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How to Enable Intel WiFi on macOS [Clover/OpenCore]
An EliteMacx86 Exclusive Guide - This guide covers the implementation of Intel WiFi on macOS using Clover and OpenCore. By following this guide, you'll be able to enable Intel WiFi on macOS using Clover or OpenCore Bootloader.Overview
There are several Broadcom WiFi cards that work OOTB. However, few cards are fully supported, but you need to use an injector kext to enable the WiFi.
Non-Apple computers have been using Intel WiFi for such a long time. With a Non-Apple computer, you have very limited WiFi options and 90% of them are shipped with Intel WiFi. The other few options are Realtek and Atheros. Unfortunately, Apple does not have any drivers for Intel or Realtek based WiFi Cards and these cards are unusable since then. However, with the efforts of some developers, a new project was started and now it is possible to have the Intel WiFi working. Some functions are still limited and may not work as expected. But for users who don't have the option to replace the stock card (where the card is soldered) or if a user does not wish to replace the card and wants to have a limited experience, this can be an option. It's worth noting that currently no Intel WiFi hardware is officially supported in any OS X/macOS version. Note that this is not the ideal solution and we recommend you to install a compatible WiFi/BT Card for full functionality.
Compatibility
Refer to the thread linked below for more information on Atheros WiFi compatibility.

WiFi Compatibility List for OS X and macOS [Broadcom, Atheros, Intel and Realtek]
WiFi Compatibility List for OS X and macOS [Broadcom, Atheros, Intel and Realtek] Following are the list of compatible and non-compatible WiFi models for Mac. For Broadcom https://www.elitemacx86.com/threads/how-to-enable-broadcom-wifi.606/ For Atheros...

Requirements
WiFi Hardware | Compatible Intel WiFi |
Network Kexts | Original Network kexts in S/L/E |
macOS Version | macOS High Sierra and Later |
STEP 1: Add Required Kext
To enable the WiFi support, you've two options
Kexts | Notes |
---|---|
itlwm |
|
AirportItlwm |
|
QUICK INFO:
- Do not use
itlwm.kext
andAirportItlwm.kext
together.- Never install Kernel Extensions into
/Library/Extensions
or/System/Library/Extensions
.
Method #1: itlwm+HeliPort App
1. Download itlwm from the downloads section of this forum.
2. Mount your ESP.
For Clover:
If you're using Clover, copy
itlwm.kext
to EFI/Clover/Kext/Others
For OpenCore:
If you're using OpenCore, copy
itlwm.kext
to EFI/OC/Kexts
. You'll also need to add the kext entry in the Kernel
section of your config.plist.When choosing
itlwm method
, you'll also need to install HeliPort
. HeliPort acts as a WiFi Client. To install HeliPort, follow the steps below.1. Download HeliPort.dmg.
2. Mount the DMG.
3. Move HeliPort to the Applications folder.
NOTE:
- When using itlwm+HeliPort method, the network adapter is identified as Ethernet instead of WiFi Adapter.
Method #2: AirportItlwm
1. Download AirportItlwm and Lilu from the downloads section of this forum.
2. Mount your ESP.
For Clover:
If you're using Clover, copy
AirportItlwm.kext
to EFI/Clover/Kext/Others
For OpenCore:
If you're using OpenCore, copy
AirportItlwm.kext
to EFI/OC/Kexts
. You'll also need to add the kext entries in the Kernel
section of your config.plist.NOTES:
|
3. For macOS Catalina and prior, you need to follow one of the following steps to load IO80211Family.
- Enable Apple Secure Boot (Please read OpenCore's official manual).
- Force IO80211Family to load. 「Supports OpenCore and Clover(not tested)」 (Read the Kernel - Force section in OpenCore's manual for more info).
- Load AirportItlwm from Terminal (Continuity features may not work).
After performing all the above steps, restart your system for the applied changes to take effect.
You can see a WiFi icon in the menu bar now. If not, you can enable it from System Preferences>Network>WiFi>Show Wi-Fi status in the menu bar.
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