How to Forget a Network on Mac

What is a Network?

Before we delve into how to forget a network on your Mac, let’s first understand what a network is. In the digital world, a network refers to a collection of interconnected devices or computers that communicate and share resources with each other. Networks can be of various types, including local area networks (LANs) and wireless networks.

A local area network (LAN) is a network that connects devices within a limited geographical area like a home, office, or school. It allows for easy sharing of files, printers, and other resources among connected devices. On the other hand, a wireless network provides a means to connect to the internet without the need for physical cables.

When you connect your Mac to a network, it saves the network’s information, such as the network name, security settings, and password. This makes it easier for your Mac to automatically connect to the network whenever it’s within range.

However, there might be instances where you no longer want your Mac to connect to certain networks. Maybe you changed your home Wi-Fi network or want to remove a network that you no longer use. In such cases, it becomes necessary to forget the network on your Mac.

Forgetting a network essentially removes it from your Mac’s list of remembered networks. This ensures that your Mac won’t automatically connect to that network anymore. Forgetting a network does not affect other devices or computers that may be connected to the same network.

Now that we have a clear understanding of what a network is and why you might want to forget one, let’s explore the different methods you can use to forget a network on your Mac.

Why Would You Want to Forget a Network?

There are several reasons why you might want to forget a network on your Mac. Here are a few common scenarios:

Change of Network: If you’ve recently changed your Wi-Fi network at home or switched to a different network at work, you’ll want to forget the old network on your Mac. Forgetting the network ensures that your Mac doesn’t try to connect to the old network automatically.
Inconsistent Connection: If you notice that a particular network frequently provides a weak or inconsistent connection, you may choose to forget it. This allows your Mac to prioritize and connect to networks with stronger and more reliable signals.
Security Concerns: If you suspect that a network you previously connected to is compromised or insecure, it’s best to forget it. Removing the network from your list of remembered networks minimizes the risk of potential security threats.
Reducing Clutter: Over time, your Mac may accumulate a long list of saved networks, including those you no longer use or have access to. Forgetting these unnecessary networks can help declutter your network settings and make it easier to manage the networks you do use.
Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues: When experiencing network connectivity issues, forgetting and then reconnecting to the network can help resolve the problem. By forgetting the network, you start fresh and eliminate any potential conflicts or errors in the previous network configuration.

By forgetting networks that are no longer relevant or pose potential security risks, you can streamline your network connections and ensure a more reliable and secure experience on your Mac. Now, let’s explore the methods you can use to forget a network on your Mac, depending on your preferences and requirements.

How to Forget a Network on Mac

Forgetting a network on your Mac is a straightforward process. There are multiple methods you can use, depending on your preferences and the version of macOS you’re running. Let’s explore three commonly used methods:

Method 1: Using the System Preferences:

– Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”

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

– Select the network you want to forget from the list on the left-hand side.

– Click on the “-” button at the bottom to remove the network.

– Confirm the action when prompted.

Method 2: Using the Network Utility:

– Open the “Finder” menu and go to “Applications” > “Utilities.”

– Double-click on the “Network Utility” to open it.

– Click on the “Wi-Fi” tab.

– Under the “Preferred Networks” section, select the network you want to forget.

– Click on the “-” button to remove the network.

Method 3: Using the Terminal:

– Open the Terminal app. You can find it in the “Utilities” folder within “Applications.”

– Type the following command: networksetup -removepreferredwirelessnetwork <networkservice> <ssid>

– Replace <networkservice> with the name of your network service (usually “Wi-Fi”) and <ssid> with the name of the network you want to forget.

– Press Enter to execute the command.

These methods allow you to forget networks on your Mac, removing them from your list of remembered networks. Remember to only forget networks that you no longer wish to connect to or that present security concerns.

Method 1: Using the System Preferences

Using the System Preferences is one of the simplest and most common methods to forget a network on your Mac. Here’s how you can do it:

Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
In the System Preferences window, click on “Network.”
Select the network you want to forget from the list on the left-hand side. The connected networks will be labeled with a green dot, while saved networks will appear without a dot.
Click on the “-” button at the bottom to remove the network.
Confirm the action when prompted.

By following these steps, you will successfully forget the selected network. It will no longer appear in your list of networks when you try to connect to a Wi-Fi network.

