How to Forget a Wi-Fi Network on a Mac: 5 Proven Methods (2026)

Forget Wi-Fi network on Mac may be needed in a variety of situations: from changing the password on a router to the need to connect to a network with a different name (SSID). Unlike Windows or smartphones, where deleting a network takes just a couple of clicks, macOS hides this option in obscure menus.Moreover, after upgrading to Sonoma or Ventura The interface has changed and the old instructions no longer work.

In this article you will find Current methods for deleting Wi-Fi networks for all versions of macOS (including Monterey and newer), as well as solutions to common problems—for example, when the network continues to connect automatically despite all manipulations. We'll cover not only the standard settings, but also Terminal, keychain (Keychain Access), as well as hidden commands for advanced users.

Why does my Mac automatically connect to forgotten networks?

Many users are faced with a paradoxical situation: they deleted the network through the control panel, but Mac still connects to it when it appears in range. The reason lies in multi-level network data storage system:

• 📡 Wi-Fi System Preferences — a list of "known" networks is stored here (Known Networks), but removing it from here doesn't always work.
• 🔑 Keychain Access — the keychain stores passwords separately, and they also need to be cleared.
• 🖥️ Network Interface Cache - sometimes a reset is required Terminal.
• 📱 Synchronization via iCloud - if the option is enabled Synchronization of keys, the network can be restored from another device.

Moreover, in macOS Sonoma a new mechanism has appeared prioritization (network prioritization), which can ignore manual settings. If you deleted a network, but Mac stubbornly returns to it - this is precisely the problem.

Method 1: Deleting a network through system settings (the easiest)

This is a basic method that works in 90% of casesSuitable for users who don't want to mess around with the terminal or keychain. This guide is relevant for macOS Ventura, Sonoma And Monterey:

1. Open System Preferences (⚙️ icon in Dock or via the Apple menu).
2. Go to the section Net (V Sonoma it may be hidden behind General → Network).
3. In the left menu, select Wi-Fi, then press Additionally… in the lower right corner.
4. Tab Wi-Fi → find the list Well-known networks.
5. Select the desired network and press – (minus) below the list and confirm deletion.
6. Click OK, then Apply.

⚠️ Attention: If after these steps the network still appears in the list, it means it is being synchronized through iCloud. Turn it off. Synchronization of keys in the settings Apple ID or use Method 3 (removal via Keychain).

Method 2: Uninstall via Terminal (for advanced users)

If the graphical interface does not work, you can use console commandsThis method is guaranteed to remove the network from all system storage, including hidden caches. Open Terminal (/Programs/Utilities/) and run:

# View a list of all saved networks
networksetup -listpreferredwirelessnetworks en0

Delete a specific network (replace "Network_Name" with your network name)
sudo networksetup -removepreferredwirelessnetwork en0 "Network_Name"

Reset network interface cache (requires reboot)
sudo ifconfig en0 down && sudo ifconfig en0 up

⚠️ Attention: Team en0 indicates the primary Wi-Fi adapter. If you have multiple network interfaces (for example, after installing VirtualBox), check the correct identifier with the command networksetup -listallhardwareports. An incorrect interface may result in loss of connection.

After executing the commands Be sure to restart your Mac — otherwise, the changes may not take effect. If the network still persists, check Keychain Access (see next method).

What should I do if the Terminal displays the error "Could not find network"?

This means the network has already been removed from system settings, but its data remains in the keychain. Use Method 3 to completely clear it.

Method 3: Clearing the password in Keychain Access (required step!)

Keychain Access - this is a password storage in macOS, and even after deleting a network from system settings, its data may remain there. To completely "forget" a network:

1. Open Keychain Access (/Programs/Utilities/).
2. In the search bar, enter the name of the Wi-Fi network.
3. Find the type entry AirPort network password (or Wi-Fi password in new versions).
4. Right click → Delete.
5. Confirm deletion by entering the administrator password.

🔹 Important: If there are several entries (for example, for different security standards WPA2/WPA3), delete All. Also check the category Systemic — sometimes passwords are duplicated there.

After cleaning Keychain Be sure to reboot your Mac and flush your DNS cache with `sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder` - this will prevent conflicts during the next connection.

Method 4: Reset all network settings (last resort)

If none of the methods helped, and the network stubbornly returns, the problem may be in deep system settingsIn this case, a complete reset of the network stack will help. Warning: After this procedure you will have to reconfigure All connections (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN).

