How to completely remove a Wi-Fi network from your list on any device, from Android to Smart TV

Saved Wi-Fi networks on your devices are convenient until they become a problem. Old hotspots you haven't connected to in a while can automatically hijack your connection, slow down your search for new networks, or even create security risks. For example, if you've ever connected to a public hotspot Wi-Fi at a cafe, and now your smartphone is persistently trying to connect to it instead of your home network. Or the router is storing data about old devices, taking up memory and complicating management.

In this article you will find detailed instructions How to remove Wi-Fi networks from all popular devices: Android-smartphones, iPhone, laptops on Windows And macOS, Smart TV (including Samsung, LG, Sony), as well as from the memory of the routerWe'll also discuss why some networks can't be removed using standard methods and what to do in such cases. If you're experiencing a problem where a network disappears from the list, but your device still connects to it, you'll find a solution here.

We will pay special attention to hidden networks, which aren't displayed in the general list but may affect the operation of your devices. Removing them requires additional steps, which we'll describe in detail.

Why you should delete old Wi-Fi networks

At first glance, saved networks seem harmless. However, they can cause a number of problems:

• 🔄 Automatic connection to weak networks: The device may be clinging to an old access point with a poor signal instead of a more powerful current one.
• 🛡️ Security risksIf you've ever connected to an unsecured network (such as at a hotel or airport), your device may reconnect to it, exposing your data to data leakage.
• 📱 Cluttering the network list: On Android And iOS Too long a list of saved networks slows down the search for new ones.
• 🔌 Conflicts with new networksSome routers limit the number of connected devices. Old entries in their memory can block new connections.

In addition, on Windows And macOS Saved networks sometimes interfere with the correct operation of VPN or proxy servers, especially if the network has specific settings DNS or IP.

⚠️ Note: Removing a network from the list on one device does not mean it is deleted from memory routerIf you want to completely "erase" network traces, you'll have to clean both client devices and the router itself.

How to delete a Wi-Fi network on Android (all versions)

On Android The procedure for deleting a network depends on the version of the operating system. In newer versions (Android 10 and above) the interface is simplified, but there are nuances with hidden networks and networks added through WPS.

General algorithm for most devices (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, Huawei):

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click the gear icon (⚙️) next to the name of the network you need.
3. Select Delete or Forget the network.
4. Confirm the action.

If the network is not listed, but the device connects to it:

Check the "Other Networks" section at the bottom of the Wi-Fi list|

Open Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi settings|

Use the app WiFi Manager to search for hidden profiles|

Check your settings Smart Network Switch (on Samsung)

-->

On some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi) networks can be duplicated. In this case:

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced.
2. Select Network management.
3. Remove all duplicates manually.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 12+ some manufacturers (for example, Samsung) hide the network deletion option behind an additional menu. If the buttons Forget No, hold your finger on the network name for 2-3 seconds - a context menu will appear.

Removing Wi-Fi on iPhone and iPad (iOS)

On devices Apple The process is simpler, but there is an important nuance: iOS doesn't show hidden networks in the general list. To delete such a network, you will have to reset all network settings.

Standard procedure:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click the blue icon (ℹ️) next to the network name.
3. Select Forget this network.

If the network is not in the list, but iPhone connects to it:

How to remove a hidden network on iOS

1. Go to Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone.
2. Select Reset → Reset network settings.
3. Enter your password and confirm.
4. After rebooting, all saved Wi-Fi and VPN will be deleted.

This method is radical - use it only if other methods have not helped.

On iOS 16+ a function has appeared Private Wi-Fi address, which may interfere with connecting to some networks. If problems persist after removing the network:

1. Return to the network menu (ℹ️).
2. Disable the option Private address.
3. Reconnect to the network.

Clearing the Wi-Fi list on Windows 10 and 11

IN Windows saved networks are stored in connection profilesThey can be removed either through the graphical interface or using command line (This is useful if the network does not appear in the list).

Method 1: Through parameters

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 (if the network is not visible in the list):

netsh wlan show profiles

This command will display all saved networks. To delete a specific one:

netsh wlan delete profile name="NETWORK_NAME"

If the network name contains spaces, use quotation marks:

netsh wlan delete profile name="My Wi-Fi"

For advanced users: If the network is "stuck" in the system, check the registry branch:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkList\Profiles

Remove keys carefully - incorrect actions may disrupt network operation.

Removing Wi-Fi on macOS (all versions)

On MacBook And iMac the process is similar to iOS, but there are some peculiarities. For example, hidden networks here they are deleted without resetting all settings.

Instructions:

1. Open System Preferences → Network.
2. Select Wi-Fi in the left menu, then click Additionally.
3. Tab Wi-Fi will show all saved networks.
4. Select the desired network and press – (minus) below the list.

If the network is not visible, but Mac connects to it:

• 🔍 Check the file /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.airport.preferences.plist (open through Terminal team open -a TextEdit).
• 🔄 Delete the line with the network name and reboot.

On macOS Ventura and newer networks can be saved in iCloudTo remove them from there:

1. Open System Preferences → Apple ID → iCloud.
2. Turn off syncing Wi-Fi.
3. Delete the network locally (see instructions above).
4. Turn sync back on.

