How to Forget and Reconnect to a WiFi Network on Your Devices

If your device is having trouble connecting to a WiFi network or you need to update the saved password, forgetting and then reconnecting to that network can fix the problem. Forgetting a network removes the old connection details stored on your device, letting you enter fresh credentials. This process works on most smartphones and laptops, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices.

Why would you want to forget a WiFi network?

Forgetting a WiFi network clears the stored connection details that might be causing connection problems. This is helpful if your device keeps dropping the connection or can’t connect properly. It’s also necessary when the network’s password has changed and your device is still using the old one. Additionally, forgetting a network removes it from your saved list, so your device won’t connect automatically to networks you no longer use or want to avoid.

How to forget a WiFi network on Windows 10 and 11

1. Open the Start menu and select Settings.
2. Click on Network & Internet.
3. Choose Wi-Fi from the sidebar.
4. Click Manage known networks.
5. Select the network you want to forget.
6. Click Forget.

After this, Windows will stop connecting to that network automatically until you reconnect manually.

How to forget a WiFi network on macOS

1. Click the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
2. Choose Network.
3. Select Wi-Fi from the list on the left.
4. Click the Advanced button in the lower right.
5. In the Preferred Networks list, find the network you want to forget.
6. Select the network and click the minus (–) button below the list.
7. Click OK, then Apply to save the changes.

This removes the saved credentials for that network from your Mac.

How to forget a WiFi network on Android devices

Steps can vary depending on your Android version and phone manufacturer, but generally:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Network & Internet or Connections.
3. Select Wi-Fi.
4. Tap the network you want to forget. On some devices, tap and hold the network name.
5. Tap Forget or Remove network.

This deletes the network profile and password from your device.

How to forget a WiFi network on iPhones and iPads

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Wi-Fi.
3. Find the network you want to forget in the list.
4. Tap the info icon (an “i” inside a circle) next to the network name.
5. Tap Forget This Network.
6. Confirm your choice.

Your device will no longer connect to that network until you enter the password again.

How to reconnect to the WiFi network after forgetting it

After forgetting the network, your device won’t connect automatically. To reconnect:

1. Open your device’s WiFi settings.
2. Find the network name in the list of available networks.
3. Select the network.
4. Enter the correct password when prompted.
5. Confirm and wait for the connection.

If the password is correct and the network is in range, your device will connect and save the new credentials.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

A common mistake is forgetting the wrong network, especially if you have several with similar names. Always double-check the network name before forgetting it. Also, make sure you have the current WiFi password available before trying to reconnect. Some devices or Android versions might label the option differently — if you don’t see “Forget,” look for "Remove" or "Delete." Finally, remember that after forgetting a network, your device won’t reconnect automatically; you need to select the network and enter the password again.

How to verify your device successfully reconnected to the WiFi

After reconnecting, check your device’s WiFi settings or status bar to confirm it shows as connected to the network. Open a web page or app that requires internet access to verify the connection is working. You can also look at the signal strength indicators to ensure the connection is stable. If your device shows the network name and you have internet access without errors, the reconnection was successful.

Conclusion

Forgetting and reconnecting to a WiFi network is a simple way to refresh your connection and fix issues related to saved credentials. Follow the steps for your device to clear outdated or problematic settings and set up a fresh connection. Keep your network password handy and verify the connection afterward to make sure everything is working properly.