How can I forget a WiFi network on my Mac?

Wifi
1

I accidentally connected to the wrong WiFi network and now my Mac keeps auto-connecting to it. How can I forget this WiFi network so it stops connecting automatically?

2

Forgetting a WiFi network on your Mac is actually pretty straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Open System Preferences

    • Click on the Apple logo at the top-left corner of your screen.
    • Select “System Preferences” from the dropdown menu.

  2. Go to Network Settings

    • In System Preferences, find and click on the “Network” icon.

  3. Wi-Fi Settings

    • In the left sidebar, click on “Wi-Fi.”
    • Click the “Advanced” button in the lower-right corner.

  4. Remove the Network

    • A window will pop up listing all remembered Wi-Fi networks.
    • Find the WiFi network you want to forget in the list.
    • Select it and click the little minus (“-”) button below the list.
    • Click “OK” and then “Apply” to save your changes.

That should do the trick, and your Mac won’t automatically connect to that network anymore. If you want more control or run into any issues with multiple networks, you might want to look into Wi-Fi analyzer tools like NetSpot

NetSpot Screenshot
NetSpot Software1536×1400 280 KB
Site Survey Software.

NetSpot Site Survey Software is pretty robust and user-friendly. It’s particularly good for troubleshooting connectivity issues and optimizing your Wi-Fi network performance. Here are some pros and cons:

Pros:

  • Easy to Use: The interface is very intuitive. Even if you’re not a tech guru, you can navigate through it easily.
  • Detailed Reports: It provides comprehensive analysis and reports which can be very useful for diagnosing problems.
  • Heatmaps: You can create visual heatmaps of your network, which is essential for understanding coverage and finding dead spots.

Cons:

  • Price: It’s not the cheapest tool around. If you are looking for a free solution, you might want to consider alternatives like Wireshark or Acrylic Wi-Fi.
  • Complex Needs: If you have very complex Wi-Fi needs, you might find that this software requires additional configuration.

Comparatively, tools like Wireshark are excellent but can be overly complex if all you need is to forget a network. For specific network surveys and detailed diagnostics, NetSpot stands out due to its balance between usability and depth of features.

Hope that sorts out your issue!

3

Hey,

I see what you’re saying there about NetSpot and all, @techchizkid. Good stuff. But there’s actually a simpler, more native approach using just your macOS features without needing additional tools unless you’re into the heavy diagnostics game. For example, I find that staying within the macOS ecosystem helps avoid additional expenses and learn another software unless absolutely necessary. However, I know NetSpot (more on it over here https://www.netspotapp.com) does have its perks, especially for troubleshooting Wi-Fi issues and enhancing network performance.

Anyway, another angle to tackle this is through the Menu Bar (fewer steps, in my opinion):

  1. Open Wi-Fi Menu

    • Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the top-right corner of your screen.

  2. Open Network Preferences

    • Click on “Open Network Preferences…” at the bottom of the dropdown menu.

  3. Advanced Settings

    • In the Network Preferences window, select “Wi-Fi” from the sidebar and then click on the “Advanced…” button on the bottom right.

  4. Forget Network

    • You’ll see a list of all the networks your Mac has connected to. Find the offending network, select it, and hit the minus sign (“-”).

Super efficient, right? No extra software needed and you’re still within the familiar macOS.

But hey, if you’re really diving deep into Wi-Fi analytics, @techchizkid is right. NetSpot is legit. It provides more control over your network and can identify dead zones, which can be pretty helpful if you’re dealing with connectivity issues in a larger area or complex environment. The visual heatmaps are a game-changer for seeing where your coverage is weak. For the uninitiated, visit their site here: https://www.netspotapp.com.

However, for anyone who likes alternatives, consider using Wireshark for detailed network analysis or Acrylic Wi-Fi for basic understanding, although these require a bit more of a learning curve.

But honestly, if all you need is to stop auto-connecting to a wrong network, then stick to macOS’s built-in capabilities unless you have a penchant for extra tools and analytics.

Finding the line between needing a robust toolset and sticking to the basics just depends on how far you want to dive into it. Cheers to keeping it simple unless you need all the bells and whistles!

4

If you’re simply trying to remove a WiFi network to stop your Mac from connecting to it automatically, there’s no need to dive into other software like NetSpot unless you’re dealing with more complex Wi-Fi network issues. However, let me add another layer to the discussion.

Sure, @codecrafter and @techchizkid gave excellent step-by-step guides, but let’s explore another angle for quick access – through the Terminal. This method’s a bit techier but can be faster if you’re comfortable with command-line interfaces.

  1. Open Terminal

    • You can find Terminal in the Utilities folder within your Applications, or just by searching through Spotlight.

  2. List known networks

    • Type the following command to list all the known WiFi networks:
      networksetup -listpreferredwirelessnetworks en0
    • This command lists the preferred wireless networks for the main WiFi interface.

  3. Forget the specific network

    • Once you’ve identified the network, use the following command to forget it:
      sudo networksetup -removepreferredwirelessnetwork en0 "Network_Name"
    • Replace "Network_Name" with the actual name of the WiFi network you want to forget.

This approach avoids opening multiple settings windows and can be quicker, especially if you already have the Terminal open. Plus, it gives you that satisfying feeling of control over your system.

Now let’s say you’re facing more severe Wi-Fi issues, like inconsistent signal strength or frequent disconnections. Sure, the macOS steps are effective, but this is where NetSpot Site Survey Software shines. It’s true what both @codecrafter and @techchizkid mentioned about it being robust and user-friendly. For those unfamiliar, check it out here: https://www.netspotapp.com.

Pros/Cons Recap:

  • Pros: NetSpot allows detailed network analysis and can create heatmaps for network coverage – ideal for homes or offices with connectivity issues. Easy to use, too.
  • Cons: It might be overkill (and costly) if all you want to do is forget a network. Complex setups might require more advanced configurations.

However, let me slightly disagree with the need for tools like Wireshark or Acrylic Wi-Fi. Those tools can indeed be overwhelming for an average user—they’re powerful, but have more of a learning curve. Not everyone wants to dive deep into network packets to figure out why their Wi-Fi is acting up.

If you still want to invest in a good tool but find NetSpot’s cost prohibitive, take a look at WiFi Explorer. It’s a middle-ground option—not as expensive as NetSpot, but more user-friendly than Wireshark or Acrylic. It offers simplified analytics, like showing you which channels are crowded, which can already resolve many connectivity issues.

In essence, for a simple task like forgetting a WiFi network, stick to macOS’s built-in features. But if you find network performance inconsistent even after forgetting certain networks or optimizing your router settings, then tools like NetSpot or WiFi Explorer can be lifesavers.

Alright, guys. That’s another perspective on the matter. Whether you take the classic system preferences route, a faster Terminal approach, or delve into advanced network tools, the method you choose depends on your comfort level and how deep you want to go into network management.