How to Forget a Wi-Fi Network on a Mac: Complete Instructions with Pictures

Forget Wi-Fi network on Mac may be needed in a variety of situations: from a banal change of password on a router to the need to connect to another access point with the same name (SSID). Unlike Windows or Android, where deleting a network takes a couple of clicks, macOS This process sometimes raises questions, especially if the network is stuck in the list or does not want to disappear after standard manipulations.

In this article we will look at All possible ways to delete Wi-Fi networks on MacBook, iMac and other devices Apple — from simple removal via a graphical interface to “heavy artillery” in the form of Terminal And Keychain AccessYou will also learn what to do if the network continues to appear in the list even after deletion, and how to avoid common mistakes when reconnecting.

1. Standard method: deleting via Wi-Fi settings

The most obvious and fastest method is to use the built-in settings. macOSIt's suitable for most users and doesn't require any special knowledge. Here's how:

1. Click on the icon Wi-Fi in the upper right corner of the screen (next to the clock).
2. Select an item Network settings... (Network Preferences...).
3. In the window that opens, go to the tab Wi-Fi.
4. Click the button Additionally... (Advanced...) in the lower right corner.

Next, a list of all saved networks will open. Here you can:

• 🔍 Find the desired network using the search bar (if the list is large).
• ❌ Select the network and press the button – (minus) below the list to delete.
• 🔄 After deleting, click OK, and then Apply (Apply) for the changes to take effect.

Important: If after these steps the network is still displayed in the list of available connections, then its data is saved in a bunch of keys (Keychain Access). More on this in the next section.

2. Deleting a network via Keychain Access (if the standard method didn't work)

Keychain Access - is a system storage of passwords and certificates on MacSometimes Wi-Fi networks are saved separately from the main settings, so you have to delete them manually. Follow these instructions:

1. Open Programs → Utilities → Keychain Access (or find via Spotlight upon request Keychain).
2. In the left column, select System (System) or Login (Login).
3. In the search bar, enter the name of the Wi-Fi network (SSID).
4. Find a record with the type AirPort network password (AirPort network password).
5. Right click on it and select Delete.

After uninstalling, reboot Mac This will help avoid conflicts with cached data. If the network is still visible, try the next method.

Make sure you have administrator rights

Back up your passwords (File → Export Items...)

Close all programs using the Internet

Restart your Mac after uninstalling-->

3. Removing via Terminal: For advanced users

If graphical methods do not help, you can use TerminalThis method is suitable for macOS Monterey, Ventura And Sonoma, but requires care - an incorrect command can disrupt the network.

Open Terminal (Programs → Utilities → Terminal) and run the following commands in turn:

# View a list of all saved networks
security find-generic-password -wa "network_name"

Remove the network from the settings (replace "network_name" with the actual SSID)
networksetup -removepreferredwirelessnetwork en0 "network_name"

Remove password from keychain
security delete-generic-password -a "$USER" -s "network_name" -D "AirPort network password"

After executing the commands, reboot Mac and check if the network has disappeared from the list. If not, try a combination of all three methods (Settings + Keychain + Terminal).

4. Why the network is not deleted: typical problems and solutions

Sometimes a Wi-Fi network stubbornly refuses to disappear from the list even after all the steps. Here are the most common causes and how to fix them:

If the problem persists, try reset network settings on Mac:

1. Go to Settings → Network.
2. Select Wi-Fi in the left column and click – (minus) to remove the interface.
3. Click + (plus), select Wi-Fi and add the interface again.

What should I do if the Internet is lost after a network reset?

If after resetting the settings Mac stopped connecting to any network, check:

1. Wi-Fi adapter activity: open Settings → Network and make sure the status Wi-Fi: Connected.

2. Router settings: It may have a MAC address filter enabled. Add your Mac's MAC address to the list of allowed devices.

3. macOS Updates: Sometimes bugs in the system interfere with Wi-Fi. Check for updates in Settings → Software Update.

