Modern operating systems, including macOS, strive to make the user's experience with wireless networks as simple as possible. When you first connect to a new access point, the system automatically saves its settings, including the password and encryption type. This allows you to instantly reconnect when you return within range of the router, eliminating the need to re-enter your details each time.
However, there are situations when automatic connection becomes a problem. For example, you may have changed your router but retained the old network name (SSID), or the security settings on your access point may have been changed, and now your Mac is trying to use old, outdated encryption keys. In such cases, the operating system may endlessly attempt to connect, creating conflicts or simply blocking you from connecting to the internet until you forcibly delete the old profile from memory.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at how to forget a Wi-Fi network on a Mac using various methods. We'll cover the default system settings for current versions of macOS, touch on the iCloud Keychain, and explore advanced clearing methods using Terminal. Understanding these processes will help you maintain clean network settings and quickly troubleshoot connection errors.
Why delete known Wi-Fi networks?
Accumulating profiles (Wireless Networks) in a system is not just a matter of order, but also an aspect of digital hygiene and security. Every time your MacBook or iMac When a device successfully connects to a network, it retains a unique set of parameters. If there are too many such networks, this can lead to a slowdown in scanning for available signals or, worse, attempts to connect to insecure or fake access points with similar names.
One of the most common reasons why it's important to know how to forget a Wi-Fi network on a Mac is when your ISP changes equipment. New routers often have identical default names, such as "TP-Link_2G" or "Beeline_WiFi." If you've moved or changed your plan, your computer may attempt to connect to a neighboring router with the same name using your old password, which naturally results in an authorization error.
⚠️ Note: Removing a network from the list of known networks does not completely disable the Wi-Fi module. This action only clears the record of a specific access point. If you want to completely disable the radio module, use the menu in the status bar or system settings.
Deleting a profile is also necessary when changing the router password. If you updated the router's security key but didn't delete the network on your computer, macOS may spend a long time trying to connect with the old password before prompting for a new password, or may not even display the entry window, assuming the connection is stable. Forcing a network reset ("forgetting") forces the system to request the latest credentials the next time you try to connect.
Deleting a network in macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and later
Starting with macOS 13 (Ventura), Apple completely redesigned the System Preferences interface, making it more similar to the iPhone and iPad menus. The process for deleting a network has become more intuitive, but its location has changed. Now, all actions are performed through the sidebar and detailed settings windows.
To get started, open the Apple menu in the upper left corner of your screen and select System PreferencesIn the window that opens, find the section Wi-Fi in the left column. You'll see a list of known networks. If the network you want is in range, it will appear at the top, followed by a list of "Known Networks." Click the information icon (three dots in a circle) next to the name of the network you want to delete.
In the menu that opens, select the option Forget this network (Forget This Network). The system will ask you to confirm this action, as this will remove the password. After confirmation, the entry will disappear from the list. If the network doesn't appear in the "Known" list, it may have been previously deleted or iCloud syncing hasn't completed yet.
☑️ Check for network deletion
It's important to note that the interface may change slightly with each update in new versions of macOS. If you don't see the "Forget" button, try right-clicking (or two-finger-clicking on a trackpad) directly on the network name in the list—the context menu often contains quick actions that aren't visible with a regular click.
Deleting a network in macOS Monterey, Big Sur, and Catalina
In macOS versions prior to Ventura, the settings interface looked different, and network management was located in a separate module. Now, the process requires going to advanced settings, which may be unclear to inexperienced users. The logic remains similar, but the path to the goal is different.
Go to System Preferences through the Apple menu and select the icon NetSelect an interface from the list on the left. Wi-Fi, then press the button Additionally... (Advanced) in the lower right corner of the window. A list of all saved profiles will open, sorted by connection priority.
Select the network you want to remove from the Preferred Networks list. Click the minus button. – below the list. After that, click OK and then Apply in the main settings window for the changes to take effect. Without clicking "Apply," the system will not save the changes to the configuration file.
This method also allows you to change network priority. If you have two routers at home with the same name (for example, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), you can drag them in the list to prioritize the faster band. Deleting a network here occurs immediately after applying the settings, and your Mac will no longer attempt to connect to it automatically.
What should I do if the "Apply" button is inactive?
