How to completely forget a Wi-Fi network on a MacBook: from simple methods to hidden commands

Forget Wi-Fi network on MacBook It may be needed in a variety of situations: from a simple password change on a router to resolving connection issues when a device stubbornly clings to an old access point with an authentication error. Unlike Windows or Android, where deleting a network takes a couple of clicks, macOS hides this feature in obscure menus. — and in some cases requires working with the terminal or even resetting the system settings.

In this article you will find 5 proven methods delete saved Wi-Fi network on any MacBook (including models on M1, M2 And Intel), and we'll also figure out why the network sometimes "comes back" after deletion and how to fix it. We'll pay special attention hidden networks that are not displayed in the standard list but continue to interfere with the connectionIf you encounter the "Incorrect Password" error even though the key is 100% correct, or macOS stubbornly ignores the new access point, you'll find the solution here.

1. Standard method: deleting the network through System Preferences

The most obvious and safest method is to use the graphical interface macOSIt's suitable for most users and doesn't require any technical skills. Here's how it works:

1. Open System Preferences (gear icon in Dock or via Apple menu → "System Preferences").
2. Go to the section Net (V macOS Ventura and newer it can be called Networks).
3. In the left column, select Wi-Fi, then press the button Additionally... in the lower right corner.
4. A window with a list will open. famous networksFind the desired network, select it and press the button – (minus) below the list.
5. Confirm deletion by pressing the button Delete and save the changes using OK.

⚠️ Attention: If the button – inactive (grayed out), this means that the network is currently active. Disconnect from her via the Wi-Fi menu in the status bar (click on the antenna icon and select "Disconnect from [network name]").

Is your connection to this network currently disabled?

Do you have a backup copy of your password (in case you need to connect again)|

Is this network used in VPN profiles or corporate settings?

Have you verified administrator rights (if the MacBook is on a company domain)?

This method works for visible networks, but it won't help remove it hidden SSIDs (those that don't broadcast their name). These will require alternative methods, described below.

2. Removing via Terminal: for hidden networks and advanced users

If the network is not visible in the GUI (for example, it is hidden SSID or profile Enterprise Wi-Fi), will have to be used TerminalThis method is also useful if macOS stubbornly "remembers" the network after a standard deletion.

Open Terminal (through Spotlight - click Cmd + Space and enter "Terminal"). Enter the following command to view all saved networks:

security find-generic-password -wa "network_name"

Replace network_name on real SSIDIf the network name contains spaces, enclose it in quotation marks: My Wi-Fi.

To delete the network completely, execute:

sudo networksetup -removepreferredwirelessnetwork en0 "network_name"

Here en0 — this is the Wi-Fi interface identifier (in 99% of cases it is like this, but if the command did not work, check it through networksetup -listallhardwareports). After entering the command, you will be asked to enter the administrator password (the characters will not appear as you type - this is normal).

3. Reset NVRAM/PRAM: When the network "comes back" after deletion

Sometimes users face a paradoxical situation: the network is removed through the settings, but MacBook still tries to connect to it. The reason for this is - NVRAM cache (or PRAM (In older models), where some network settings are stored. Resetting this memory helps in 80% of such cases.

Here's how to do it:

1. Turn it off MacBook.
2. Turn it on and immediately hold down the keys Option (⌥) + Command (⌘) + P + R.
3. Keep them close 20 seconds (on Mac with Apple Silicon — until the second beep or the logo appears).
4. Release the keys and wait until it boots up normally.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting NVRAM will also reset other settings such as sound volume, screen resolution And selecting a boot diskThey will have to be reconfigured.

4. Deleting network profiles (for corporate and Enterprise Wi-Fi)

If you connected to corporate network with certificates (for example, EAP-TLS or PEAP), standard methods may not work. Such networks are often tied to configuration profiles, which are installed through System Preferences → Profiles (or Devices → Profiles in new versions of macOS).

To delete such a profile:

1. Open System Preferences → Privacy & Security → Profiles.
2. Find the profile associated with Wi-Fi (often has "Wi-Fi" in the name) Wi-Fi, 802.1X or company name).
3. Select it and press – (minus), then confirm the deletion.

After this, the network will disappear from the list of known networks, and the security certificates will be removed. If the profile was installed through MDM (device management system, for example, Jamf or Mosyle), it may be restored the next time you connect to the Internet - in this case, contact your IT department administrator.

5. Complete reset of network settings: a last resort

If none of the methods helped, there remains radical solution - reset all network settings to factory defaults. This will remove all saved Wi-Fi networks, VPN configurations, proxy settings and other parameters. Use this method only as a last resort!

Instructions:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Run the command to delete all network preferences:

   sudo rm /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/NetworkInterfaces.plist

3. Then delete the network services cache:

   sudo rm /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/preferences.plist

4. Reboot MacBook.

After restarting, macOS will create new configuration files with default settings. You will need to reconfigure all connections, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi And VPN.

Table: Comparison of methods for deleting Wi-Fi networks on a MacBook

Common problems and their solutions

"The network disappeared from the list, but the MacBook still connects to it."

This is a typical symptom of data "sticking" in NVRAM. Perform reset NVRAM, as described above. If this doesn't help, check for availability. hidden profiles via Terminal:

profiles -L

After deleting a network, my MacBook can't see other access points.

The settings may have gotten corrupted. Wi-Fi module. Try:

• 🔄 Turn Wi-Fi on/off via the menu in the status bar.
• 🖥️ Create a new network location V System Preferences → Network → Location.
• 🔧 Reset SMC (For MacBook until 2018 with removable battery).

"I can't delete the network because the '–' button is grayed out."

This happens if:

• 🔒 The network is currently active (disconnect from it).
• 🛡️ You do not have administrator rights (password required).
• 🏢 Network managed MDM-profile (contact the IT department).

macOS Standard Settings|

Terminal (networksetup commands)|

Reset NVRAM/PRAM|

Deleting profiles|

Never deleted networks|

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

sudo networksetup -removepreferredwirelessnetwork en0 '$@#Wi-Fi'

If none of the described methods helped to solve the problem with Wi-Fi, it is worth checking macOS updates (sometimes network bugs are fixed in new versions) or contact Apple support service - especially when it comes to corporate devices with MDM-management.