How to Use 2 Wi-Fi Connections at Once on a Mac with Speedify

Connect to Multiple Wi-Fi Networks Simultaneously and Join Them for Better Internet

Joining two Wi-Fi Internet connections may seem like rocket science, but it’s actually quite simple if you have the right channel bonding (or link aggregation) software app like Speedify. 

In this guide we'll show you how you can use your Mac's internal Wi-Fi adapter and a USB Wi-Fi adapter to connect to two different Wi-Fi networks and then use Speedify to combine them.

This article applies to all Mac computers running MacOS Big Sur (version 11) or older. Starting from MacOS Monterey (version 12), Apple removed the support for external USB Wi-Fi adapters.

Speedify is the only app that joins together your Starlink, Wi-Fi, 4G / 5G cellular, wired, and even your friend’s phone signals – and turns them into one ultra-fast and super secure link that keeps you all connected for the best possible live streaming, video calling, or just posting to your favorite app.

Speedify can join any number or combination of Internet connections and will intelligently distribute your online traffic among them for optimal performance. Plus, if you get disconnected from one of your connections in the middle of an important video call or file transfer, Speedify will seamlessly failover to your other working Internet connection(s) without skipping a beat.

NOTE: For best results, use Internet connections from different sources. In general, joining the same upstream network multiple times (such as the same router via Ethernet and Wi-Fi) will not improve performance.

Quick answer

Should you have a backup 4G, 5G, Starlink, or cable internet connection?

Yes — every internet connection goes down, including Starlink, which drops for ~34 minutes a day on average. A backup connection from a different provider means one outage never takes you fully offline. The most common options are a 4G/5G cellular hotspot, a cable or DSL line, or a second satellite dish.

Speedify bonds any two connections into one — automatic failover, more speed, no dropped calls.

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Speedify

Speedify gives you faster, steadier internet by combining Wi-Fi, cellular, and Starlink

Speedify bonds Wi-Fi, 4G/5G cellular, Ethernet, and Starlink into one connection at the same time, giving you more speed, automatic failover when one drops, and AES-256 encryption on every link.

Download Speedify ›

More speed

Upload and download speeds combine across every active connection on your device.

🔄

Automatic failover

If a connection drops, Speedify moves your traffic to another in milliseconds. Calls stay connected.

🔒

Always encrypted

Every link runs through an encrypted tunnel, including public Wi-Fi, cellular, and Starlink.

Speedify Feature · Pair & Share

Speedify Pair & Share: share cellular between your devices, both ways

Most hotspots give. Speedify's Pair & Share gives and takes. Two devices running Speedify pair up and each uses the other's cellular connection simultaneously, so you both get faster uploads, faster downloads, and a steadier connection. No extra hardware, no new data plans, no setup beyond a tap.

Learn how Speedify's Pair & Share works ›

More speed

Every device you pair with adds its cellular to yours, and yours to theirs.

📱

Stays connected

If a paired device drops out, Speedify keeps you online on the remaining links.

🔒

Always private

Every shared connection runs through AES-256 encryption. Your traffic is yours.

🎉

No new gear

Runs on devices already running Speedify, over your local network. Pair once, reconnects automatically.

How do I use Wi-Fi and 4G/5G cellular at the same time with Speedify?

Pick your two internet connections and your device below and we'll take you to the step-by-step setup guide.

I want to combine

Use the selectors below to find the setup guide for your exact combination of connections.

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3 Steps to Join Two Wi-Fi Connections on a Mac Using Speedify

Step 1: Connect to a Wi-Fi Network

Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. (If Wi-Fi is off, choose "Turn Wi-Fi on.") Select a nearby Wi-Fi network from the list. Keep in mind, private networks may require you to enter a password before connecting.

Need help with this step? Visit Apple’s knowledge base to learn more.

Step 2: Configure and Connect your USB Wi-Fi Adapter

You can use a secondary Wi-Fi connection on your Mac computer if it's running MacOS version 11 (Big Sur) or older. You’ll need a compatible USB Wi-Fi adapter and any corresponding software or drivers from the device manufacturer. Instructions may vary for your specific make or model.

Connect your USB Wi-Fi Adapter to a USB port on your Mac. Install the necessary drivers and Wireless Utility for your USB Wi-Fi network adapter. Once complete, you may be required to restart your Mac.

Turn On the Wireless Utility of your USB Wi-Fi Network Adapter.
Next, open the Wireless Utility and select and connect to a network from the list that appears. Be aware that you usually have to enter a password for private networks.

You should now be connected to a Wi-Fi network via your USB Wi-Fi Adapter. To confirm your connection status, visit System Preferences, click Network, and look for your new adapter in the list on the left.

Step 3: Download and Install Speedify

Last but certainly not least, download and install Speedify. Once running, Speedify will automatically detect any available Internet connections and join them together for increased speed, security, and stability.

Need to keep several devices connected in areas with limited or spotty network coverage, like event venues, remote locations or when traveling? Get consistent and uninterrupted online activity for all your devices using Speedify's Pair & Share functionality, which allows you to share cellular data between multiple devices wirelessly.

By pairing devices, you can effectively distribute your cellular connection across them, improving overall performance, especially when other network options like Wi-Fi may be slow or unstable.

You can manage settings, view statistics, and even apply limits to individual connections by either clicking/tapping on them from the Dashboard or by navigating to the desired connection through the main Settings menu.

Speedify will work quietly in the background to optimize performance including prioritizing streaming web traffic to avoid stuttering, buffering and disconnects.

Whether at home, work, or on-the-go, Speedify is the only VPN that makes your online experiences faster, more reliable, and more secure.

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Get started with Speedify today!

With Speedify you can combine Wi-Fi, 4G / 5G cellular, Ethernet, Starlink and other satellites into one bonded super-connection to improve livestreaming, video calling, gaming, web browsing, and everything else you do online.

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Speed

Get faster uploads and downloads for everything you do online.

Stability

Avoid buffering and disconnects while streaming, gaming, and browsing.

Security

Keep your personal data safe from hackers, snoops and cyber criminals

Speedify engineers love talking tech on YouTube, Tiktok, and Instagram!

Alex Gizis and the Speedify engineers discuss and explain technology including Starlink satellites, Wi-Fi 7 routers, Apple networking features, fiber optics, broadband internet, 5G mobile networks, AI, networking protocols, and much more. Follow Speedify on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn!

Alex and the Speedify team are always exploring the latest in networking and security technology—like 5G, 6G, WiFi 7, laser and satellite internet—and sharing it in new discussion content across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn every week.

Got a tech question? Let's go deeper! Pop into Speedify Office Hours live every Wednesday at 10 AM Eastern. Speedify CEO Alex Gizis and our network engineers are standing by to break down your questions about networks, tech updates, and Speedify features.

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