Wireless connection issues on Apple devices are often resolved with a simple yet effective solution: forcibly deleting a saved profile. When looking for a way to forget a WiFi network on a Mac, you typically encounter a situation where the device attempts to automatically connect to a known but unresponsive signal source. This could be due to a router password change, a change in security settings by the ISP, or a simple software glitch in the network module.
operating system macOS Stores a history of all connections in a special system storage called a keychain or preferred network list. While this profile is active, the computer will persistently attempt to reconnect, ignoring other available options or creating IP address conflicts. Deleting a network entry forces the system to "forget" old, possibly incorrect data and request fresh authorization the next time you log in.
In this article, we'll detail the various methods for deleting profiles in different versions of the operating system, as the network management interface has undergone changes. You'll learn how to work with the new settings in the latest versions. macOS Sonoma And Ventura, as well as how to operate in the classic interfaces of earlier builds. Understanding these processes will help you maintain connection stability and quickly troubleshoot issues without a complete hardware reboot.
Deleting a network in macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and later
Since version macOS Ventura, Apple has completely redesigned the system preferences interface, making it look like a menu in iOSWi-Fi connection management is now located in a separate sidebar, which may be confusing for users accustomed to the old layout. To forget a network, you need to go to the Apple menu and select System Preferences, then find the section Wi-Fi in the left column.
In the window that opens, scroll down to the "Known Networks" section. This displays a complete list of all access points your Mac has previously connected to. Find the desired network name (SSID) in the list and click the information icon (three dots or the letter "i" in a circle) to the right of the name. From the action menu that appears, select Forget this network.
After confirming the action, the system will immediately delete the saved password and security configuration for the selected access point. If you are within range of this network, the connection will be disconnected, and your Mac will stop attempting to connect automatically. This is especially useful if you've replaced your router with a new one with the same name but different encryption settings.
⚠️ Note: After deleting a profile, all saved passwords for this network will be erased. You'll need to re-enter the password when you reconnect, so make sure you have it handy.
It is important to note that in new versions macOS synchronization of keys via iCloud It can restore deleted networks on your other Apple devices if the feature is enabled. However, on the computer from which the deletion was performed, the network will be considered unknown until you re-authorize it.
How to Forget a Network in macOS Monterey, Big Sur, and Catalina
In versions of the operating system prior to Ventura, the network management interface looked different and was more familiar to desktop users. There was no sidebar with icons, and all settings were grouped into classic tabs. To begin the process, open the Apple menu in the upper left corner and select System Preferences, then go to the section Net.
Select an interface from the list on the left Wi-Fi, then press the button Additionally... in the lower-right corner of the window. A list of all known networks will open, sorted by connection priority. The top line of the list has the highest priority—if your Mac sees multiple known networks, it will attempt to connect to the one listed first.
Find the target network in the list, select it with a mouse click and press the minus button (-), located below the list. The system will ask you to confirm the action, after which it will delete the profile from memory. Don't forget to click the button OK or Apply in the main settings window so that the changes take effect immediately.
☑️ Check before deleting a network
This method also allows you to manage priorities. If you have two routers at home with the same name but different speeds (for example, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), you can drag them in the list to change the order so your Mac prefers the faster band. Removing a network from this list, however, completely disables its connection.
Using Keychain Access for Advanced Users
Sometimes standard methods don't work, or a user wants to remove absolutely all traces of their network activity, including certificates and hidden settings. In this case, a utility comes to the rescue. Bunch of keys (Keychain Access) is a system tool that stores all your Mac's passwords, certificates, and encryption keys.
Open the utility via Spotlight search (click Cmd + Space and type "Keychain" or find it in the folder Programs → UtilitiesIn the left sidebar, select the "System" or "Login" category, then find the name of your WiFi network in the list of keys. These entries are typically marked with an antenna or lock icon.
Right-click on the found element and select DeleteThe system will require an administrator password to confirm the operation. This method deletes not only the connection settings but also the saved password, making automatic login impossible without manual re-authorization.
⚠️ Caution: Be extremely careful when deleting entries in Keychain Access. Deleting system certificates or keys for other applications may disrupt the operation of programs or access to protected resources. Only delete entries you are 100% sure about.
