How to Forget a Wi-Fi Network on iPhone: A Complete Guide with Pictures and Tips

Forget a saved Wi-Fi network on iPhone may be needed in a variety of situations: from a simple change of password on a router to the need to connect to the same network under a different name. Unlike Android, where network deletion is often hidden in the depths of the menu, iOS offers several ways — from the standard interface to hidden features for experienced users. But even here there are pitfalls: for example, some networks may automatically reconnect, and old profiles may interfere with new connections.

In this article you will find 5 proven methods, including uninstalling through settings, resetting network settings, and even using configuration profiles. We'll also look at why iPhone Sometimes it "forgets" networks on its own, and what to do if the network can't be deleted using standard tools. All instructions are relevant for iOS 17 and newer, but most methods also work on older versions (starting with iOS 12).

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

The most obvious and quickest method is to delete the network directly from the menu Wi-FiThis method is suitable for most users and doesn't require any additional knowledge. Here's how:

1. Open the app Settings on iPhone.
2. Go to the section Wi-Fi.
3. Find the network you want to delete in the list and tap on the icon «i» (information) to the right of its name.
4. Click Forget this network.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Forget in the window that appears.

After that iPhone will no longer automatically connect to this network. However, there are some caveats:

• 🔄 If the network hidden (does not broadcast SSID), its name will still remain in the list, but with a note Not connected.
• 🔒 If the network is secure certificate (for example, in corporate networks), its removal may require additional steps (see section 4).
• 📶 Network deletion does not reset router settings - if the problem is with the router, you will have to configure the router separately.

2. Removing all saved networks by resetting the settings

If you need to delete all saved networks at once (for example, before selling iPhone or in case of widespread connection problems), the easiest way is to reset the network settings. This method also helps when individual networks cannot be deleted in the standard way due to a glitch in iOS.

Warning: Resetting will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords, VPN settings, and cellular settings (including APN). You'll have to set everything up again!

⚠️ Attention: If you use eSIM, reset network settings will not delete her profile, but may require reactivation by the operator.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone.
2. Select Reset.
3. Tap Reset network settings.
4. Enter your device password (if requested).
5. Confirm reset.

After reset iPhone It will reboot. To connect to Wi-Fi, you will have to enter passwords again. If you have forgotten your network password, check it on the router's sticker or in the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

3. How to remove "invisible" networks (with hidden SSID)

Some Wi-Fi networks do not broadcast their name (SSID) on the air - they are called "hidden". Such networks still remain on iPhone, but removing them using the standard method isn't always possible. Here's what to do:

If the network is hidden displayed in the list (with a note Hidden network), remove it as usual (see section 1). If it is not in the list, but iPhone still connects to it:

Find the network name in the "Other networks" list (at the bottom of the Wi-Fi screen)|If the network is not there, try connecting to it manually and delete it|Check for configuration profiles in Settings → General → VPN and device management|Reset network settings (section 2)

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Hidden networks are often used in offices or public places. If you're unsure whether a network is secure, it's best to delete it. Connecting to unknown hidden networks can be a security risk..

4. Removing networks added via configuration profiles

Some Wi-Fi networks (especially corporate or educational ones) are installed on iPhone through configuration profilesSuch networks cannot be deleted using the standard method; you must first delete the profile itself.

How to do it:

1. Open Settings → General → VPN and device management.
2. Select a section Configuration profile.
3. Tap the profile that manages the Wi-Fi network.
4. Click Delete profile and confirm the action.

⚠️ Attention: Deleting a profile can disable not only Wi-Fi, but also other settings (for example, VPN or restrictions MDM). If iPhone If your profile belongs to a company or educational institution, please check with the administrator before deleting the profile.

After deleting the profile, the Wi-Fi network will disappear from the list of saved networks. If the profile was installed via MDM (mobile device management system), it can be reinstalled the next time you connect to the Internet.

5. Why does the iPhone "forget" networks and how to fix it?

Sometimes iPhone automatically deletes saved networks or fails to connect to them for no apparent reason. This may be due to:

• 🔋 Saving battery life - in low battery mode iOS can disable background connections.
• 📡 Weak signal - if the network is constantly lost, iPhone may stop connecting to it.
• 🔄 iOS updates — after major updates, network settings are sometimes reset.
• 🛡️ Security settings - if the network is marked as insecure (for example, without encryption).

To restore a "forgotten" network:

1. Reboot iPhone.
2. Forget the network manually (section 1) and reconnect.
3. Check if the mode is enabled Airplane mode or Battery saving.
4. Update iOS to the latest version.

What should I do if the network still won't connect?

If after all the manipulations iPhone refuses to connect to the network, try:

1. Reboot the router (turn off the power for 30 seconds).

2. Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel).

3. Check if your antivirus is blocking the connection or VPN.

4. Connect to the network from another device - if the problem persists, the router is to blame.

6. Alternative methods: removing networks via iTunes (for older iPhones)

On iPhone With iOS 11 and older (as well as on devices without a touch screen, for example, iPod Touch) you can manage networks through iTunes on the computer. This method is relevant if the screen iPhone broken or unresponsive to touch.

Instructions for Windows or macOS:

1. Connect iPhone to the computer via cable.
2. Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and newer).
3. Choose yours iPhone in the top menu.
4. Go to the section Overview → Synchronization.
5. Click Restore iPhone and select Reset settings (Do not restore from backup if you want to delete networks!).

This method will completely reset all settings, including Wi-Fi, but will retain user data (photos, messages, etc.). Use it only in extreme cases!

7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When deleting Wi-Fi networks, users often make the same mistakes. Here are the most common ones:

• 🔄 They don't reboot iPhone after deleting the network — sometimes changes are applied only after a reboot.
• 📱 Remove the network, but not the router, from the Favorites list (in iOS 17 The priority networks function has appeared).
• 🔒 They forget that the network is protected by a certificate (see section 4).
• 📡 They don't check the router settings. - sometimes the problem is not iPhone, and in the router (for example, the filter is enabled by MAC-address).

Another typical problem: after deleting the network iPhone it still connects to it automaticallyThis may occur due to:

• Cached data (rebooting helps).
• Functions Auto-connection in the Wi-Fi settings (can be disabled in the network menu).
• Duplicate profiles (check in Settings → General → VPN and device management).

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you don't need a password to delete a network. You just need to unlock it. iPhone (enter PIN code, Face ID or Touch ID).

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

Most likely the network was added through configuration profile (see section 4) or included auto-connection in its settings. Also check if the network name is duplicated (for example, MyWiFi And MyWiFi_5G).

How to delete a Wi-Fi network on iPhone if the screen is not working?

Use iTunes on the computer (section 6) or connect the keyboard via Bluetooth/USB-C and manage iPhone with its help (keys Tab And Enter for navigation).

Will a factory reset delete Wi-Fi networks?

Yes, full reset (Settings → General → Reset → Erase All Content and Settings) will delete all Wi-Fi networks, including passwords, profiles, and VPN settings.

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

No, after deleting the network data (including the password) are not restoredYou'll have to reconnect, entering the password manually. If you've forgotten your password, check it with your router or your network administrator.