If your MacBook keeps trying to connect to a Wi-Fi network you no longer use or if you are having trouble with a specific connection forgetting the network can help. Forgetting a Wi-Fi network removes the saved password and any automatic connection settings so your Mac will no longer join that network unless you reconnect manually.
This guide explains how to forget a network on your MacBook. Whether you are cleaning up your network list changing routers or troubleshooting a connection issue you will learn the steps needed to reset your Wi-Fi preferences.
Why Forget a Wi-Fi Network
There are several reasons why you might want to forget a Wi-Fi network. If a network is no longer available or you have moved to a new location it makes sense to remove it from your saved list. It also helps if you are having connection problems that might be related to a wrong password or changed router settings.
By forgetting the network your MacBook will stop trying to connect to it automatically. This can also prevent your device from joining insecure public networks or networks you no longer trust.
How to Forget a Network in macOS
To begin click the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and choose System Settings. From the sidebar select Wi-Fi to open your wireless preferences. You will see the current network you are connected to along with a list of known networks your Mac has joined in the past.
Scroll down and click Advanced. This will open a window that displays all saved Wi-Fi networks on your MacBook. You can search for the network you want to forget by name or scroll through the list.
Once you find the network click the three-dot icon next to it and choose Forget This Network. Confirm your choice when prompted. The network will be removed and your MacBook will no longer attempt to join it automatically.
Forgetting a Network While Disconnected
If you are not currently connected to the network you want to forget the process is the same. As long as the network appears in your list of known networks you can select it and remove it using the Forget option.
If the network does not appear it means your Mac has already forgotten it or it was never saved in the first place.
What Happens After You Forget a Network
When you forget a network your MacBook deletes the saved connection information including the password. If you decide to connect to that network again later you will need to enter the password manually.
This is a helpful way to reset a connection especially if the network password has changed or if the router has been updated. It also helps improve privacy and security by removing saved networks you no longer use.
Reconnecting to a Forgotten Network
If you want to rejoin a forgotten network click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and select the network from the list of available options. You will be prompted to enter the password just as you would when joining a network for the first time. After you connect your MacBook will save the network again unless you disable the auto-join setting.
You can control whether your MacBook should connect automatically by going to System Settings > Wi-Fi > Advanced and adjusting the preferences for each saved network.
Final Thoughts
Forgetting a network on your MacBook is a simple but effective way to manage your wireless settings. Whether you are fixing a faulty connection removing an old network or improving security this process is easy to follow and takes only a minute or two.
By keeping your saved networks list tidy you can make sure your MacBook only connects to the networks you trust. This helps improve reliability privacy and performance when using Wi-Fi at home, work or on the go.