Are you tired of your device constantly trying to connect to a Wi-Fi network that’s no longer available or has poor connectivity? Do you want to remove a Wi-Fi network from your device’s memory to prevent it from auto-connecting? If so, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to forget a Wi-Fi network on various devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Why Forget a Wi-Fi Network?
Before we dive into the how-to section, let’s talk about why forgetting a Wi-Fi network is important.
Security Risks: If you’ve connected to a public Wi-Fi network in the past, it’s possible that your device may have stored the network’s login credentials. If the network is compromised, forgetting the network can help prevent potential security risks.
Auto-Connect Issues: If you’ve moved to a new location or changed your Wi-Fi router, your device may still try to connect to the old network, causing connectivity issues. Forgetting the network can resolve this problem.
Cluttered Wi-Fi List: If you’ve connected to multiple Wi-Fi networks, your device’s Wi-Fi list can become cluttered. Forgetting old networks can help declutter the list and make it easier to manage your connections.
Forgetting a Wi-Fi Network on Windows
Forgetting a Wi-Fi network on Windows is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
Method 1: Forget a Wi-Fi Network through the Wi-Fi Settings
- Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray (usually located at the bottom right corner of the screen).
- Click on Wi-Fi settings.
- Click on Manage known networks.
- Find the Wi-Fi network you want to forget and click on it.
- Click Forget.
Method 2: Forget a Wi-Fi Network through the Command Prompt
- Press the Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
- Type the following command:
netsh wlan delete profile name=<Wi-Fi network name>. - Press Enter to execute the command.
Replace <Wi-Fi network name> with the actual name of the Wi-Fi network you want to forget.
Forgetting a Wi-Fi Network on Mac
Forgetting a Wi-Fi network on a Mac is also a simple process. Here’s how to do it:
Method 1: Forget a Wi-Fi Network through the Wi-Fi Preferences
- Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
- Click on Network.
- Select the Wi-Fi network you want to forget from the list on the left.
- Click the minus (-) button at the bottom left corner of the window.
- Click Remove to confirm.
Method 2: Forget a Wi-Fi Network through the Terminal
- Open the Terminal app on your Mac.
- Type the following command:
sudo /usr/bin/networksetup -removepreferredwirelessnetwork <Wi-Fi network name> en0. - Press Enter to execute the command.
Replace <Wi-Fi network name> with the actual name of the Wi-Fi network you want to forget. The en0 refers to the Wi-Fi interface; if you’re using a different interface, replace en0 with the correct interface name.
Forgetting a Wi-Fi Network on Android
Forgetting a Wi-Fi network on Android devices varies slightly depending on the Android version and device manufacturer. Here’s a general guide that should work for most devices:
Method 1: Forget a Wi-Fi Network through the Wi-Fi Settings
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down and select Connections or Wireless & networks.
- Select Wi-Fi.
- Long-press on the Wi-Fi network you want to forget.
- Tap Forget network.
Method 2: Forget a Wi-Fi Network through the Advanced Wi-Fi Settings
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down and select Connections or Wireless & networks.
- Select Wi-Fi.
- Tap the three vertical dots or More options at the top right corner of the screen.
- Tap Advanced Wi-Fi settings.
- Scroll down to the Saved networks section.
- Find the Wi-Fi network you want to forget and tap Forget.
Forgetting a Wi-Fi Network on iOS
Forgetting a Wi-Fi network on iOS devices is a simple process:
Method 1: Forget a Wi-Fi Network through the Wi-Fi Settings
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Wi-Fi.
- Find the Wi-Fi network you want to forget and tap the info icon (i) next to it.
- Tap Forget This Network.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having trouble forgetting a Wi-Fi network, here are some troubleshooting tips to help you:
Restart Your Device
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve connectivity issues and allow you to forget a Wi-Fi network.
Disable and Re-enable Wi-Fi
Disabling and re-enabling Wi-Fi on your device can help refresh your Wi-Fi connections and allow you to forget a network.
Check for Interfering Networks
If you’re trying to forget a Wi-Fi network but your device keeps auto-connecting to it, check if there are any nearby networks with the same or similar name. Rename or move away from these networks to avoid interference.
Conclusion
Forgetting a Wi-Fi network is a simple process that can help improve your device’s connectivity and security. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to forget a Wi-Fi network on your Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS device. Remember to troubleshoot any issues that may arise, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your device manufacturer or network administrator for further assistance.
