How to Forget a Network on Mac A Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

Introduction

Your Mac automatically remembers the Wi-Fi networks you connect to, making it convenient for you to access the internet without entering the password repeatedly. However, there might be situations when you need to forget a network on your Mac, such as when you no longer use it or want to protect your privacy. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to forget a network on Mac, ensuring you have complete control over your saved Wi-Fi connections.

Why Forgetting a Network Matters

Forgetting a network can be necessary for several reasons

Security If you’ve connected to public networks in the past, it’s wise to forget them to prevent your Mac from automatically connecting to potentially unsafe networks.
Privacy By forgetting networks you no longer use, you can reduce the risk of your Mac inadvertently connecting to unwanted networks, which could expose your data.
Troubleshooting When experiencing connectivity issues or conflicts, forgetting a network and reconnecting can often resolve the problem.
Network Changes If a network has changed its password or settings, you’ll need to forget the old network to enter the new credentials.

Now, let’s dive into the steps to forget a network on your Mac.

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Open System Preferences

1. Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.

2. Select “System Preferences” from the drop-down menu.

Access Network Preferences

In the System Preferences window, click on “Network.”

Choose Wi-Fi

In the left sidebar of the Network preferences window, select “Wi-Fi” to access your wireless network settings.

Advanced Wi-Fi Settings

In the lower-right corner of the window, click on the “Advanced…” button.

Manage Your Preferred Networks

1. A new window will open, displaying a list of all the Wi-Fi networks your Mac has connected to.

2. Select the network you want to forget from the list by clicking on it.

Forget the Selected Network

1. Once the network is highlighted, click on the minus (-) button located beneath the list of preferred networks.

2. A confirmation dialog will appear, asking if you’re sure you want to forget the selected network. Click “Remove.”

Apply Changes

Back in the Wi-Fi settings window, make sure to click the “OK” button to apply the changes.

Confirm the Network Is Forgotten

You’ve successfully forgotten the network when it no longer appears in the list of preferred networks.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I forget a Wi-Fi network?

Android. Open ‘Settings’, then select ‘Wi-Fi’. Tap and hold the network you want to remove, then select ‘Forget network’.

Why is my Macbook not connecting to Wi-Fi?

If your Mac won’t connect to the Wi-Fi, first verify that you’re using the right Wi-Fi connection. You can also try checking Wireless Diagnostics, available updates, physical hardware, and DNS settings. If those don’t work, resetting the PRAM and SMC or restarting your Mac might do the trick.

Conclusion

Forgetting a network on your Mac is a simple yet valuable task that can help improve your security, privacy, and overall network management. By following these easy steps, you can ensure that your Mac only connects to the networks you trust and want to use. Whether you’re decluttering your list of saved networks or ensuring your Mac doesn’t automatically connect to an unsecured public network, this process gives you the control you need.

Remember that the steps provided here are accurate as of the knowledge cutoff date in September 2021, and they should work for most Mac computers. However, if you encounter any changes or variations due to macOS updates, make sure to consult the latest documentation or Apple’s official support resources for the most up-to-date instructions.

In a world where connectivity and online security are paramount, knowing how to forget a network on your Mac is a valuable skill that can help you stay safe and in control of your internet connections.

Editor