Perform in Terminal:

# Delete all known networks
sudo /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Apple80211.framework/Versions/Current/Resources/airport -z

Reset network settings
sudo networksetup -removeallpreferredwirelessnetworks en0

Delete configuration files
sudo rm /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/NetworkInterfaces.plist
sudo rm /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.airport.preferences.plist

Restart network services
sudo networksetup -setdhcp Wi-Fi

⚠️ Attention: After executing these commands Mac will lose all saved networks, including Ethernet And VPN. Write down the passwords in advance or synchronize them via iCloud (if you trust this method).

Method 5: Disable Automatic Connection (for macOS Sonoma)

IN macOS 14 Sonoma a new feature has appeared automatic network prioritization, which can ignore manual settings. If you deleted the network, but Mac It still connects to it—the problem is precisely in this mechanism. To disable it:

1. Open System Preferences → Network → Wi-Fi → Advanced.
2. Uncheck the box Automatically join this network for all networks in the list.
3. Enable the option Notify me when I join a new network.
4. Go to the tab DNS and delete all custom servers (if any).

Also in Sonoma Can manually set network priority:

• 📌 Drag and drop networks in the list Well-known networks in the required order (top - highest priority).
• 🔄 Click OK and restart your Mac.

If the network still connects automatically, check your settings. iCloud (maybe it syncs with iPhone or iPad). Turn it off. Synchronization of keys V System Preferences → Apple ID → iCloud.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even after deleting the network, users are still facing problems. Here top 5 mistakes and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 The network returns after a reboot. → Check Keychain And iCloud (see Methods 3 and 5).
• 🚫 The network cannot be deleted - the button is grayed out. → Launch Mac V Safe mode (hold Shift when turned on) and try again.
• 🔌 Wi-Fi stopped working altogether. → Reset SMC (For MacBook With Intel) or PRAM (hold Cmd+Opt+P+R when turned on).
• 🔒 It requires an administrator password, but there is none. → Use Terminal with rights sudo (see Method 2).
• 📡 The network is visible but does not connect. → Remove it completely and add it again by selecting Other networks….

If the problem persists, check router settingsSometimes the cause is:

• 🔄 Same SSID names several networks (for example, TP-Link_2.4G And TP-Link_5G).
• 🔒 Mixed security mode (WPA2/WPA3) - try turning it off WPA3 in the router.
• 📵 Hidden network (with broadcasting disabled) SSID) - delete it manually through Terminal.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to delete a network without an administrator password?

Yes, but with limitations. You can remove a network from the list. Well-known networks in the Wi-Fi settings, but to clear Keychain or reset network settings via Terminal You will need administrator rights. If you don't have them, try:

1. Delete a network via the GUI (Method 1).
2. Disable Automatic connection (Method 5).
3. Use guest access (if enabled on the router).

Why did old networks return after updating macOS?

This is related to migration of settings During an update, the system restores networks from a backup copy. Time Machine or iCloudTo prevent this:

• Before updating, remove unnecessary networks (see Method 1).
• Turn it off Synchronization of keys V iCloud.
• After updating, please perform a reset via Terminal (Method 4).

How do I delete a network if it's not listed but my Mac can connect to it?

This means that the network is saved as hidden (not broadcasting SSID). To remove it:

1. Open Terminal and run:

   sudo /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Apple80211.framework/Versions/Current/Resources/airport -s

   Find the line with your network in the output (it will be marked as [IBSS]).

2. Delete it by name (see Method 2).
3. Check it out Keychain for records with this name.

Will my Mac ask for a password again after deleting a network?

Yes, but only if:

• You have removed the password from Keychain (Method 3).
• The network is not saved in iCloud (check System Preferences → Apple ID → iCloud → Sync Keys).
• You are not using Configuration profile (for example, from an employer), which automatically connects the device.

If you are not asked for a password, check it. Keychain again or reset network settings (Method 4).

Is it possible to delete all networks at once?

Yes, for this:

1. Use the command from Method 4:

   sudo networksetup -removeallpreferredwirelessnetworks en0

2. Clean up Keychain from all type records AirPort network password.
3. Restart your Mac.

⚠️ Attention: After this, you will have to re-enter passwords for all networks, including your home and work networks.