Forget a Saved Wi-Fi Network? Here’s How

If you need to remove a saved Wi-Fi network from your device—whether to fix a connection problem, clear outdated credentials, or start fresh—the exact steps depend on your operating system, but the process is straightforward on all major platforms. This guide walks you through forgetting a network on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, and explains what to do if you run into trouble.

Why Forget a Wi-Fi Network?

Your devices automatically save Wi-Fi network details (SSID, password, security type) so you can reconnect without typing the password each time. However, there are several reasons you might want to delete that saved information:

• Connection issues: A saved network with an outdated or incorrect password can cause your device to keep trying to connect and fail, even when a better network is available.
• Security concerns: If you suspect a network is compromised or you no longer trust it, removing it prevents automatic reconnection.
• Changed passwords: If the router’s password changed, your device may still be trying the old one. Forgetting the network forces you to enter the new password.
• Public networks: You might not want your device to automatically join a public hotspot (like a coffee shop or airport) every time you’re in range.
• Clutter: Over time, your saved networks list can become long and confusing. Cleaning it up makes it easier to see which networks you actually use.

How to Forget a Network on Windows

On Windows 10 and Windows 11, the steps are slightly different but both are quick.

Windows 10:

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner).
2. Click Network & Internet settings (or right-click the Wi-Fi icon and select Open Network & Internet settings).
3. Click Wi-Fi in the left sidebar, then click Manage known networks.
4. Find the network you want to forget, click it, and click Forget.

Windows 11:

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray.
2. Click the > arrow next to the Wi-Fi toggle, then click Manage Wi-Fi connections (or go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi).
3. Next to the network you want to remove, click the … (more) button.
4. Select Forget.

Note: If you’re using a domain-joined or managed device (like a work laptop), your IT department may have policies that prevent you from forgetting certain networks.

How to Forget a Network on macOS

On a Mac, the process is done through System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions).

1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on macOS Monterey and earlier).
2. Click Wi-Fi.
3. Click the Advanced button (usually at the bottom right).
4. In the list of Known Networks, find the one you want to remove.
5. Select it and click the minus (–) button, then click Remove.
6. Click OK and then Apply to save changes.

On macOS Ventura and later, the Advanced button is under the Wi-Fi settings, and the list is called Known Networks. After removal, the network will no longer be automatically joined.

How to Forget a Network on Android

Android varies slightly by manufacturer and version, but the general path is consistent.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Network & internet (or Connections on some Samsung devices).
3. Tap Wi-Fi.
4. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on, then tap the gear icon next to the network you want to forget (or long-press the network name and select Modify network).
5. Tap Forget (or Delete).

On some devices, you may need to tap the … menu in the top-right corner of the Wi-Fi screen and select Advanced > Saved networks to see a list of all saved networks. From there, you can tap a network and choose Forget.

How to Forget a Network on iPhone and iPad

On iOS and iPadOS, the process is simple but slightly hidden.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Wi-Fi.
3. Find the network you want to forget in the list under My Networks (or in the list of available networks).
4. Tap the i (info) icon next to the network name.
5. Tap Forget This Network.
6. Confirm by tapping Forget.

If the network is not currently in range, it will still appear in the My Networks list under the Wi-Fi settings. You can tap the info icon even if the network is not available.

What to Do If the Network Keeps Coming Back

Sometimes a network reappears after you forget it. This can happen for a few reasons:

• Auto-join from another device: If you use iCloud Keychain (Apple) or a Google account on Android, your saved networks may sync across devices. Forgetting on one device may not remove it from others, and it may sync back. You may need to forget it on all devices or disable Wi-Fi syncing temporarily.
• Router still broadcasting: The network is still in range and your device will see it as a new network. You’ll need to re-enter the password if you want to join again, but it won’t auto-connect until you do.
• Third-party apps: Some VPN or Wi-Fi management apps may store and re-add networks. Check your installed apps for any that manage Wi-Fi connections.
• Windows group policy: On Windows, if your device is managed by an organization, a group policy might re-add the network. You’ll need to contact your IT admin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will forgetting a Wi-Fi network delete the password from my device?

Yes, forgetting a network removes the saved password for that specific network from your device. You will need to enter the password again the next time you want to connect. However, if you have Wi-Fi password syncing enabled (like iCloud Keychain), the password may still be stored in your keychain and can be retrieved or auto-filled when you try to reconnect.

Can I forget a network that is not currently in range?

Yes, on most devices you can forget a network even if it’s not in range. On Windows, go to Manage known networks and you’ll see all saved networks. On macOS, the Known Networks list shows all saved networks. On iOS, the My Networks list shows all saved networks. On Android, you may need to go to Advanced > Saved networks to see the full list.

What’s the difference between forgetting a network and turning off Wi-Fi?

Turning off Wi-Fi simply disables the radio; your device won’t connect to any network until you turn it back on. Forgetting a network deletes the saved credentials for that specific network, so your device will no longer automatically connect to it, even when Wi-Fi is on. You can still connect to other saved networks.

Why can’t I forget a network on my iPhone?

If the Forget This Network button is grayed out, it might be because the network is managed by a configuration profile (e.g., from your school or employer). You can check Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. If a profile is installed, you may need to remove it (which could affect other settings) or contact your administrator. Also, ensure you’re not currently connected to that network; try disconnecting first.

Will forgetting a network fix my connection issues?

Often, yes. If the issue is caused by incorrect saved credentials, a stale IP address, or a corrupted network profile, forgetting the network and reconnecting with the correct password can resolve it. However, if the problem is with the router itself (e.g., weak signal, router crash), forgetting won’t help. Try restarting your router and device first.

Does forgetting a network remove it from all my devices?

No, forgetting a network only affects the device you’re using. Each device stores its own list of saved networks. However, if you use a cloud sync service for Wi-Fi passwords (like iCloud Keychain or Google’s backup), the network may be removed from other devices if you also forget it there, or it may reappear if you don’t. You’ll need to forget it on each device individually.

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