How to Forget a Wi-Fi Network on Android, Windows and Mac
When you connect your device to a Wi-Fi network, it saves the network and automatically reconnects when your device is within range. Fortunately, you can delete these saved Wi-Fi networks.
Sometimes we need to remove old or unwanted Wi-Fi networks so that our devices can easily connect to new networks. In this article, I have explained step-by-step how you can forget the Wi-Fi network on your Android, Windows, and Mac.
Reasons for Forgetting a Wi-Fi Network
There are several important reasons to forget a Wi-Fi network. This not only improves the connectivity performance of your device but also ensures your security and privacy. Here are some key reasons:
- Security Reasons: If you’ve ever used a public Wi-Fi network, it’s important to forget it for security reasons. Public Wi-Fi networks are easy targets for hackers, and if your device automatically connects to them, your data could be at risk.
- Reduce Network Clutter: Saving too many Wi-Fi networks on your device creates clutter. This can cause your device to connect to the wrong network or cause connectivity issues.
- Changed Network Credentials: If the password of a Wi-Fi network has changed and your device tries to connect using the old credentials, it can cause connectivity issues. It is better to forget those networks.
How to Forget a Wi-Fi Network
#1. On Android Phone
If you’re an Android phone or tablet user and want to remove old saved Wi-Fi networks, the process is simple. These steps apply to Google Pixel, Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus, and other Android devices.
To delete saved Wi-Fi network on an Android phone:
- Open Settings App on Your Phone.
- Tap on Network & Internet.
- Tap on Wi-Fi.
- Tap on Saved Networks.
- Tap on a Wi-Fi Network Name.
- Tap on Forget.
To delete a Wi-Fi network on Samsung Galaxy phone:
- Open Settings App on Your Samsung Galaxy Device.
- Tap on Connections.
- Tap on Wi-Fi.
- Tap on Cogwheel Icon Next to Wi-Fi Name.
- Tap on Forget.
Also read: How to Hide Wi-Fi Icon from Status Bar on Android
#2. On Windows PC or Laptop
We often use Wi-Fi to access the internet on a laptop or computer running on Windows 10 or 11. However, if your computer has many saved Wi-Fi networks that reconnect automatically, it’s a good idea to delete the unwanted ones. This way, you can ensure your device connects to the right network.
To forget a W-iFi network on Windows laptop or PC:
Step 1. Press Windows + I Simultaneously to Quickly Access Settings.
Step 2. Click on Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
Step 3. Click on Manage Known Networks.
Step 4. Just, Click on Forget Button Next to Wi-Fi Network You Want to Remove.
Also read: 2 Ways to Check Internet Speed on Windows 11
#3. On Mac
Similar to Windows, macOS also allows users to permanently delete unwanted saved Wi-Fi networks. Removing saved Wi-Fi networks on a MacBook is easy; just follow the steps below.
To delete a Wi-Fi network on Macbook:
- Click on Apple Logo at Top Left Corner and Select System Settings.
- Click on Wi-Fi.
- Under the Known Networks Section, Click on Three Dots (•••) and Select Forget This Network.
- Now Click on Remove to Confirm.
That’s all! Once you forget a Wi-Fi network, your device removes the network name and password. If you want to connect to the same network again, you’ll need to enter the password manually.
Also read: Stop Blinking Cursor on iPhone, iPad and Mac While Typing
FAQs
Q 1. Why should I forget the Wi-Fi network on my device?
Answer – Forgetting a Wi-Fi network can help improve your device’s performance by preventing it from automatically connecting to a network you no longer use. It can also help with troubleshooting connection issues or when you no longer want your device to access a particular network.
Q 2. Will forgetting a Wi-Fi network remove the password?
Answer – When you forget a Wi-Fi network, your device deletes the saved password. If you want to reconnect to that network, you’ll need to enter the password again.
Q 3. Is it possible to forget a Wi-Fi network remotely on my Android, Mac, or Windows device?
Answer – Unfortunately, there is no built-in feature to remotely forget Wi-Fi networks on Android, Mac, or Windows. You would need to access the device physically to forget a network.
I hope you found this article quite helpful and learned how to forget Wi-Fi networks on Android, Windows, and Mac. If you are facing any problems, then let us know by commenting below. Please share this article.
