DeviceHowTo
macOS2 min

How to Forget a Wi-Fi Network on macOS

Remove a saved network to reconnect from scratch or fix login loops.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

macOS stores Wi-Fi network profiles in the Keychain, so forgetting a network removes both the connection profile and the saved password in one step — if you're not sure of the current password, check Keychain Access before proceeding. The forget option lives in System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi, where clicking the Details button next to the connected network reveals a Forget This Network button along with security type, connection statistics, and lease information. Networks you've connected to previously but are currently out of range don't appear in the connected-network Details view; those are managed separately under the Preferred Networks section accessible from the same Wi-Fi settings screen.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Open System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi, click Details next to the network name, then click Forget This Network.
  2. 2Reconnect by selecting the network from the available list and entering the password.
  3. 3Restart the device before reconnecting if you are forgetting the network to fix a connection issue.

Still Not Working?

Try these if the steps above didn't help.

Verify the Fix

Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does macOS have a built-in way to forget a wi-fi network?
Yes. macOS includes a native option to forget a wi-fi network without installing third-party software. Follow the Quick Steps above for the exact location in the settings menu.
How long does it take to forget a wi-fi network on macOS?
Most users complete this in about 2 min. Complex cases that require troubleshooting or a restart may take a few extra minutes.
Is it safe to forget a wi-fi network on macOS?
Yes — this is a standard macOS operation. Follow the steps exactly as written, particularly any warnings shown in red or amber banners at the top of this guide.
What should I do if forget a wi-fi network doesn't work on macOS?
Follow the Still Not Working section above for targeted fallback steps. As a final resort, install any pending OS updates and restart the device before trying again — most software issues resolve after an update.

Same task, different device

Related guides for macOS