How To Forget A Wi-Fi Network: A Comprehensive Guide

We’ve all been there. You’ve connected to a Wi-Fi network, maybe at a coffee shop, a friend’s house, or even an old apartment. But now, that network is either no longer relevant, causing connection issues, or presenting a security risk. Holding onto outdated Wi-Fi network information can clutter your device’s memory and potentially expose you to vulnerabilities if that network is compromised. Learning how to “forget” these networks is a simple yet essential skill for maintaining your device’s security and ensuring seamless connectivity. This guide will walk you through the process of removing saved Wi-Fi networks across various devices, from smartphones and tablets to laptops and desktop computers.

Table of Contents

Why Forget a Wi-Fi Network?

There are several compelling reasons to remove saved Wi-Fi networks from your devices. Understanding these reasons will highlight the importance of this simple task.

Security Concerns

Public Wi-Fi networks, while convenient, can be hotspots for cybercriminals. If a network you previously connected to has been compromised or is a rogue access point designed to steal your data, your device might automatically connect to it, potentially exposing your personal information. Forgetting these networks prevents accidental reconnections. Regularly clearing out old Wi-Fi connections reduces your attack surface.

Preventing Connection Issues

Sometimes, your device might prioritize connecting to a saved Wi-Fi network, even if it’s weak or unavailable, instead of a stronger, more reliable network. This can lead to slow internet speeds, dropped connections, and overall frustration. Forgetting the problematic network forces your device to scan for available networks and choose the best option.

Maintaining a Clean Device

Over time, your device can accumulate a long list of saved Wi-Fi networks, some of which you may never use again. This can clutter your device’s settings and make it harder to find the networks you actually need. Removing unused networks helps keep your device organized and efficient.

Privacy Protection

Some networks might track your activity or collect data about your device. Forgetting these networks can help protect your privacy and prevent unwanted tracking. While forgetting a network won’t erase any data that has already been collected, it prevents future tracking through that specific network.

Forgetting Wi-Fi Networks on Different Devices

The process of forgetting a Wi-Fi network varies slightly depending on the device and operating system you’re using. Below, we’ll cover the steps for the most common devices.

Forgetting Wi-Fi Networks on Android Devices

Android devices offer a straightforward way to manage saved Wi-Fi networks.

Steps to Forget a Wi-Fi Network on Android

Open the Settings app on your Android device. This is usually represented by a gear icon.
Navigate to the “Wi-Fi” section. The exact wording may vary depending on your Android version, but it will typically be under “Network & Internet” or a similar category.
You’ll see a list of available and saved Wi-Fi networks. Tap on the saved network you want to forget.
A screen will appear with details about the network. Look for an option labeled “Forget,” “Remove,” or something similar. Tap on this option.
Your device will now forget the Wi-Fi network, and it will be removed from your list of saved networks.

Pro Tip: Some Android devices may offer a “Saved Networks” option where you can view and manage all your saved networks in one place. This can be a faster way to forget multiple networks at once.

Forgetting Wi-Fi Networks on iOS Devices (iPhone and iPad)

Apple’s iOS provides a similar method for managing saved Wi-Fi networks.

Steps to Forget a Wi-Fi Network on iOS

Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap on “Wi-Fi.”
You’ll see a list of available and saved Wi-Fi networks. Tap the “i” icon (information icon) next to the network you want to forget.
On the network details screen, tap “Forget This Network.”
A confirmation prompt will appear. Tap “Forget” to confirm.
The Wi-Fi network will now be forgotten, and your device will no longer automatically connect to it.

Important Note: Forgetting a Wi-Fi network on an iOS device will also remove it from your iCloud Keychain, meaning it will be forgotten on all your Apple devices that are signed in to the same iCloud account.

Forgetting Wi-Fi Networks on Windows Computers

Windows offers multiple ways to manage saved Wi-Fi networks.