The "Apply" button only becomes active after you've made changes. If you've deleted a network but the button is grayed out, try selecting a different network, then the one you're deleting again, or simply switch to a different interface (such as Ethernet) and then back to Wi-Fi to ensure the system applies the changes.
Clearing access keys via Keychain
Sometimes, simply deleting the network from Settings doesn't solve the problem, especially if the saved data is rooted in the system password storage. On macOS, an app is responsible for this. Bunch of keys (Keychain Access) is a deep level of credential management that stores not only Wi-Fi passwords but also website, app, and certificate passwords.
Open the app Bunch of keysYou can find it through Spotlight search (Cmd + Space) by typing the name, or through the path Programs → Utilities → KeychainIn the left panel, select the "Passwords" category. In the list on the right, find the name of your Wi-Fi network. It may appear multiple times if you connected to it with different security types.
Right-click on the found element and select Delete "network_name"The system will require you to enter your administrator password or use Touch ID to confirm the operation. This is a critical security step that prevents accidental or malicious deletion of saved data.
| Parameter | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| Key name | Wi-Fi network name (SSID) | List in the center of the window |
| View | Entry type (usually "AirPort password") | Column "View" |
| Date modified | When was the password updated? | Column "Date of change" |
| My Bundle | Local password storage | Left sidebar |
After deleting an entry from Keychain Access, it's recommended to restart your computer. This will clear the network services cache and ensure that the next time you connect, the system will prompt you for the password again, ignoring any old cached data.
Using the Terminal for Advanced Users
For those who prefer the command line to the graphical interface, or in cases where the GUI (graphical interface) does not work correctly, there is a powerful tool - TerminalCommands allow you to manage network profiles directly through system utilities, which is often faster and more reliable.
The first step is to find out the exact name of your Wi-Fi interface. Typically, on macOS, it's called en0, but on some Mac models with additional network cards it may be en1Enter the command to check:
networksetup -listallhardwareportsFind the line in the output that says "Wi-Fi" and note the corresponding device. Next, to delete a specific network, use the command networksetup -removenetworkThe syntax requires the device name and network SSID.
sudo networksetup -removenetwork "Network_Name" en0The system will prompt you for an administrator password (characters will not be displayed as you enter the password—this is normal). After executing the command, the network will be removed from the preferred list. This method is especially useful for removing networks that aren't displayed in the graphical interface or are marked as system networks.
Troubleshooting if the network is not deleted
There are times when macOS becomes stubborn and refuses to forget a network. You remove it from the settings and reboot, but it reappears in the list of known networks or continues trying to connect. This is most often due to iCloud syncing or corrupted system configuration files.
Check your sync settings. If this network is saved on your iPhone or iPad and iCloud Keychain is enabled, your Mac may automatically re-enable the deleted profile. Disable password syncing in your Apple ID settings or delete the network on all devices simultaneously.
⚠️ Note: Interfaces and menu item names may vary slightly depending on your specific macOS version and regional settings. If you don't see the option described, check the "Help" section of the menu or refer to the official Apple documentation for your OS version.
If the issue isn't related to syncing, try creating a new user on your Mac and testing the network behavior there. If the issue resolves with the new account, the primary user's profile is corrupted. As a last resort, you can reset the network settings completely by deleting the configuration files in the folder. /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/, but this requires caution and backup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will the Wi-Fi password be deleted on my other devices if I forget the network on my Mac?
No, the "Forget Network" action only applies to the specific device on which you perform it. However, if you have iCloud Keychain sync enabled, the changes may be reflected on other devices using the same Apple ID. To be sure, it's best to remove the network on each device individually.
Is it possible to restore a deleted network without re-entering the password?
No, if you forget the network, macOS deletes the saved password. You'll have to re-enter it the next time you connect. The only way to avoid this is to change the settings on your router rather than delete the network, although this often leads to the conflicts mentioned above.
Why does my Mac still connect to the network after deleting it?
This can happen if you have multiple profiles with the same name (SSID) in different frequency bands, or if the network is broadcast by multiple routers (a mesh system). It can also be caused by instant profile syncing with your iPhone via iCloud. Check your network list and sync settings.
Does deleting a network affect internet speed?
Removing a network by itself doesn't speed up the internet. However, if your Mac stops trying to connect to a weak or unreliable signal, it can improve connection stability and reduce the time it takes to find an available network, which is subjectively perceived as improved performance.