# Wireless
For wireless, keep in mind that macOS has a very limited selection for native Wifi and Bluetooth cards. Midi made a great list on supported models that you can find in the r/Hackintosh FAQ (opens new window). For those who are either motherboard shopping or just looking for dedicated wireless, keep in mind that the following wireless cards are not supported or may have limited compatibility:
Wireless cards that aren't supported AT ALL
- Any Realtek based WiFi
Wireless cards to avoid
- Any USB based (Ralink and Realtek) as these generally aren't as reliable and some macOS functions like Handoff and Apple Watch Unlock may not function correctly
- Many USB based WiFi cards will "work" but may be reliant on third party software and will not function natively
- Some users have reported limited success with Bluetooth USB adapters but YMMV (opens new window)
- Recent development efforts have enabled (limited) WiFi and Bluetooth functionality in macOS for Intel Wireless cards
- There are still major caveats to using Intel Wifi cards, including but not limited to issues with WiFi performance, broken Continuity/Handoff/Apple Watch Unlock, and more. Avoid them unless you are forced to use one, like if you are using a laptop with soldered WiFi or CNVi
- Intel WiFi is enabled through either itwlm.kext or Airportitwlm.kext (opens new window)
- Intel Bluetooth is enabled through IntelBluetoothFirmware.kext (opens new window) (paired with BlueToolFixup.kext (opens new window) in macOS 12 and newer due to changes in Apple's Bluetooth stack)
- Compatibility is always changing, so please refer to the OpenIntelWireless Docs (opens new window) and OpenIntelWireless GitHub Repo (opens new window) for updated installation instructions and compatibility
- Killer WiFi cards may be usable depending on the model
- Recent Killer Wireless cards now use Intel WiFi chipsets
- This means that they can work in macOS, with the same caveats as and compatibility restrictions as above
Those who would like a list of supported models can check out the Wireless Buyers Guide (opens new window)