Using Keychain Access is especially effective when the network is hidden (doesn't broadcast the name) or when the profile is corrupted at a deep level of the file system. After clearing the network using this tool, it is recommended to restart the computer to reset the network services cache.
What to do if the network is not deleted?
If standard methods and Keychain don't help, the profile may be blocked by system policies (MDM) or the preference file may be corrupted. Try creating a new user on the Mac and check if the network is listed in their profile. If it's not listed, the issue lies with the primary user's settings.
Managing WiFi network priorities
The "forget network" feature is closely tied to the concept of connection prioritization. Your Mac always tries to connect to the highest-priority network within range. If you don't want to completely remove a network, but want your Mac to ignore it in favor of another, you can simply lower its priority or delete it, which will automatically shift other networks up the priority list.
In older versions of macOS (before Ventura), the order of networks in the "Advanced" → "Wi-Fi" list determined their priority. You could drag and drop networks to change their order. In newer versions, this functionality is hidden, and priority is often determined by the time of the last successful connection or signal strength if the networks are of equal importance.
If you have a "Home_5G" and "Home_2.4G" network and want your Mac to always select 5 GHz, make sure the 2.4 GHz profile is removed or prioritized lower. This will help prevent your computer from getting stuck on a slower, but longer-range signal when a faster one is nearby.
For corporate users or owners of complex home networks, it's important to understand that removing a guest network from the list of known networks will prevent accidental connections to it when the primary network is temporarily unavailable. This improves security, as guest networks often have less stringent encryption protocols.
Troubleshooting connection issues after uninstallation
After you've forgotten a WiFi network on your Mac, you may encounter a situation where your computer doesn't see the network at all or can't connect, displaying an error. This is often due to old entries remaining in the DNS cache or network settings. In such cases, resetting network settings or creating a new location can help.
Creating a new location is an effective way to get a clean network settings profile. Go to System Preferences → Net, click on the menu with the name of the current place (usually "Automatic") and select New placeName it something like "CleanConfig" and apply the changes. This will create a new configuration without the old cached data.
It's also worth checking the date and time on your device. If the system time is incorrect, WPA2/WPA3 security protocols may block the connection, considering the certificates invalid. Make sure this box is checked. Set date and time automatically.
| Problem | Probable cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The network does not appear in the list | Hidden SSID or far zone | Connect manually via "Other..." |
| Password error | The security key on the router has been changed. | Delete the network and enter a new password |
| Infinite IP acquisition | Address conflict or DHCP failure | Reset TCP/IP settings in the "Advanced" section |
| Weak signal | Interference or physical obstruction | Switch to the 2.4 GHz band or closer to the router |
⚠️ Note: Interfaces and menu item names may vary slightly depending on the specific minor version of macOS (e.g., 13.1 vs. 13.5). Always consult official Apple support materials if you cannot find the item you're looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will deleting the network on my Mac remove it from all my Apple devices?
No, deleting a network on a Mac will only affect that specific computer. However, if you have iCloud Keychain sync enabled, the password may be saved in the cloud, but automatic connections on other devices (iPhone, iPad) will not be interrupted until you delete the network separately.
Is it possible to restore a deleted network without entering a password?
No, once you forget a network, your Mac completely forgets the password. To reconnect, you'll need to manually enter the current security key. For security reasons, there's no automatic password recovery from the history.
Why does my Mac keep trying to connect to a network that isn't listed?
This could be a hidden network (Hidden SSID) you've connected to before. To fix this, disable the "Automatically connect" option for known networks in your WiFi settings or reset the network settings by creating a new location.
Does deleting a network affect saved passwords in the browser?
No, WiFi network passwords are stored in the system keychain and are not directly related to passwords saved in your browser (Safari, Chrome). Deleting a network profile is safe for your online data.
Secret terminal command
For advanced users: You can run the command `networksetup -removeallpreferredwirelessnetworks en0` in Terminal to instantly remove ALL known WiFi networks at once. Be careful, this action is irreversible without manually entering passwords.