How to Properly Delete a Wi-Fi Network: Instructions for All Devices

Deleting a saved Wi-Fi network is a task that every user faces sooner or later. Perhaps you've changed providers, moved to a new home, or simply want to get rid of outdated connections cluttering up your list of available networks. But the correct way to do this isn't always obvious: the process varies across devices, and in some cases, you need to not only delete the network from your device but also "forget" it from the router.

In this article you will find Step-by-step instructions for all popular platforms — from smartphones to Android And iOS to Windows 11, macOS Ventura And Smart TV 2023–2026. We will also look at how completely erase network data from the router's memoryto prevent automatic connections in the future. We'll pay special attention to security nuances: why simply "forgetting" the network isn't always enough and when a hardware reset is necessary.

Why you should delete old Wi-Fi networks

Saved networks don't just take up space in your connection list. They can cause real problems:

• 🔄 Automatic connections to unsecure pointsIf your device remembers an open network at a cafe or airport, it may connect to it before your home network, putting your personal data at risk.
• 🐢 SlowdownOn some devices (especially Android And Windows) scanning dozens of saved networks increases the time it takes to find available connections.
• 🔒 Security vulnerabilitiesNetworks with outdated encryption protocols (e.g. WEP or WPA) can be used for evil twin type attacks.
• 📡 Conflicts with new routersIf you have changed your hardware but kept the old network name (SSID), devices may try to connect to a non-existent point.

According to the study Kaspersky By 2026, 37% of users never clear their list of saved networks, which doubles the risk of connecting to rogue access points. Android-the average user stores data on devices 12-15 networks, of which only 2–3 are actively used.

⚠️ AttentionIf you're deleting a network from a corporate device (e.g., a work laptop), first check with your IT department to make sure no special certificates or connection profiles are in use. Deleting them could block access to internal company resources.

How to delete a Wi-Fi network on Android (2023–2026)

On modern versions Android (from Android 12 to Android 15) the process of removing the network is unified, but may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell (Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI, Oppo ColorOS etc.). Let's consider the standard version and the features of popular brands.

Standard method (pure Android):

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the name of the saved network (not on the switch!).
3. In the window that opens, select Delete or Forget (on some devices - Delete network).
4. Confirm the action.

Manufacturer's Features:

• 📱 Samsung Galaxy (One UI 5–6): After selecting the network, you need to click on the gear ⚙️ in the upper right corner, then Delete.
• 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco (MIUI 14-15): There is a separate item in the network menu Forget the network, but sometimes you need to swipe left on the network name for the delete button to appear.
• 📱 Realme/Oppo (ColorOS 13-14): You may also be asked to enter your device password or PIN for confirmation.

On devices with Android 14+ a function has appeared Automatic connection to open networks (included in Wi-Fi Settings → Advanced). If you enable this option, your device will attempt to connect to any unsecured networks, even after deleting old ones. Disable this option for increased security.

The network name has disappeared from the list of saved networks|The device does not connect automatically|The "Auto-connect" feature is disabled (if not needed)|The network password has been erased from the password manager (Google Smart Lock)

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Remove Wi-Fi on iPhone and iPad (iOS 16–17)

In the ecosystem Apple The process of deleting a network is as simple as possible, but there are some nuances with synchronization through iCloudIf you use Family Sharing or General album, the deleted network may appear in the list again after syncing with another device.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the blue ⓘ icon next to the network name.
3. Select Forget this network and confirm.

What to do if the network appears again:

• 🔄 Turn off Wi-Fi settings sync in Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Show all → Wi-Fi settings (turn off the slider).
• 📱 If the network is added from another device (for example, MacBook), delete it there.
• 🔒 On devices with iOS 17+ an option appeared Private Wi-Fi address (in network settings). Enabling it may interfere with connection to some corporate networks—disable it if you experience problems.

⚠️ Attention: On iPhone with jailbreak or installed tweaks (for example, WiFiBooster) standard network deletion may not work. In this case, you will need to reset the network settings in Settings → General → Transfer or reset → Reset → Reset network settings.

Smartphone (Android)|Smartphone (iPhone)|Laptop (Windows)|Laptop (macOS)|Tablet|Smart TV|Other

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Removing Wi-Fi in Windows 10 and 11

IN Windows saved networks are stored in connection profiles, which can be removed either through the graphical interface or via the command line. The latter method is useful if the network is "frozen" in the system and doesn't appear in the regular list.

Method 1: Through parameters (GUI)

1. Open Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click Managing known networks.
3. Select the network and click Forget.

Method 2: Via the command line (for hidden networks)

netsh wlan show profiles # Show all saved networks
netsh wlan delete profile name="NETWORK_NAME" # Delete a specific network

If you use Windows 11 23H2+, a new function has appeared in the system Wi-Fi Sense (analogue Android-autoconnection function). To disable it:

1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks.
2. Scroll down and disable the option Connect to suggested open networks.

net stop wlansvc
net start wlansvc

Removing Wi-Fi on macOS (Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia)

On MacBook And iMac network deletion occurs through System Preferences, but there is a hidden way to reset all network settings through Terminal - useful if the standard method does not work.

Standard method:

1. Open System Preferences → Network.
2. Select Wi-Fi in the left menu, then click Additionally.
3. Tab Wi-Fi → select the network and press – (minus) to delete.
4. Confirm the changes with the button OK.

Reset all networks via Terminal:

sudo rm /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/NetworkInterfaces.plist
sudo rm /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
sudo networksetup -setairportpower en0 off
sudo networksetup -setairportpower en0 on

On macOS Sequoia (2026–2026) a function appeared Private Wi-Fi address (analogue iOS), which can interfere with connections to some networks. To disable it for a specific network:

1. In the list of networks, click on the ⓘ icon next to the name.
2. Uncheck the box Private Wi-Fi address.

⚠️ Attention: On Mac with a chip Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) After deleting a network, a reboot may be required for the changes to take effect. This is due to the specifics of the network stack in new processors.

How to remove a Wi-Fi network from a Smart TV

On Smart TV The process for deleting a network varies by manufacturer and year. The main difficulty is that many TVs don't have a "Forget Network" button, but simply remember the last successful connection. Let's look at instructions for popular brands from 2020–2026.

Samsung (Tizen OS, models 2021–2026):