Using the Settings App (Windows 10 and 11)

Click the Start button and then click the Settings icon (gear icon).
Click on “Network & Internet.”
Select “Wi-Fi” from the left-hand menu.
Click on “Manage known networks.”
You’ll see a list of saved Wi-Fi networks. Click on the network you want to forget.
Click the “Forget” button.
The Wi-Fi network will be removed from your list of saved networks.

Using the Command Prompt (Advanced Users)

The command prompt provides a more direct way to manage Wi-Fi profiles, particularly useful for advanced users or when troubleshooting issues.

Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Search for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-click on “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”
Type the following command and press Enter: netsh wlan show profiles This will display a list of all saved Wi-Fi network profiles.
Identify the profile name of the network you want to forget.
Type the following command, replacing “[Profile Name]” with the actual name of the Wi-Fi network profile, and press Enter: netsh wlan delete profile name="[Profile Name]"
The Wi-Fi network profile will be deleted.

Caution: Using the command prompt requires caution. Incorrect commands can potentially disrupt your network settings.

Forgetting Wi-Fi Networks on macOS Computers

macOS offers a user-friendly interface for managing saved Wi-Fi networks.

Steps to Forget a Wi-Fi Network on macOS

Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen.
Select “Open Network Preferences…”
Click on “Advanced…” in the bottom right corner of the Network window.
You’ll see a list of preferred Wi-Fi networks. Select the network you want to forget.
Click the “-” (minus) button below the list.
Click “OK” and then click “Apply” to save the changes.
The Wi-Fi network will be removed from your list of preferred networks.

Tip: You can also drag and drop networks in the preferred network list to prioritize which networks your Mac connects to first.

Troubleshooting Issues When Forgetting Wi-Fi Networks

Sometimes, you might encounter issues when trying to forget a Wi-Fi network. Here are some common problems and their solutions.

Network Not Listed

If the network you want to forget isn’t listed, it might not be saved on your device. Double-check the list of saved networks to ensure it’s actually there. If you’re sure it was saved, try restarting your device and checking again.

Forget Option Unavailable

In rare cases, the “Forget” option might be grayed out or unavailable. This could be due to administrative restrictions or a software glitch. Try restarting your device or checking with your network administrator if applicable.

Network Reappears After Forgetting

If a network reappears after you’ve forgotten it, your device might be automatically reconnecting to it due to a saved password or a network profile stored in the cloud. Ensure that the network is also removed from any cloud-based password managers or syncing services. Also check if another device on the same network is sharing the connection information.

Still Having Connection Problems

Even after forgetting a Wi-Fi network, you might still experience connection problems. This could be due to other network issues, such as a problem with your router or internet service provider. Try restarting your router and modem, or contacting your ISP for assistance.

Best Practices for Wi-Fi Security

Forgetting old or problematic Wi-Fi networks is just one aspect of maintaining good Wi-Fi security. Here are some additional best practices to follow.

Use Strong Passwords

Always use strong, unique passwords for your Wi-Fi network. Avoid using easily guessable passwords like “password” or “123456.” A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Enable WPA3 Encryption

WPA3 is the latest and most secure Wi-Fi encryption protocol. If your router supports it, enable WPA3 for the best possible security. If not, use WPA2 with AES encryption.

Keep Your Router Firmware Updated

Router manufacturers regularly release firmware updates to address security vulnerabilities and improve performance. Make sure your router’s firmware is up to date to protect your network from known threats.

Disable WPS

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a convenient feature that allows you to connect devices to your Wi-Fi network with a simple PIN. However, WPS is also vulnerable to attacks, so it’s best to disable it.

Use a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic and protects your privacy, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks. Consider using a VPN to secure your connection and prevent eavesdropping.

Be Cautious on Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks are inherently less secure than private networks. Avoid transmitting sensitive information, such as passwords or financial details, over public Wi-Fi. Use a VPN for added security.

By following these best practices and regularly forgetting old or problematic Wi-Fi networks, you can significantly improve your Wi-Fi security and protect your personal information.

Why would I want to forget a Wi-Fi network?