5. How to delete all saved Wi-Fi networks at once

If you need to reset all connections (for example, before selling MacBook), you can do this quickly through Terminal. Warning: This command will permanently delete all saved networks!

# Remove all preferred Wi-Fi networks
networksetup -listpreferredwirelessnetworks en0 | tail -n +2 | while read ssid; do networksetup -removepreferredwirelessnetwork en0 "$ssid"; done

Clearing all Wi-Fi passwords from your keychain
security find-generic-password -D "AirPort network password" | grep -o '"acct"="."' | sed 's/"acct"="\(.\)"/\1/' | while read ssid; do security delete-generic-password -a "$USER" -s "$ssid" -D "AirPort network password"; done

After completing, reboot MacNow, whenever you connect to any network, you will have to enter the password again.

6. Features for different versions of macOS

The interface and some features may differ depending on the version. macOSHere are the key differences:

• 🍎 macOS Sonoma (14.x) And Ventura (13.x): support WPA3 By default, deleting networks via Settings → Wi-Fi works stably.
• 🖥️ macOS Monterey (12.x) and older: manual cleaning may be required Keychain Access, since not all networks can be deleted via the GUI.
• 🛠️ macOS Big Sur (11.x) and below: in some cases it is necessary to reset PRAM/NVRAM (click Command + Option + P + R when loading).

If you use Mac at work and connect to corporate networks (for example, 802.1X), deleting using standard methods may not work. In this case, contact your network administrator—your device may have additional configuration profiles installed (.mobileconfig).

7. What to do if the network does not connect after deletion

Sometimes after deleting a Wi-Fi network Mac It refuses to reconnect, even if the password is entered correctly. Here's what you can do:

1. Reboot your router: Unplug it from the power supply for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
2. Reset network settings on Mac:

   sudo ifconfig en0 down
   sudo ifconfig en0 up

3. Create a new connection manually:
   1. Go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi → Advanced.
   2. Click + at the bottom of the list of networks.
   3. Enter SSID, select the security type and save.

If the problem persists, check if the connection is blocked firewall or antivirus (For example, Avast, Kaspersky). Temporarily disabling protection may help identify the cause.

8. Alternative methods: third-party utilities

If built-in tools macOS If these don't work, you can use third-party programs. They offer advanced network management features, including mass deletion and problem diagnostics.

• 🔧 WiFi Explorer — shows all networks within range, their parameters, and allows you to manage connections.
• 📊 NetSpot — analyzes Wi-Fi coverage and helps remove “dead” networks.
• 🛡️ CleanMyMac X - has a module for clearing network settings (including cache) DNS).

Before using third-party utilities, download them only from official website of the developer or Mac App Storeto avoid viruses. Also, check reviews—some programs may conflict with the latest versions. macOS.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about deleting Wi-Fi networks on a Mac

Is it possible to delete a network I'm currently connected to?

Yes, but deleting it will disconnect the connection. We recommend connecting to a different network or using a wired connection first (if you need to download drivers or updates).

Why does a network still connect automatically after deleting it?

This happens if the router is enabled WPS or function Easy Connect. Disable them in the router settings (usually in the section Wi-Fi → Security). Also check if the password is saved in iCloud Keychain (if you have synced devices Apple).

How do I delete a network on a Mac if I forgot the administrator password?

Without administrator rights you will not be able to delete networks through Keychain Access or TerminalIn this case:

1. Try the standard method through Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced (sometimes it works without admin rights).
2. Reset the administrator password via macOS Recovery (boot your Mac with the keys pressed Command + R).

Is it safe to delete SystemConfiguration files manually?

Deleting files NetworkInterfaces.plist And com.apple.airport.preferences.plist This won't harm your system, but it may reset some network settings (such as the network connection order). Always make a backup before editing system files.

Why did some networks stop connecting after updating macOS?

Updates macOS sometimes they change support for security protocols. For example, in macOS Sonoma By default, support for obsolete standards such as WEP or TKIPUpdate your router firmware or change the encryption type to WPA2/WPA3.