macOS: How to Forget WiFi Network

Sometimes you may need to forget a WiFi network. Below we’ll go into when this option makes sense and how to forget a WiFi network.

Why Would You Need to Forget a WiFi Network?

There are a number of situations where forgetting a WiFi network would actually be useful. These include:

• Having problems connecting to the WiFi, in which case forgetting the network can act as a reset
• If you have changed your password, you may have to forget the WiFi network so that it has you enter your new credentials
• You may have moved or want to access a new local WiFi network and no longer need the device looking for the old network

With that in mind, below is how to make your macOS forget its WiFi network.

How to Make a macOS forget the WiFi Network

1. Click the WiFi symbol at the top of the screen, which looks like curved bars.
2. Select Open Network Preferences at the bottom of the menu.
3. Choose Advanced in the lower right corner.

4. Under the Preferred Networks screen unselect the Auto-Join box next to the network you don’t want to join.

5. If you want the network gone more permanently, click the ­– button under the Preferred Networks area after selecting the network you want to delete.

6. You may be asked to confirm, at which point you can click remove.
7. Follow prompts, as it might ask you to hit OK and Apply.
8. There is also an option labeled Remember networks this computer has joined. Un-check that box if you wish for the computer to not remember any networks.

How to Make a Mac Remember the WiFi

If you’re simply trying a reset, you may need your Mac to remember that WiFi network. In the window you were in above, if you un-checked Remember networks this computer has joined, click the box so that it has a check next to it. Sometimes Macs won’t remember WiFi networks, and it’s simply often because that box isn’t checked. Or you may just need to re-check the Auto-Join box for one network.

If you find you need to add the WiFi network back in or add a new network manually, you can click the + under the Preferred Networks window to add the WiFi network back onto the list. Be sure the Auto-Join box is checked once you follow the prompts to ender the WiFi network back onto the list.

Some Max OS versions also had glitches where it wouldn’t remember the WiFi network. Some versions like Mac OS X Lion were known for it. So it might make sense to simply update the OS if you haven’t done so already, which might fix any bugs related to not remembering a network. To update go to the Apple icon (top left of the screen) > System Preferences > Software Update.