Title: Scanning networks
Description: Passively find and review nearby Wi-Fi access points.
URL: /v2.1/wifi/survey/
Version: v2.1
Section: Wi-Fi
Search index: /search-index.json

# Scanning networks

> Passively find and review nearby Wi-Fi access points.

## On this page

- [What this does](#what-this-does)
- [Before you start](#before-you-start)
- [On-device steps](#on-device-steps)
- [CLI steps](#cli-steps)
- [Expected result](#expected-result)
- [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)
- [Related tasks](#related-tasks)

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## What this does
This passive scan lists nearby Wi-Fi access points without connecting to them or transmitting network traffic.
## Before you start
- GhostESP flashed device, powered on with a wireless antenna.
- Use the on-device UI or serial CLI. On a single-board setup, the WebUI cannot remain connected while the Wi-Fi radio scans.
## On-device steps
- Open Menu → WiFi → Scanning.
- Choose Scan Access Points.
- Wait for the scan to finish.
- Select List Access Points.
- Review each network’s name, channel, signal strength, and manufacturer.
Use Scan APs Live to see access points as they appear, or Channel Congestion to review activity by channel.
## CLI steps
- Open the GhostESP terminal (serial connection or on-device terminal).
- Run scanap to start a scan.
- Run list -a to see the cached list of networks.
Run scanap -live to watch networks appear as they are discovered.
## Expected result
GhostESP displays nearby access points and their available details. No network connection is created.
## Troubleshooting
- No networks found: Move closer to wireless routers and try scanning again.
- “You Need to Scan APs First” message: Run a scan before trying to select a network.
- Live scan stops right away: Stop any active Wi-Fi attacks or portals from the menu and try again.
## Related tasks
- [Connect GhostESP to a Wi-Fi network](/v2.1/wifi/connect/)
- [Find devices on your Wi-Fi network](/v2.1/wifi/lan-discovery/)
- [Run a full environment sweep](/v2.1/wifi/environment-sweep/)