This method is suitable for all versions of macOS. However, please note that the steps might vary slightly depending on the specific version of macOS you’re using. If you encounter any difficulties, referring to the official Apple documentation or seeking further assistance can be helpful.

Forgetting networks that you no longer use or need on your Mac can help streamline your network connections and ensure that your device connects only to the relevant networks. This can result in a smoother and more efficient experience when connecting to Wi-Fi networks.

Method 2: Using the Network Utility

Another method to forget a network on your Mac is by using the Network Utility. Here’s how you can do it:

Open the “Finder” menu and navigate to “Applications” > “Utilities.”
Double-click on the “Network Utility” to launch it.
In the Network Utility, click on the “Wi-Fi” tab.
Under the “Preferred Networks” section, you will see a list of networks that your Mac has remembered.
Select the network you want to forget from the list.
Click on the “-” button below the list to remove the chosen network.

Once you remove the network using the Network Utility, it will no longer be saved as a preferred network on your Mac. This means that your Mac will not automatically connect to that network in the future, unless you manually reconnect to it.

The Network Utility method is straightforward and can be used on any version of macOS. If you’re experiencing any issues or don’t have the Network Utility available, you can also use alternative methods like using the System Preferences or the Terminal to forget a network on your Mac.

By utilizing the Network Utility or other methods to forget networks, you can declutter your list of preferred networks and prioritize connections to only the most relevant, secure, and reliable networks. This can help optimize your Wi-Fi experience and improve network performance on your Mac.

Method 3: Using the Terminal

If you’re comfortable using the Terminal, you can also forget a network on your Mac by following these steps:

Open the Terminal application. You can find it in the “Utilities” folder within the “Applications” directory.
Type the following command: networksetup -removepreferredwirelessnetwork <networkservice> <ssid>
Replace <networkservice> in the command with the name of your network service. The network service is usually “Wi-Fi” unless you have a different network interface configured.
Replace <ssid> in the command with the name of the network you want to forget.
Press Enter to execute the command.

Executing this command using the Terminal will remove the specified network from your Mac’s list of preferred wireless networks.

Using the Terminal provides a more direct and precise method to forget a network, especially if you’re comfortable with command-line interfaces. However, it’s important to be cautious and ensure you enter the correct network service name and network SSID to avoid unintended removal of networks.

This method is suitable for all versions of macOS and can be particularly useful if you prefer working with the Terminal or need to automate the process of forgetting networks on your Mac.

By utilizing the Terminal or other methods to forget networks, you can easily manage and control your list of preferred networks, ensuring that your Mac only connects to the networks you want and enhancing your overall network experience.

Additional Tips for Forgetting Networks on Mac

Forgetting networks on your Mac can help streamline your Wi-Fi connections and improve your overall network experience. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

Double-Check the Network: Before you forget a network, ensure that you’re selecting the correct one. Mistakenly forgetting the wrong network can disrupt your desired connections.
Remember Important Networks: If you frequently connect to specific networks, such as your home or office Wi-Fi, make sure to keep them in your preferred networks list. Forgetting them may require you to manually reconnect every time.
Update Wi-Fi Settings: If you experience connectivity issues, forgetting and reconnecting to the network can sometimes resolve the problem. Additionally, updating your Wi-Fi driver or resetting your router may be necessary in some cases.
Security Considerations: When forgetting a network, consider the security implications. If you’re no longer using a network due to security concerns, it’s advisable to remove it to minimize any potential risks.
Manage Preferred Networks: Regularly review your list of preferred networks on your Mac and remove any that are no longer relevant or in use. This helps to keep your network settings organized and prevents your Mac from attempting to connect to unnecessary networks.
Experiment with Locations: If you frequently move between different locations, such as home, work, or cafes, consider saving networks based on your environment. This can help your Mac prioritize and connect to the relevant networks automatically.

By implementing these additional tips, you can efficiently manage your list of preferred networks, ensure secure connections, and optimize your network connections on your Mac.

Remember, the methods and steps provided in this article may vary slightly depending on the version of macOS you’re using. If you encounter any difficulties or have specific questions, referring to the official Apple documentation or seeking further assistance can be valuable.

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge of how to forget networks on your Mac and some additional tips, you can take control of your Wi-Fi connections and enjoy a hassle-free network experience.