How to Delete Wi-Fi on Android: 5 Ways to Clear Saved Networks

Saved Wi-Fi networks on your smartphone accumulate over time like digital junk: old hotspots from cafes, hotels, or friends remain in the device's memory, slowing down the search for relevant networks. Worse yet, automatic connection to untrusted networks can become a security breach—especially if you've ever entered passwords in public places. In this article, we'll look at all the ways to remove Wi-Fi on Android, from standard settings to hidden commands for advanced users.

The problem is that the network management interface differs not only between different versions Android (from Android 10 to Android 15), but also on the shells of manufacturers - MIUI, One UI, ColorOS or FlymeWe've compiled universal methods that will work on 90% of devices, as well as separate instructions for Samsung, Xiaomi And Google PixelWhether you need to erase a single network, all saved passwords, or even reset your network settings to factory defaults, you'll find the solution here.

Why you should delete old Wi-Fi networks

What's wrong with having a dozen saved networks? In practice, this creates several problems:

• 🔍 Slowing down the search: Android scans all saved networks before connecting to a new one, which increases latency.
• 🔒 Security risksIf you've ever connected to an open network (such as at an airport), your device may automatically reconnect to it, exposing your traffic to interception.
• 📶 Roaming conflicts: In areas with many hotspots (such as a shopping mall), your phone may latch onto the weak signal of the old network instead of the stronger new one.
• 🗃️ Accumulation of garbage: In system files /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml data about all networks is stored, which over time takes up extra space.

It is especially critical to remove networks if you:

• 🔄 You frequently change your place of residence or work (and connect to new routers).
• 🛡️ You work with confidential data (banking, corporate email).
• 📱 You give your phone to someone else (even after a reset, some networks can be restored from a backup).

Method 1: Removing the network through Android's default settings

This is the easiest method that works on all devices regardless of version. Android or shells. The instructions are valid for Android 8.0 and newer, including Android 15.

1. Open the app "Settings"** (gear icon in the menu or on the desktop).

2. Go to the section Network and Internet (on some devices - Connections or Wireless networks).

3. Select Wi-Fi (or Internet → Wi-Fi on Samsung).

4. Tap the name of the network you want to delete (in the list Saved Networks**).

5. Click Forget (or Delete, Delete network — depends on the shell). Confirm the action.

On some devices (eg. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5) paragraph "Forget"** It can be hidden by long tapping on the network name or in the additional menu (three dots in the upper right corner).

Double check the network name (to avoid deleting your current home network)

Make sure you have the network password if you plan to connect again.

Disable auto-connection in the network settings (if there is such a switch)

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⚠️ Attention: On some versions Android (For example, Android 13 on Samsung Galaxy S22After deleting the network, your device may temporarily lose internet connection, even if you're connected to mobile data. This is normal—restarting your phone is sufficient.

Method 2: Delete all saved networks by resetting the settings

If you need bulk delete all Wi-Fi networks (For example, before selling your phone or after buying a used device), it's easier to reset your network settings. This method erases:

• 📶 All saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords.
• 🌐 Mobile Internet settings (APN).
• 🔄 Bluetooth and VPN settings.

ImportantAfter the reset, you will have to re-enter your Wi-Fi passwords and set up your mobile internet (if you are not using the operator's standard APN).

1. Open "Settings"** and go to System → Reset settings (or General settings → Reset on Samsung).

2. Select Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings (the name may differ: Reset network settings, Reset connections).

3. Confirm the action (you may be asked to enter a PIN or pattern).

4. After reboot, all networks will be deleted.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 14+ After resetting network settings, you may need to reactivate your eSIM (if you're using one). Make sure you have a backup of your eSIM profile or a QR code from your carrier.

Method 3: Deleting Networks via ADB (for Advanced Users)

If standard methods don't work (for example, the network isn't listed, but the phone still connects to it), you can delete it via Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method requires connecting your phone to your computer and basic knowledge of the command line.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Removal hidden networks, which are not displayed in the interface.
• 🔧 Opportunity mass deletion all networks with one command.
• 🛠️ Works even if the phone screen is broken (with USB debugging enabled).

To begin with enable USB debugging:

1. Go to Settings → About phone.
2. Tap the item 7 times Build number (a notification will appear saying "You have become a developer").
3. Return to Settings → System → Developer Options.
4. Activate the switch USB debugging.

Now connect your phone to your PC and run the following commands:

adb shell
su
cmd wifi forget-network<SSID> # Replace<SSID> the network name in quotation marks, for example "MY_WIFI"
Or to remove ALL networks:
cmd wifi forget-all-networks

If the team su If it doesn't work, then your device doesn't have permissions. rootIn this case, use an alternative method:

adb shell cmd wifi list-networks # View a list of networks with IDs
adb shell cmd wifi forget-network<ID> # Delete network by ID

What to do if ADB doesn't see the device?