⚠️ Attention: On Mac with a chip Apple Silicon (M1/M2) Some networks may persist in Secure EnclaveTo completely remove them, a reset will be required. NVRAM (click Command+Option+P+R when loading).

Clearing Wi-Fi on Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, Android TV)

On Smart TV Removing networks is often complicated by manufacturers. For example, Samsung It doesn't allow you to forget a network through the standard menu - you have to reset all settings.

General instructions for most TVs:

1. Open Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Settings.
2. Select your network and click Delete or Forget.
3. Confirm the action.

Features by brand:

On Android TV (For example, NVIDIA Shield or Xiaomi Mi Box) The process is identical for mobile devices. If the network is not removed:

A radical method for Android TV

1. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps.
2. Find Wi-Fi or Settings and clean Cache And Storage.
3. Restart your device.

This method will reset all network settings, including passwords.

How to delete a Wi-Fi network from a router's memory

If you want erase completely It's not enough to clear network information on client devices. The router stores data about connected devices in DHCP clients And ARP tableThis may lead to:

• 🔄 Conflicts IP-addresses.
• 🚫 Blocking new devices (if the connection limit has been reached).
• 🕵️ Tracking the activity of old gadgets.

Instructions for most routers (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik):

1. Open your router's web interface (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Go to the section DHCP → Client List or Wireless Mode → Statistics.
3. Find the device and remove it from the list (button Delete or Forget).
4. To completely clear, reboot the router.

On Keenetic And ASUS with firmware Merlin you can use the command:

nvram erase wl_hostlist

After that, run:

nvram commit && reboot

For MikroTik (RouterOS):

/ip dhcp-server lease remove [find where mac-address=XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX]

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, Zyxel Keenetic) The client list is reset automatically after 24 hours. If you need to remove a device immediately, use the command system configuration save after cleaning.

What to do if the network is not deleted

Sometimes networks get stuck in the system and don't disappear even after standard manipulations. Let's look at typical scenarios and solutions:

• 🔄 The network disappears from the list, but the device connects to it: This means that the network profile is saved in system files or registryOn . Windows the command will help:

  netcfg -d

  On Android — reset network settings (Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi).

• 🔒 Network added via Group Policy (Windows): Check:

  gpedit.msc → Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Network → Windows Connection Manager

  Disable policies related to automatic connection.

• 📱 On iPhone The network appears again after deletion: This is due to iCloud KeychainTurn off password syncing in Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Keychain, remove the network, then turn it back on.
• 🖥️ On Smart TV There is no "Forget network" option.: Use Network reset (not a full reset!). On Samsung this is done through Settings → Support → Self-diagnosis → Network reset.

If nothing helps, there remains nuclear option — a full reset of the device. Before this:

Save important data (photos, documents)|

Write down passwords for other networks|

Check if accounts (Google, Apple ID) are linked to the device|

Make sure you have a backup (for smartphones and PCs)

-->

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to delete a Wi-Fi network from a device that is not accessible?

Yes, but the methods depend on the situation:

• If this is your router, go to its settings and remove the device from the client list (DHCP).
• If this is someone else's device (for example, a guest), change the Wi-Fi password - all old connections will be reset.
• For corporate networks Contact the administrator - he can delete your MAC address from the white list.

Why does the device still connect to the network after deleting it?

This happens because:

1. Cached profile (especially on Windows And Android). Try the command netsh wlan delete profile name=* (Windows) or reset network settings (Android).
2. Auto-connection via WPS. Turn it off. WPS in the router settings.
3. Synchronization via account (Google, iCloud, Mi Account). Disable Wi-Fi sync in your account settings.

How do I delete a hidden Wi-Fi network that isn't listed?

Hidden Networks (SSID hidden) don't broadcast their name, but they can be stored on devices. To delete them:

• Windows: Use the command netsh wlan delete profile name="NETWORK_NAME" (even if the network is not on the list).
• Android: Install the application WiFi Manager and find the network in the section Saved Networks.
• iOS/macOS: Reset network settings (Settings → General → Reset).
• Router: In the wireless network settings, disable the option Hide SSID, remove the network from all devices, then hide it again.

Is it possible to delete a Wi-Fi network from a device remotely?

Yes, but with restrictions:

• For Android: Use Google Find My Device (only reset the device) or specialized applications like AirDroid (requires prior setup).
• For iPhone/iPad: Through iCloud you can only erase the device (Find My iPhone → Erase).
• For Windows/macOS: Connect remotely via RDP (Windows) or SSH (macOS) and run the commands manually.
• For the router: If you have access to its web interface, go through the browser and remove the device from DHCP-list.

⚠️ Remote network management requires prior configuration (e.g. enabled Remote assistant on Windows or Back to My Mac on macOS).

How do I prevent my device from automatically connecting to a specific network?

Instead of deleting the network, you can disable automatic connection:

• Android: In the network settings, turn it off Auto-connection.
• iOS: Turn it off Auto-connection in the network menu (ℹ️).
• Windows:
  1. Open Settings → Network → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks.
  2. Select the network and uncheck it. Connect automatically.
• macOS: IN System Preferences → Network → Advanced uncheck the box Automatically join this network.

You can block a device on the router MAC address (chapter Wireless Mode → MAC Filter).