How to Forget a Wi-Fi Network on iPhone: All the Ways to Delete Saved Hotspots

Forget a saved Wi-Fi network on iPhone may be needed in a variety of situations: from changing the password on a router to the need to connect to a network with a different name (SSID). However, the standard interface iOS does not always make this procedure obvious - especially if the network is hidden, unavailable, or its name is grayed out. Unlike Android, where deleting a network takes a couple of taps, iPhone There are nuances that depend on the firmware version and even the device model.

In this article, we will look at all the current methods for deleting Wi-Fi networks - from the basic method through Settings Before a forced reset of network settings. We will pay special attention to the problems encountered by users. iPhone 15/14/13 on iOS 17, where Apple changed the logic for displaying saved access points. You'll also learn how to delete a network that not displayed in the list, and what to do if iPhone automatically connects to an unwanted network despite all manipulations.

1. Standard method: removing Wi-Fi via iPhone settings

This is the most obvious and Apple recommended method that works on all versions. iOS 10 or higher. However, its effectiveness depends on whether your device is within the network coverage area.

To forget a Wi-Fi network:

• 📱 Open the app Settings and go to the section Wi-Fi.
• 🔍 Find the desired network in the list and tap on the icon "i"** (information) to the right of its name.
• 🗑️ Scroll down and click Forget this network, then confirm the action.

If the network gray color and is inactive, this means that iPhone doesn't see it at the moment. In this case, the standard method may not work; alternative methods will be required (see sections 3 and 4).

2. Why iPhone Doesn't Forget the Network: Common Problems

Sometimes users encounter a situation where after pressing Forget this network iPhone It still connects to it automatically. The reasons may be as follows:

• 🔄 Caching network settings: iOS sometimes keeps network data in the cache even after it has been deleted.
• 📡 Hidden networks: if the network is hidden (SSID Hidden), its name may not appear in the list, but iPhone will connect automatically.
• 🔗 Configuration profiles: Some networks (such as corporate ones) are installed via profiles that block manual removal.
• 📱 iOS errors: Bugs in the firmware (especially in beta versions) can lead to network management failures.

If you encounter one of these problems, try the methods in the following sections. For example, reset network settings (section 4) helps in 90% of cases when the network “does not want” to be deleted.

3. How to delete a Wi-Fi network that is not displayed in the list

If the required network not visible V Settings → Wi-Fi (for example, because the router is turned off or the network is hidden), use one of these methods:

Method 1: Connect to the network manually

Even if the network is hidden, you can connect to it manually to make it appear in the list:

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap Another network... (at the bottom of the list).
3. Enter the network name (SSID) and password, then connect.
4. Once connected, open the network information again and select Forget this network.

Method 2: Use Airplane Mode

Sometimes the network becomes visible after rebooting the network modules:

• 🛩️ Turn on Airplane mode V Control center or Settings.
• 🔄 Wait 10-15 seconds and turn off the mode.
• 🔍 Check the Wi-Fi list - the network might appear.

What to do if the network still doesn't appear?

If the network still doesn't show up, it may mean it was added through configuration profile (for example, in corporate or educational institutions). In this case, it can only be removed through Settings → General → VPN and device management, finding and deleting the corresponding profile.

4. Resetting network settings: a radical method

If none of the previous methods worked, the only thing left is reset network settingsThis method removes all saved Wi-Fi networks, and also resets the settings Bluetooth, VPN And cellular communications (but does not affect personal data).

How to perform a reset:

1. Open Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone.
2. Select Reset → Reset network settings.
3. Enter your device password (if requested) and confirm the action.

After reboot iPhone All Wi-Fi networks will be deleted, and you'll have to reconnect to them. This method is guaranteed to solve problems with "undeletable" networks, but use it only as a last resort.

Make sure you know the passwords for all the Wi-Fi networks you need.

Save your VPN settings (if using)

Please note that resetting will disable all Bluetooth devices (headphones, watches, etc.)

Prepare a backup internet connection (mobile network)-->

5. Removing Wi-Fi via configuration profiles (for corporate networks)

Some networks (for example, in offices, universities or hotels) are added to iPhone through configuration profilesSuch networks cannot be removed using the standard method; they must be uninstalled along with the profile.

How to do it:

1. Go to Settings → General → VPN and device management.
2. Select the profile associated with the desired Wi-Fi network (the name may contain Wi-Fi, Corp or the name of the organization).
3. Tap Delete profile and confirm the action.

After deleting the profile, the network will disappear from the Wi-Fi list. If the profile is password-protected (for example, on company-owned devices), you may need to contact the network administrator.

6. How to disable automatic Wi-Fi connection

Sometimes iPhone persistently connects to an unwanted network, even if you "forgot" it. This happens because of the function Auto-connection, which can be disabled:

Instructions for iOS 17/16:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the icon "i"** next to the network.
3. Turn off the switch Auto-connection (if it is active).
4. Click Forget this network.

On older versions iOS (up to 15) this option may not be available. In this case, only resetting network settings (section 4) will help.

Also note the function "Automatic connection to networks"** in Settings → Wi-Fi (enabled by default). Disabling it will prevent connections to open or poorly secured networks.

7. Problems after removing Wi-Fi: what to do

After deleting the network, you may encounter the following issues:

Problem	Cause	Solution
iPhone does not connect to another network	DNS cache or IP conflict	Reboot your router and iPhone, or reset network settings
The network appears in the list again	Configuration profile or error iOS	Delete your profile (section 5) or update iOS
No internet connection	Incorrect settings DNS or IP	Go to Wi-Fi settings and select Configure DNS → Automatically
iPhone asks for the password for the network you deleted	The network is saved in Keychain (keychain)	Perform a network settings reset (section 4)

If the problems persist, check if they are related to router settings. For example, some models (TP-Link, ASUS) cache devices and can force connections iPhone Even after deleting the network on your phone, you might still be able to connect to it. In this case, rebooting the router or resetting its settings will help.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about removing Wi-Fi on iPhone

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

Yes, deleting a network doesn't require a password. You only need to confirm the action in the menu. Forget this networkHowever, if the network is added through configuration profile, you may need a password to delete your profile.

❓ Why did all my saved Wi-Fi networks disappear after updating iOS?

This may happen due to a failure during the update or if you have performed reset network settingsNetworks can only be restored manually by reconnecting to each one. If networks disappear without your intervention, try refreshing iOS again or restore the backup via iTunes/Finder.

❓ How do I delete a Wi-Fi network on my iPhone if the screen isn't working?

If the touch screen is not responding, you can connect iPhone to the computer and use iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS) to create a backup. Then run full reset of the device via recovery mode (DFU). After restoring from a backup, the Wi-Fi networks will remain, but you can delete them on the working device. An alternative is to use Siri voice control (if enabled) to navigate the menu.

❓ Is it possible to delete all Wi-Fi networks at once without resetting other settings?

No, in iOS There is no function to bulk delete Wi-Fi networks. The only way to clear all networks is to reset network settings (section 4), but this will also reset the settings Bluetooth, VPN and cellular communications. If you need to remove many networks, consider using Mac with the application Configurator 2 (for experienced users).

❓ Why does my iPhone connect to my neighbor's Wi-Fi instead of mine?

This is due to the function Automatic connection, which selects the network with the strongest signal. To fix:

1. Forget the neighbor's network (section 1).
2. Turn it off Auto-connection for your network (section 6).
3. Reduce your neighbors' signal strength in their router settings (if you have access).