1. Make sure that the drivers for your phone are installed (download from the manufacturer's website).

2. Try a different USB cable (preferably the original one).

3. Enable "Allow USB debugging (safe mode)" in developer options.

4. Restart your phone and PC.

Method 4: Removing networks on rooted devices

If you have root access, you can manually edit the system files that store network data. This method is suitable for Android 9 and older, but requires caution - incorrect actions can disrupt the operation of Wi-Fi.

The network is saved in the file:

/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

To clean it:

1. Install any file manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Follow the path /data/misc/wifi/.
3. Find the file WifiConfigStore.xml and make a backup copy of it (copy it to another location).
4. Delete the original file or edit it to remove unnecessary networks (use a text editor with root access).
5. Restart your device.

After deleting the file WifiConfigStore.xml Android will automatically create a new one the next time you connect to Wi-Fi. All old networks will be erased and cannot be restored.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, LineageOS) the file may have a different name: WifiConfigStoreBackup.xml or stored in /data/vendor/wifi/Before editing, be sure to check the file's modification date—if it was updated recently, it's in use by the system.

Method 5: Removing networks via Safe Mode (if the phone is glitching)

If your Android If the device behaves erratically (for example, it constantly connects to a non-existent network or gives errors when deleting), try starting the device in Safe Mode (Safe Mode). This mode disables all third-party applications, which helps identify conflicts.

How to log in Safe Mode:

1. Press and hold the button "Nutrition"** until the shutdown menu appears.
2. Press and hold the item with your finger "Turn off" (or "Turn off power") and hold for 2-3 seconds.
3. A suggestion to go to will appear Safe Mode — confirm.

In safe mode:

• 🔄 Remove the problematic network through the standard settings (see Method 1).
• 🔍 Check if it reappears after a reboot.
• 📱 If the network has disappeared, the problem was in one of the installed applications (most often in Wi-Fi analyzers or VPN clients).

To exit Safe Mode, just restart your phone.

Features of Wi-Fi removal on popular brands

Manufacturers often modify the interface Android, so standard instructions may not work. Let's look at the nuances for top brands.

Samsung Galaxy (One UI)

On devices Samsung (For example, Galaxy S23 or Galaxy A54) the path to deleting the network is:

1. Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the network, then press Delete (or Forget).
3. If the network is not listed, but the phone connects to it, try Settings → General Management → Reset → Reset Network Settings.

Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (MIUI)

On MIUI 14/15 (for example, on Xiaomi 13T or POCO F5):

1. Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the network, then Delete network (in some versions you need to hold your finger on the network name).
3. If the network is not removed, check Settings → Passwords & Security → Privacy → Special Permissions → Autostart - Sometimes applications block Wi-Fi changes.

Google Pixel (Stock Android)

On Pixel 7/8 with clean Android 14/15:

1. Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the network → Forget.
3. To reset all networks: Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and Bluetooth.

Realme/Oppo (ColorOS)

On Realme 11 Pro or Oppo Find X6:

1. Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the network → Delete.
3. If the option is not active, check Settings → Additional settings → Reset → Reset network settings.

What to do if the network is not deleted

Sometimes even after pressing "Forget"** The network continues to appear in the list, or the phone automatically connects to it. Let's look at possible causes and solutions:

If none of the methods helped, the problem might be firmware. Refresh Android to the latest version or perform a factory reset (remembering to back up your data first).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about deleting Wi-Fi on Android

Is it possible to delete a Wi-Fi network without a password?

Yes, to remove a network from the list of saved networks no password requiredYou only need to confirm the action in the settings. However, if you want to connect to this network again, you'll have to enter the password again.

Why does my phone still connect to a network after deleting it?

This happens because:

• 🔄 Synchronization with Google Account (disable it in your account settings).
• 📡 Hidden network (it does not appear in the list, but is saved in the system).
• 🛠️ Firmware with preloaded networks (found on some Samsung And Xiaomi for telecom operators).

Solution: Use ADB (cm. Method 3) or reset your network settings.

How to delete a Wi-Fi network if your phone is locked?

If you have access to USB debugging (was enabled before the lock), connect the phone to the PC and use ADB commands from Method 3If debugging is not enabled, the only option left is reset via Recovery:

1. Turn off your phone.
2. Clamp Power + Volume Up (combination may vary).
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe data/factory reset.

⚠️ This will remove all data from your phone!

Is it possible to restore a deleted Wi-Fi network?

No, after deleting the network from the settings it is impossible to restore it, if you didn't make a backup copy of the file WifiConfigStore.xml (cm. Method 4). However, if the network was synchronized with Google Account, it may come back after you turn on synchronization again.

Why don't some phones have a "Forget" button?

This may be due to:

• 📱 Manufacturer's shell (for example, on Huawei With EMUI another way: Settings → Wireless → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Manage networks).
• 🔒 Corporate policy (if the phone is controlled via Android Enterprise).
• 🛠️ Damage to system files (resetting the settings will help).