to-refresh gesture to initiate a new scan when needed.
• Grouping Networks: Networks with identical names (SSID) can clutter your list. Enable the option to combine networks with the same SSID into a single list item for a cleaner view.

Notes

• Improving Accuracy: For a more accurate scan, ensure you’re in a location with minimal physical obstructions, and keep your device away from electronic devices that might interfere with the scan.
• Note on Permissions: Remember, the WiFi scanner requires access to location services due to Android’s security policies, even though the tool doesn’t track or store your location.