What is airportd on a Mac, and why is it using CPU?
What the airportd process does in macOS, why it can use CPU or ask for access, and how to calm it when Wi-Fi keeps scanning.
What is airportd?
The system service that runs Wi-Fi: scanning for networks, joining, roaming between access points and handling location requests that use Wi-Fi.
Why is airportd using CPU?
Repeated scanning or reconnecting, for example a weak signal, a network with many access points, or a remembered network out of range. Check signal strength first.
How do I calm airportd?
Remove networks you no longer use in System Settings, Wi-Fi, Known Networks, rejoin your main one, and turn Wi-Fi off and on.
Common questions
Is airportd a virus?
No. It is the built in macOS Wi-Fi service.
Can I quit airportd?
macOS restarts it immediately. Fix the Wi-Fi issue causing the activity instead.