Forgetting a network on your Mac is a useful skill to have, especially when you want to troubleshoot Wi-Fi problems or just clean up your list of networks. The process is simple and quick, and once you’ve forgotten a network, your Mac won’t automatically connect to it anymore.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Forget Network on Mac
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to note that forgetting a network means your Mac will no longer remember the password for that network. So, if you want to reconnect in the future, you’ll need to enter the password again.
Step 1: Click on the Wi-Fi Icon
Click on the Wi-Fi icon located in the top right corner of your screen.
This will bring up a list of available Wi-Fi networks and the one you’re currently connected to.
Step 2: Open Network Preferences
Select “Open Network Preferences” from the bottom of the drop-down menu.
This will open the Network pane in System Preferences, where you can manage all your network connections.
Step 3: Choose the Network
Choose the Wi-Fi network you want to forget from the list on the left-hand side.
Make sure you select the correct network that you want to forget.
Step 4: Click on the Minus (-) Button
Click on the minus (-) button located at the bottom of the list.
This will remove the selected network from your list of preferred networks.
Step 5: Confirm the Action
Confirm that you want to forget the network by clicking “Remove” in the pop-up window.
Once you click “Remove,” your Mac will forget the network and all its settings.
After completing these steps, your Mac will no longer remember the network you’ve chosen to forget. It won’t connect to it automatically, and it won’t appear in your list of known networks.
Tips: How to Forget Network on Mac
- If you’re having trouble with your Wi-Fi connection, forgetting and then reconnecting to the network can often solve the issue.
- Forgetting a network can also be helpful if you’ve changed the Wi-Fi password and your Mac is having trouble connecting with the old password saved.
- When you forget a network, make sure to also forget any related networks (like extensions or guest networks) to avoid automatic connections.
- If you visit a location regularly, think twice before forgetting the network, as you’ll have to re-enter the password next time.
- Remember that forgetting a network is not the same as turning off Wi-Fi; your Mac can still connect to other remembered networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when I forget a network on my Mac?
When you forget a network, your Mac removes all saved settings related to that network, including the password. It will no longer automatically connect to that network.
Can I undo forgetting a network?
No, once you forget a network, you can’t undo the action. You’ll have to manually reconnect and re-enter the password if you want to connect to that network again.
Will forgetting a network affect other devices?
Forgetting a network on your Mac will not affect other devices. Each device stores its own network settings.
Can I forget a network that I’m not currently connected to?
Yes, you can forget any network that appears in your list of known networks, even if you’re not currently connected to it.
Is forgetting a network the same as turning off Wi-Fi?
No, forgetting a network means your Mac won’t remember that specific network. Turning off Wi-Fi means your Mac won’t connect to any wireless network.
Summary
- Click on the Wi-Fi icon.
- Open Network Preferences.
- Choose the network.
- Click on the minus (-) button.
- Confirm the action.
Conclusion
Forgetting a network on your Mac is a nifty trick that helps maintain your Wi-Fi network list and ensures your Mac only connects to networks you want it to. Whether you’re troubleshooting connection issues or just tidying up, the process is straightforward and quick. Remember, once you forget a network, you’ll need to have the password on hand to reconnect. With this guide, you’re now equipped to manage your Mac’s Wi-Fi connections like a pro. Keep it handy for the next time you need to forget a network on your Mac, and you’ll breeze through the task with ease.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.