Wireless internet access has become an integral part of working on Apple laptops these days. However, users often encounter situations where they need to remove a specific network from the list of saved networks to troubleshoot connection errors or simply tidy up their settings. The process for forgetting Wi-Fi on a MacBook can vary significantly depending on the operating system version installed on your device.
With the release of new versions of macOS, such as Ventura and Sonoma, Apple completely redesigned the System Preferences interface, bringing it closer to the mobile iOS experience. This has resulted in familiar navigation paths changing, making it more difficult for those accustomed to the classic interface to find the desired option. In this article, we'll detail all the current methods for deleting network profiles for various versions of macOS, so you can quickly resolve connection issues.
Understanding how network priority works and where their security keys are stored will help you not only remove unnecessary entries but also optimize the performance of your laptop's wireless module. We'll cover both standard methods using the graphical interface and more advanced methods using the Terminal for experienced users who require a thorough configuration cleanup.
Deleting a network in macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia
Starting with macOS Ventura, Apple introduced a radically new Settings menu design that more closely resembles the iPhone or iPad. To forget a Wi-Fi network in these versions of the operating system, you need to open the menu. System Preferences via the apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen. Select a section in the left sidebar. Wi-Fi, which is now located at the very top of the list of main parameters.
After going to the Wi-Fi section, scroll down to the very bottom of the page where the button is located Additionally... or Read moreClicking it will take you to the expanded wireless connection management menu. This displays a complete list of all networks your MacBook has ever connected to and saved to the device's memory. Find the network you want to delete in this list.
To delete, simply hover over the network name and click on the button with three dots or the minus icon next to the name, then select the option Forget this networkThe system may prompt you to confirm the action or enter an administrator password, as changing network settings requires elevated access rights. After confirmation, the network will be removed from the list of known networks, and your MacBook will no longer attempt to connect to it automatically.
It's important to note that in new versions of macOS, Apple has also added the ability to manage network access for different users. If you use multiple accounts on a single Mac, deleting a network from one account won't necessarily delete it from another, which is an important security and data separation feature.
Instructions for macOS Monterey, Big Sur, and earlier versions
In classic versions of macOS, such as Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, and Mojave, the System Preferences interface looks different, and the path to managing Wi-Fi networks is through the preference pane. You need to open System Preferences and go to the section NetIn the list of available interfaces on the left, select Wi-Fi, and then click the button Additionally... in the lower right corner of the window.
A new window will open with several tabs, where you are interested in the first tab - Wi-FiHere's a list of preferred networks, sorted by priority. To remove a specific network, select its name in the list and click the minus button. -, located below the list. After that, don't forget to click the button OK and then Apply in the main network settings window for the changes to take effect.
This method is the most reliable for older operating system versions, as it ensures that the network profile is removed from the system access key. If you simply disconnect from the network via the status bar menu, it will remain in memory and can automatically reconnect when it comes back within range of the router.
It's worth mentioning that in older versions of macOS, the order of networks in the list matters: the system attempts to connect to the first network in the list, then the second, and so on. Therefore, deleting unnecessary networks not only clears the list but can also speed up the process of connecting to the desired internet by eliminating unnecessary connection attempts.
Using Terminal to remove Wi-Fi networks
For advanced users who prefer the command line or encounter problems with the graphical interface, there's a way to delete a network via Terminal. This method requires careful input, as any error in entering the command can lead to unexpected results. Open the application. Terminal via Spotlight or the Applications folder and enter the command to delete the network profile.
sudo /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Apple80211.framework/Versions/Current/Resources/airport -IHowever, a more efficient and direct way in modern macOS is to use the utility networksetupFirst, you need to get a list of all saved networks to find the exact SSID, which may differ from the visible name. To do this, enter the command:
networksetup -listpreferredwirelessnetworks en0Once you have seen the exact network name, use the following command to delete it, replacing "SSID_NAME" with the name of your network:
sudo networksetup -removepreferredwirelessnetwork en0"SSID_NAME"⚠️ Attention: When entering a command with a prefix sudo The system will prompt you for an administrator password. When you enter the password, characters won't appear on the screen—this is normal behavior for the macOS security system.