What is Wi-Fi network forgetting and why do I need to do it?
Forgetting a Wi-Fi network allows your device to remove the network’s settings and credentials from its memory, effectively disconnecting you from the network. This process is necessary when you want to stop automatically connecting to a Wi-Fi network that is no longer in use or has become unreliable. For example, if you’ve changed your router or moved to a new location, forgetting the old network will prevent your device from trying to connect to it unnecessarily.
By forgetting a Wi-Fi network, you can also resolve connectivity issues or remove outdated network configurations that might be causing problems with your current internet connection. Additionally, forgetting a Wi-Fi network can help improve your device’s overall performance and security by removing potential vulnerabilities associated with outdated network settings.
How do I forget a Wi-Fi network on my Windows device?
To forget a Wi-Fi network on a Windows device, follow these steps: Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray, then click on “Network & Internet settings.” In the “Network & Internet” window, click on “Wi-Fi” and then click on “Manage known networks.” Find the network you want to forget and click on it, then click “Forget.” Confirm that you want to forget the network by clicking “Forget” again in the pop-up window.
After forgetting the network, your device will no longer automatically connect to it. You can also use the “Forget” option to remove any saved Wi-Fi passwords or credentials from your device. If you need to reconnect to the network later, you can simply re-enter the network’s password and reconnect as usual.
How do I forget a Wi-Fi network on my Mac?
To forget a Wi-Fi network on a Mac, follow these steps: Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar, then select “Open Network Preferences.” In the “Network” window, select the Wi-Fi network you want to forget from the list on the left. Click the “-” button at the bottom of the list to remove the network. Confirm that you want to remove the network by clicking “Remove” in the pop-up window.
After forgetting the network, your Mac will no longer automatically connect to it. You can also use the “Keychain Access” app to delete any saved Wi-Fi passwords or credentials from your Mac. If you need to reconnect to the network later, you can simply re-enter the network’s password and reconnect as usual.
How do I forget a Wi-Fi network on my Android device?
To forget a Wi-Fi network on an Android device, follow these steps: Go to “Settings,” then select “Connections” or “Wireless & networks.” Tap on “Wi-Fi” and then find the network you want to forget from the list of available networks. Long-press on the network, then tap “Forget network” in the pop-up menu. Confirm that you want to forget the network by tapping “Forget” again in the pop-up window.
After forgetting the network, your Android device will no longer automatically connect to it. You can also use the “Settings” app to delete any saved Wi-Fi passwords or credentials from your device. If you need to reconnect to the network later, you can simply re-enter the network’s password and reconnect as usual.
How do I forget a Wi-Fi network on my iPhone or iPad?
To forget a Wi-Fi network on an iPhone or iPad, follow these steps: Go to “Settings,” then select “Wi-Fi.” Find the network you want to forget from the list of available networks and tap the “i” icon next to it. Tap “Forget This Network” and then confirm that you want to forget the network by tapping “Forget” again in the pop-up window.
After forgetting the network, your iPhone or iPad will no longer automatically connect to it. You can also use the “Settings” app to delete any saved Wi-Fi passwords or credentials from your device. If you need to reconnect to the network later, you can simply re-enter the network’s password and reconnect as usual.
What happens when I forget a Wi-Fi network?
When you forget a Wi-Fi network, your device removes all saved information about the network, including the network’s name (SSID), password, and any other configuration settings. This means that your device will no longer automatically connect to the network, even if it’s in range. Forgetting a Wi-Fi network does not delete any data or files associated with the network; it only removes the network’s configuration settings from your device.
After forgetting a Wi-Fi network, you can reconnect to the network by re-entering the network’s password and configuring the network settings again. Forgetting a Wi-Fi network can also help improve your device’s overall performance and security by removing outdated network configurations that might be causing issues with your current internet connection.
Will forgetting a Wi-Fi network affect my internet connection?
Forgetting a Wi-Fi network will only affect your internet connection if you’re currently connected to the forgotten network. In this case, your device will automatically disconnect from the network. However, if you’re connected to a different Wi-Fi network or using a different internet connection, forgetting a Wi-Fi network will not affect your current internet connection.
Forgetting a Wi-Fi network will not affect your internet connection in general, and you can continue to connect to other available Wi-Fi networks or use different internet connections as usual. If you need to reconnect to the forgotten network later, you can simply re-enter the network’s password and reconnect as usual.