Can anyone explain how to forget a Wi-Fi network on Mac?

Wifi
1

Recently, my Mac keeps connecting to an old Wi-Fi network that I no longer use. It’s becoming a hassle to manually switch to my new network every time. Can someone guide me on how to forget the old network so it stops connecting automatically? Any step-by-step instructions would be greatly appreciated.

2

To remove that old Wi-Fi network, here’s what you need to do:

  1. Open System Preferences: Hit the Apple menu in the top left corner and select “System Preferences”.

  2. Go to Network: Within System Preferences, click on “Network”.

  3. Select Wi-Fi: On the left-hand side, pick “Wi-Fi” from the list.

  4. Advanced Options: On the bottom right, click the “Advanced” button. This brings up a list of Preferred Networks.

  5. Remove the Network: In the list of preferred networks, find the old Wi-Fi network you want to forget. Click on it to highlight it, then hit the “-” symbol below the list to remove it. Click “OK” to confirm.

  6. Apply the Changes: Finally, click “Apply” in the Network window to save your changes.

That should do it! Now your Mac will stop auto-connecting to that old network.

If you also want to make switching networks more straightforward, consider using NetSpot

NetSpot Screenshot
NetSpot Software1536×1400 306 KB
Site Survey Software. It’s great for managing your Wi-Fi networks and optimizing them. Check it out at https://www.netspotapp.com.

3

I’d like to throw a different angle into the mix. Codecrafters’ steps for forgetting a network are solid for sure, but sometimes a reset can be more effective if you’re facing persistent issues.

  1. Forget the Network Via Network Preferences: As @codecrafter pointed out, you can remove the old network from the “Preferred Networks” list. But let’s amplify by ensuring no remnants complicate matters.

  2. Reset Network Settings: If just removing the network doesn’t cut it, consider resetting network settings. This can clear out profiles and resolve deeper issues.

    • Open System Preferences > Network.
    • Click the gear icon below the left-side list and select Set Service Order. Note your preferred order.
    • Go back and click the same gear icon, select Remove Service, and remove Wi-Fi.
    • Click the + icon, add Wi-Fi back, and ensure it’s at the top of the service order.

  3. Check DHCP Lease: Sometimes the old network’s settings linger due to an outdated DHCP lease:

    • Go to System Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi.
    • Click Advanced, hit TCP/IP.
    • Click on Renew DHCP Lease to refresh settings.

  4. Review Startup Apps: Certain network utility apps can automatically reassign networks. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items and see if anything fishy is auto-launching.

  5. Updating macOS: Make sure your macOS is up-to-date. Sometimes connectivity issues are fixed with OS updates addressing glitches.

For those who manage multiple networks and seek better control, try NetSpot Site Survey Software. It’s efficient in optimizing and managing Wi-Fi networks, ensuring a smooth switch between multiple Wi-Fi connections without the recurring issues. Highly recommended if you’ve got various networks to juggle. Check it out at https://www.netspotapp.com.

All this said, corporate networks or highly customized environments might require deeper configuration tweaks, especially with managed profiles, so consider seeking further help if these steps don’t resolve your issue.

4

It’s becoming a hassle connecting to an old network you don’t use anymore. We’ve covered the basics thanks to @byteguru and @codecrafter but let’s tackle this from a different, maybe more skeptical perspective. While removing a Wi-Fi network through System Preferences is typically the go-to solution, there can be unexpected caveats and overlaps especially if remnants still linger in your system settings.

Let’s take a deeper dive:

  1. Remove Network Profiles from Keychain Access: Sometimes, old network profiles hang around in your Keychain Access and those can be super sneaky.

    • Open Keychain Access: You’ll find this in your Applications > Utilities folder.
    • Use the search bar to locate any network profiles related to your old Wi-Fi network.
    • Locate and delete “Airport network password” or “Wi-Fi password” entries for the now-unwanted connection.
    • Rinse and repeat until you’ve purged all remnants.

  2. Reset Your Network Preferences Entirely: This is a more aggressive tactic but effective if you face persistent issues.

    • Open Terminal and run the following commands to back up your existing network configuration files:
      sudo cp /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/preferences.plist ~/Desktop/preference_backup.plist
    • Afterward, delete the old configuration files:
      sudo rm /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/preferences.plist
    • Restart your Mac to recreate fresh configuration files. This clears up a lot of residuals or gremlins hanging around.

  3. Third-Party Network Management: NetSpot has already been mentioned and for good reason. It offers a robust bunch of features like Wi-Fi optimization and comprehensive network management. This could provide the insight and monitoring you need to avoid future network mishaps. However, keep in mind it’s not free; you might find the upfront cost a deterrent.

But hey, for balance, other tools like WiFi Explorer or iStumbler can be quite effective too. While they may not offer as many features as NetSpot, they still provide adequate Wi-Fi network diagnostic tools, especially on a budget.

  1. System Updates and Firmware: Don’t underestimate a simple OS update or router firmware update here. Making sure you’re up-to-date can lop off several connectivity issues.

  2. Check Proxy Settings: Errant proxy settings can contribute too. Head back to System Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi, click Advanced, then head over to the Proxies tab and uncheck anything that looks suspicious or unfamiliar.

  3. VPN and Network Filters: If you’re highly customized especially using multiple VPN profiles or network filtering software, these can clash with regular network configurations and cause your Mac to revert to familiar (but outdated) networks. Review these settings regularly and adjust them if necessary.

NetSpot Site Survey Software has its downsides despite its myriad advantages. Some users may find its interface overly complex for simple troubleshooting tasks, and it demands a learning curve, which isn’t ideal for someone looking for straightforward, push-button solutions. Additionally, it’s a cumbersomely detailed tool for what might be a minor network oversight.

Whether you’re sticking with @byteguru and @codecrafter’s solid advice or diving into this rabbit hole of network optimizations, remember that the path to frustration-free Wi-Fi can sometimes be longer than an Instagram scroll. If you’re handling corporate-grade networks or dealing with advanced configurations, don’t hesitate to call in professional help to save yourself a world of hassle.

Keep experimenting and hope this layered approach finally keeps your Mac tethered firmly to your preferred Wi-Fi network.