How To "Forget" Old WiFi Networks

Follow the steps below to remove old unwanted WiFi networks.

Why This Is Important

Wireless networks are susceptible to many kinds of interference (microwave ovens, cordless phones, wireless cameras, other Wi-Fi users in high population areas, Bluetooth, etc.). If your device encounters interference, it may try to move to another, less-crowded network. That sounds nice, but it can cause more problems, such as the need to re-authenticate or complete disruption of service.

iPhone and iPad

Tap Settings.
Tap Wi-Fi.
Tap info (the letter 'i' with a circle around it, both in blue) next to the network you want to forget.
Tap Forget This Network.

Android 13

Tap Settings.
Tap Network & Internet.
Tap Internet.
Tap Saved networks (you may need to scroll down).
Long-press the network to be removed.
Tap Forget.

Android Samsung (two options)

Swipe down from the top of the screen to go into Settings.
Tap Connections.
Tap Wi-Fi.
Long press on the network you want to forget.
Select Forget network.

Swipe down from the top of the screen to go into Settings.
Tap Connections.
Long-press Wi-Fi.
Tap the three-dot icon, then select Advanced settings.
Tap Manage networks.
Long-press on the network you want to forget.
Select Delete.

Android comes in many flavors, depending on your phone’s manufacturer (especially Samsung) and your service provider. You may not be able to follow the exact procedures described here. If that’s the case, go into your device’s settings, find where the networks are listed, and look for the controls to forget or remove a network.

MacOS

Open System Settings.
In the left sidebar, click Network.
At the top of the main section of the window, click Wi-Fi (not in the left sidebar).
If you are currently connected to a network you want to remove:
1. Click Details.
2. Click Forget This Network.
3. Click Remove to confirm your intent.
If networks you want to remove appear in the Known Networkssection:
1. Click the three-dot icon to the right of the network you want to forget.
2. Click Forget This Network.
3. Click Remove to confirm your intent.

Windows 10

Click Start Menu.
Type change Wi-Fi (you do not need to click anywhere, just type), then select Change Wi-Fi Settings from the search results.
Click Manage known networks.
Click the Wi-Fi profile you want to delete.
Click Forget to remove the profile.

Windows 11

In the Action Center on the Taskbar (lower-right corner of your screen), right-click Network.
Select Network and internet settings.
Click Wi-Fi.
Click Manage Known Networks.
Click Forget for the network you want to remove.