Forgetting a Wi-Fi network can be beneficial for several reasons. If you’ve changed the password for your home Wi-Fi, or if you’re experiencing connectivity issues with a specific network, forgetting it and then reconnecting with the updated credentials or troubleshooting setup can often resolve the problem. This prevents your device from automatically attempting to connect with outdated or incorrect information, leading to a smoother online experience.

Additionally, forgetting Wi-Fi networks you no longer use, especially public hotspots or those belonging to old workplaces or residences, helps maintain your device’s security and privacy. By preventing automatic connections to these networks, you reduce the risk of inadvertently connecting to malicious hotspots that could compromise your data or personal information. Regularly pruning your list of saved networks is a good security practice.

How do I forget a Wi-Fi network on Windows 10/11?

To forget a Wi-Fi network on Windows 10 or 11, navigate to the Settings app. You can access this by clicking the Start button and then the gear icon. From there, select “Network & Internet,” then choose “Wi-Fi” from the left-hand menu. Look for the option labeled “Manage known networks” or “Manage Wi-Fi networks,” depending on your Windows version, and click on it.

A list of saved Wi-Fi networks will appear. Locate the network you want to forget, click on its name, and then select the “Forget” button. The network will be removed from your device’s list of saved networks, and it will no longer automatically connect to it. You will need to re-enter the password if you wish to connect to it again in the future.

How do I forget a Wi-Fi network on macOS?

On macOS, forgetting a Wi-Fi network involves accessing the Wi-Fi settings through the System Preferences. Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen, then select “System Preferences” from the dropdown menu. Next, choose the “Network” preference pane.

Within the Network settings, select “Wi-Fi” from the left-hand sidebar. Then, click the “Advanced…” button in the lower-right corner of the window. In the Advanced Wi-Fi settings, you’ll see a list of preferred networks. Select the network you wish to forget, and click the minus (-) button below the list. Click “OK” and then “Apply” to save the changes, and the network will be removed from your saved list.

How do I forget a Wi-Fi network on Android?

To forget a Wi-Fi network on an Android device, open the Settings app. This app is usually represented by a gear or cogwheel icon. Navigate to “Wi-Fi” under the “Network & internet” or “Connections” section, depending on your Android version and manufacturer.

A list of available and saved Wi-Fi networks will appear. Long-press or tap on the name of the Wi-Fi network you want to forget. A menu will pop up with options such as “Connect,” “Modify network,” and “Forget network.” Tap on “Forget network” to remove the network from your saved list, preventing your device from automatically connecting to it again.

How do I forget a Wi-Fi network on iOS (iPhone/iPad)?

Forgetting a Wi-Fi network on an iPhone or iPad is a straightforward process. Open the Settings app, which is typically represented by a gear icon. Then, scroll down and tap on “Wi-Fi.”

You will see a list of available Wi-Fi networks and your currently connected network. Tap the “i” icon (information icon) next to the network you want to forget. On the next screen, scroll down and tap the “Forget This Network” option. Confirm your selection by tapping “Forget” in the confirmation prompt.

What happens when I forget a Wi-Fi network?

When you forget a Wi-Fi network, your device removes the saved credentials (network name and password) for that specific network from its memory. This means your device will no longer automatically connect to that network when it is within range.

You will need to manually select the network from the list of available networks and re-enter the password if you want to connect to it again in the future. Your device will treat it as if it’s a brand new, previously unknown network. This action doesn’t affect the network itself, only your device’s ability to automatically connect to it.

Will forgetting a Wi-Fi network affect other devices connected to the same network?

No, forgetting a Wi-Fi network on your device only affects that specific device. It does not impact any other devices that are connected to the same Wi-Fi network or have the network saved in their settings.

Each device manages its own list of saved networks and their corresponding credentials independently. Therefore, forgetting a network on your phone will not cause your laptop, tablet, or any other device to lose its connection or forget the network. Each device will continue to connect as usual based on its own saved settings.