Using the command line is especially useful in corporate environments or for remote administration when access to a graphical interface is unavailable. This method also allows you to create scripts to automatically clean up network settings on multiple computers simultaneously.
☑️ Check before deleting a network
Reset network settings via hidden files
If standard methods don't help and the connection issue is system-related, you can try deleting the Wi-Fi configuration files directly from the system folder. This method is more drastic and allows you to reset all network settings to factory defaults, which often resolves errors. You'll need to navigate to the folder /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/ on the system disk.
In this directory you are interested in files with names containing com.apple.airport.preferences.plist, com.apple.network.identification.plist And com.apple.wifi.message-tracer.plistBefore deleting, it is recommended to copy these files to your desktop as a backup. After deleting the originals, you must restart your computer, and the system will create new, clean configuration files.
This approach is effective when preference files have accumulated errors or conflicts that can't be resolved by simply deleting the network through the settings. However, be careful: after this procedure, you'll have to re-enter passwords for all Wi-Fi networks you plan to connect to.
It's worth noting that the file structure and access rights may have changed in recent versions of macOS, so this method is best used only if other methods fail. Always have an administrator account and the ability to restart the device on hand.
What to do if files are not deleted?
If the system reports that the file is in use or protected, try booting into Safe Mode by holding down the Shift key at startup and repeat the procedure for deleting configuration files.
Table: Comparison of network removal methods
To help you choose the right method, we've prepared a comparison chart of methods for deleting Wi-Fi networks on a MacBook. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your situation and technical expertise.
| Method | Complexity | Risk of errors | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Via System Preferences | Low | Minimum | Regular users |
| Via the Terminal | Average | Average | Experienced users |
| Deleting system files | High | High | Solutions to complex problems |
| Resetting NVRAM/PRAM | Average | Short | Hardware failures |
The method you choose depends on how deeply you want to tamper with the system. For most cases, the standard settings interface is sufficient, allowing for safe and controlled deletion of network profiles without the risk of damaging other macOS components.
Troubleshooting if the network is not deleted
Sometimes users encounter a situation where a network can't be deleted using standard methods, or it reappears in the list immediately after deletion. This can be caused by iCloud Keychain syncing, which restores saved passwords and networks across all your Apple devices. To resolve this issue, disable Wi-Fi key syncing in iCloud settings.
Go to System Preferences -> Apple ID -> iCloud and find the item Bunch of keysDisable the sync option or delete a specific network entry from Keychain via the app. Bunch of keys (Keychain Access). Find your network name in the list, double-click it, check the "Show password" box, and then delete the entry.
⚠️ Note: Disabling Keychain may cause Wi-Fi passwords to stop syncing between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, requiring you to enter passwords manually on each device.
Another possible cause is the presence of management profiles (MDM), if the laptop belongs to an organization or educational institution. In this case, the administrator may have blocked the ability to change network settings. Check for profiles in the section System Preferences -> Profiles (or Device profiles).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will my Wi-Fi password be removed from my other devices if I forget the network on my Mac?
No, deleting a network on one device does not automatically delete it from others unless you have iCloud Keychain sync enabled. However, if sync is enabled, deleting a network on one device may trigger its deletion on all linked devices via the Apple cloud.
Is it possible to restore a deleted network without re-entering the password?
Yes, if the network is saved in iCloud Keychain or if you've previously shared the password with another nearby Apple device. When attempting to connect, your MacBook may automatically request the password from your iPhone if both devices are authorized with the same Apple ID.
Why doesn't my MacBook see a Wi-Fi network after deleting it?
If the network is hidden (not broadcasting its SSID), deleting the profile will stop your MacBook from detecting it. You'll have to reconnect to it by manually entering the network name and password, or ensure that your router is broadcasting the network name.
Does having a large number of saved networks affect Wi-Fi speed?
Theoretically, a very long list of preferred networks could slightly increase the initial scan and connection time when turning on a laptop, as the system checks the availability of each one. However, this has virtually no impact on internet data transfer speed.