Introduction
When using a Mac, you may encounter scenarios where you need to forget a network that your device has been previously connected to. This could be due to security reasons, network issues, or simply to declutter your list of saved Wi-Fi networks. Forgetting a network on a Mac is a straightforward process, but it can vary slightly depending on the version of macOS you are running. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to forget a network on your Mac.
Why Forget a Network on Mac?
Forgetting a network on your Mac can be necessary for several reasons:
– Security: If you no longer trust a Wi-Fi network or suspect it may be compromised, it’s best to forget it to prevent your Mac from automatically connecting to it.
– Network Issues: If you are experiencing connectivity issues with a particular network, forgetting it and reconnecting can help troubleshoot the problem.
– Decluttering: Over time, your list of saved Wi-Fi networks can become cluttered. Forgetting networks you no longer use can make it easier to find and connect to the ones you do use.
Steps to Forget a Network on Mac
Step 1: Open System Preferences
– Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
– Select “System Preferences” from the drop-down menu.
Step 2: Access Network Preferences
– In the System Preferences window, click on the “Network” icon. This will open the Network preferences pane.
Step 3: Select Wi-Fi Network
– In the Network preferences pane, select “Wi-Fi” from the list of available network connections on the left side of the window.
Step 4: Forget the Network
– Click on the “Advanced” button in the bottom right corner of the Wi-Fi settings window.
– A new window will open with a list of all the Wi-Fi networks your Mac has connected to in the past.
– Select the network you want to forget from the list.
– Click on the “-” (minus) button below the list to remove the selected network.
– Confirm that you want to forget the network when prompted.
Step 5: Apply Changes
– Click on the “OK” button to save the changes.
– Then, click on the “Apply” button in the Network preferences pane to apply the changes.
Forgetting a Network on Different Versions of macOS
Forgetting a network on a Mac may vary slightly depending on the version of macOS you are running. Here are the specific steps for forgetting a network on different versions of macOS:
For macOS Big Sur and later:
– Follow the steps outlined above to forget a network on macOS Big Sur and later versions.
For macOS Catalina and earlier:
– Open System Preferences and click on “Network.”
– Select the Wi-Fi network you want to forget.
– Click on the “Advanced” button.
– In the list of preferred networks, select the network you want to forget.
– Click on the “-” (minus) button to remove the selected network.
– Click on “OK” to confirm.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when forgetting a network on your Mac:
– Remembered Networks: Your Mac will automatically connect to remembered networks in order of priority. Be sure to adjust your network preferences accordingly.
– Security: Forgetting networks you no longer use can help improve the security of your device by reducing the risk of connecting to potentially compromised networks.
– Network Passwords: Forgetting a network does not delete the password from your keychain. If you want to remove the password as well, you will need to do so separately.
Conclusion
Forgetting a network on your Mac is a simple process that can be useful for various reasons, including security, network troubleshooting, and decluttering. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily forget a network on your Mac, whether you are running macOS Big Sur, Catalina, or an earlier version. Remember to adjust your network preferences and prioritize your remembered networks to ensure a smooth and secure connection experience.