Introduction
Are you tired of seeing networks you no longer use pop up on your Mac every time you try to connect to Wi-Fi? It’s a common problem and can make the process of connecting to your preferred network more time-consuming.
Fortunately, there are several methods to forget networks on a Mac. This article will explore the different methods and provide step-by-step instructions for each.
The simplest way to forget a network on a Mac
The simplest method for forgetting a network is through the Wi-Fi menu.
- Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar
- Select “Open Network Preferences” at the bottom of the drop-down menu
- Click “Advanced”
- Select the network you want to forget and click the “-” button at the bottom of the list
A quick tip: if you try to click and drag the network to the trash, it won’t work. Make sure to use the “-” button instead.
Using the terminal to forget a network
If you’re comfortable using the terminal, this method may be faster than using the Wi-Fi menu.
- Open the terminal
- Type in the following command: “sudo rm /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.airport.preferences.plist”
- Enter your password when prompted
Be mindful that this command will clear all of your network preferences, not just the one you want to forget. Your Mac will forget all Wi-Fi networks, as well as previously achieved addresses and settings, so only use this method if you’re sure that’s what you want to do.
Forgetting networks directly in Keychain Access
MacOS has a built-in password manager called Keychain Access, and it can be used to forget networks as well.
- Open Keychain Access (you can search for it in Spotlight)
- Select “System” in the left sidebar
- Search for the network you want to forget
- Right-click (or use the shortcut menu by holding down control and clicking) on the network and select “Delete”
Note that deleting a network from Keychain Access only removes the password associated with it; it doesn’t remove the network profile from your computer. To completely remove a network, you’ll need to use another method.
Using a third-party app
There are many third-party apps available for managing Wi-Fi networks on your Mac, and some are designed specifically for forgetting networks.
Some popular or useful apps include Wi-Fi Explorer, WiFiSpoof, and WiFi Signal. These apps can be found on the App Store or from third-party download sites.
Be sure to research the app beforehand to ensure that it is legitimate and safe to use.
Forgetting networks through the Network Settings
Another method for forgetting a network is through the Network settings in System Preferences.
- Open System Preferences
- Select “Network”
- Select “Wi-Fi” in the left sidebar
- Click “Advanced” in the lower-right corner
- Select the network you want to forget and click the “-” button at the bottom of the list
This method is similar to using the Wi-Fi menu, but some users may prefer this method because it offers more detail on the different networks saved on their computer.
Resetting your network settings
Resetting your network settings may be necessary if you’re experiencing connection problems or if you’ve made changes to your network that aren’t reflected on your Mac.
- Open System Preferences
- Select “Network”
- Select “Wi-Fi” in the left sidebar
- Click “Advanced” in the lower-right corner
- Select “TCP/IP”
- Click “Renew DHCP Lease”
- Select “Location” at the top of the window
- Select “Edit Locations…”
- Click the “+” button to create a new location
- Give your new location a name and click “Done”
Resetting your network settings will clear all network settings on your computer and create a fresh network configuration. However, it will also remove any custom settings or configurations that you’ve made. Be sure to back up any important information before resetting your network settings.
Conclusion
Forgetting networks on a Mac is a simple process, but there are several different methods to choose from. Whether you prefer using the Wi-Fi menu, the terminal, or a third-party app, there’s a method out there that will work for you.
Be sure to experiment with different methods and find the one that works best for you.