How to Forget WiFi Network on Mac: Step-by-Step Guide

Managing your Mac’s WiFi connections is essential for maintaining device security and streamlining your digital experience. Occasionally, removing old networks can help troubleshoot issues and prevent your device from automatically connecting to unwanted networks.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of removing unwanted WiFi connections from your Mac. By understanding the steps involved, you’ll be able to efficiently manage your saved networks and enhance your Mac’s overall performance.

Whether you’re running the latest macOS Ventura or an older version, this guide has got you covered. You’ll learn the most efficient way to forget a WiFi network and improve your Mac’s connectivity.

Why You Might Need to Forget a WiFi Network

There are several reasons why you might need to forget a WiFi network on your Mac. Forgetting a network can resolve connectivity issues and improve your overall internet experience.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

Forgetting and reconnecting to a network can resolve problems with incorrect network settings or corrupted connection profiles. This is particularly useful when a WiFi network’s configuration changes, such as a new password or security protocol.

Security Considerations

Removing old networks prevents your Mac from automatically connecting to potentially compromised or unsecured networks. For more information on managing WiFi networks, visit technetworks.ca.

Managing Network Clutter

Over time, your Mac accumulates numerous saved WiFi networks, creating clutter that can slow down your connection process. Regularly removing unused networks ensures your Mac prioritizes relevant connections and improves overall WiFi performance. For more details, check Apple’s support page at support.apple.com.

How to Forget WiFi Network on Mac Using System Settings (macOS Ventura and Later)

For Mac users with macOS Ventura or later, forgetting a WiFi network is straightforward through System Settings. This process involves a few simple steps to manage your WiFi connections effectively.

Forgetting the Currently Connected Network

To forget the WiFi network you’re currently using, start by choosing the Apple menu and selecting System Settings. Then, click Wi-Fi in the sidebar. Next, click Details next to the network you’re using, and then click Forget This Network. Confirm by clicking Remove. This action will disconnect your Mac from the network and remove it from your list of preferred networks.

Removing Previously Joined Networks

If you want to forget a network you’ve previously joined but aren’t currently using, the steps are slightly different. Go to System Settings, click Wi-Fi, and then scroll down on the right to click Advanced. In the Advanced view, you’ll see a list of known networks. Click the menu button next to the network you want to remove, choose Remove From List, and confirm by clicking Remove. This will completely forget the network.

How to Forget WiFi Network on Mac Using System Preferences (Older macOS Versions)

For Mac users with older macOS versions, forgetting a WiFi network involves using the System Preferences interface. This method is necessary because older versions do not have the System Settings feature introduced in later macOS versions like Ventura.

Accessing Network Preferences

To start, click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen, then select “System Preferences” from the dropdown menu. In the System Preferences window, locate and click on the “Network” icon to access your network settings.

Navigating to Advanced WiFi Settings

Within Network Preferences, select “Wi-Fi” from the left sidebar, then click the “Advanced” button located in the lower-right corner of the window. The Advanced settings will display a list of preferred networks your Mac has connected to previously.

Removing Networks from the Preferred List

To remove a network from this list, select the network you want to forget, then click the minus (-) button beneath the list of networks. After confirming the removal by clicking “Remove,” be sure to click “OK” and then “Apply” to save these changes to your system.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage and forget WiFi networks on your Mac, even with older macOS versions.

Alternative Methods to Forget WiFi Networks

For users seeking more control over their WiFi connections, alternative methods to forget networks on Mac devices are available. These methods provide a more efficient way to manage WiFi networks, especially for power users.

Using Terminal Commands

Power users can utilize Terminal commands to forget WiFi networks. To do this, open the Terminal application located in the ‘Utilities’ folder inside ‘Applications’. Type the command networksetup -removepreferredwirelessnetwork en0 NETWORK_NAME, replacing ‘NETWORK_NAME’ with the exact name of the WiFi network you want to forget. Press ‘Enter’ to execute the command. Note that you may need to replace “en0” with the correct interface identifier if your Mac uses a different one for WiFi connections.

Managing WiFi Networks Through Keychain Access

Another method to forget WiFi networks involves using Keychain Access, which stores all your network passwords. To access Keychain Access, open the app found in the ‘Utilities’ folder of your ‘Applications’. Search for the WiFi network name (SSID) in the top right search bar. Select the relevant network and right-click to choose ‘Delete’. Enter your Mac’s password when prompted and confirm the deletion. This method removes both the network and its stored password from your device.

• These alternative methods offer more control over WiFi network management.
• Terminal commands provide a quick way to remove networks without navigating through the graphical interface.
• Keychain Access allows users to delete stored network passwords.

Conclusion

Managing WiFi networks on your Mac is crucial for maintaining a clutter-free and secure connection. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored various methods to forget WiFi networks, from using System Settings and System Preferences to more advanced techniques involving Terminal commands and Keychain Access.

By understanding these methods, you can effectively manage your WiFi connections, ensuring your Mac’s networking capabilities remain optimal. It’s essential to note down passwords for networks you might need to rejoin and to be cautious when removing networks, especially on devices managed by an organization.

Regularly auditing your saved networks list and keeping it up-to-date will enhance your overall computing experience. If you encounter persistent issues, consider troubleshooting steps like resetting your network settings or consulting Apple Support. By following these tips, you can ensure a seamless and secure internet experience on your Mac.