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.
- 1Open System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi, click Details next to the network name, then click Forget This Network.
- 2Reconnect by selecting the network from the available list and entering the password.
- 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.
- If the device still auto-connects after forgetting, restart it before reconnecting.
- Check for a VPN profile that may be saving and restoring the network configuration.
Verify the Fix
Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.
- Confirm the network shows as requiring a password when you attempt to connect.
- Verify internet access is fully restored after reconnecting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does macOS have a built-in way to forget a wi-fi network?
How long does it take to forget a wi-fi network on macOS?
Is it safe to forget a wi-fi network on macOS?
What should I do if forget a wi-fi network doesn't work on macOS?
Same task, different device
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