How to Remove Saved Wi-Fi Password from Android Phone: A Complete Guide

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, but it's saved on your phone? Or want to delete the network from your device's memory and reconnect? There are several ways to do this on Android, from standard settings to hidden features for advanced users. The main problem: producers (for example, Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei) often modify the interface, so the path to the settings may differ. This article contains current methods for all Android versions, including Android 14 and shells One UI, MIUI, EMUI.

Some users mistakenly believe that deleting a network from the list automatically clears the password. In fact, Android stores connection data in secure storage. Before a hard reset. We'll cover how to completely clear data—from a simple deletion via the menu to manually editing system files (for experienced users). You'll also learn what to do if the "Forget Network" button is inactive or missing.

⚠️ AttentionAfter removing the password, your phone will lose network access. Make sure you have an alternative internet connection (mobile data, another Wi-Fi network) to re-authorize.

1. Standard method: deleting the network via Wi-Fi settings

The easiest method is to use Android's built-in tools. It works on most devices, including Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and smartphones with "pure" Android. Advantage: does not require superuser rights (root) and takes less than a minute.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi (or Connections → Wi-Fi on Samsung).
2. Find the desired network in the list and tap on its name (not on the switch!).
3. Select an option Forget, Delete network or Forget this network (the name depends on the firmware).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog box.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (eg. Xiaomi With MIUI 14) The "Forget Network" option may be hidden behind an additional menu. In this case, hold your finger on the network name for 2-3 seconds – a context menu with the desired option will appear.

Why might the "Forget" button not work?

• 🔒 Corporate networks (with certificates) EAP-SIM or 802.1x): require removal through Settings → Security → Credential Storage.
• 📱 Firmware with limitations: some custom OS (eg. ColorOS on Oppo/Realme) block the removal of "system" networks.
• 🔄 Wi-Fi cacheIf the network disappears from the list but connects automatically, clear the application cache. Settings (Settings → Apps → Settings → Storage → Clear Cache).

2. Removing the password via the "Saved Networks" menu (hidden section)

On some devices (especially with Android 10–13) The list of saved networks is hidden deep within the menu. This method is useful if the standard method doesn't work or the network isn't visible in the main list.

How to find hidden networks:

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner or swipe down on the list of networks.
3. Select Additionally, Advanced settings or Network management.
4. Find the section Saved networks (on Huawei can be called Managing known networks).
5. Select the desired network and press Delete or Forget.

3. Reset network settings (nuclear method)

If the previous methods did not work, you can reset all network settings to factory defaults. This will delete not only Wi-Fi passwords, but also data about Bluetooth devices, VPNs, and reset mobile internet settings (APN). Use this method as a last resort!

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → System → Reset settings (on Samsung: General Management → Reset).
2. Select Reset network settings or Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth.
3. Confirm the action (you may be asked to enter your lock screen PIN).
4. After rebooting, all saved networks will be erased.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12+ resetting the network may also delete data about eSIM and settings HotspotBefore the procedure, save backup copies of important configurations (for example, screenshots of APN settings).

4. Removing a password via ADB (for advanced users)

A method for those who are ready to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge). Advantage: works even if the phone interface is locked or modified. Flaw: requires connection to PC and switching on USB debugging.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Turn on Developer mode on the phone:
   • Go to Settings → About phone.
   • Tap the item 7 times Build number (or MIUI version on Xiaomi).
   • Return to Settings → System → Developer Options and activate USB debugging.

adb shell
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.wifitrackerlib
pm clear com.android.providers.settings
reboot

⚠️ Attention: On Some ADB commands are limited on Android 13+. If you see an error not allowed, try an alternative command:

adb shell cmd wifi forget-network <SSID> replaceable

This method is suitable for users with superuser rights (root). Risk: Incorrectly editing system files may result in loss of Wi-Fi connection. Advantage: Allows you to remove a password selectively without affecting other networks.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with support root (For example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Follow the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

   or (on older versions of Android):

   /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf

3. Find the block with the name of your network (parameter ssid="...") and delete it entirely.
4. Save the file and restart your phone.
What does the network entry look like in wpa_supplicant.conf?
Example block for a network named "home_wifi" and password "12345678":
network={
ssid="home_wifi"
psk="12345678"
key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
priority=1
}
Remove the entire block from network={ to }.
⚠️ Attention: On Android 9+ file wpa_supplicant.conf may be encrypted or replaced with binary format. In this case, use applications like WiFi Password Recovery (requires root).
6. Alternative methods: apps and bypassing restrictions
If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party tools. Important: many applications require root-rights or have limitations on new versions of Android.
Popular apps:
• 🔓 WiFi Password Viewer (shows and allows you to delete saved passwords, requires root).
• 📱 Network Signal Guru (analyzes networks and allows you to manage connections, works without root on Android 10–12).
• 🔄 Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth (an alternative to resetting settings, but with more flexible options).
Bypassing manufacturer restrictions:
• 📲 On Xiaomi With MIUI: disable the function Auto-connect to known networks in the Wi-Fi settings.
• 🔗 On Huawei: use HiSuite on a PC to manage networks (requires account authorization) Huawei ID).
• 🛠️ On custom firmware (for example, LineageOS): password removal is available via Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Manage networks.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about deleting Wi-Fi passwords on Android
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password saved on the phone before deleting it?
Yes, but the methods depend on the Android version:
• On Android 9 and below: use file wpa_supplicant.conf (see method 5).
• On Android 10+: without root This is not possible due to security restrictions. Apps like WiFi Password Viewer will not work.
• Exception: on Samsung With One UI The password can be viewed in Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → ⋮ → Advanced settings → QR code (scan it with another device).