How to Forget a WiFi Network on iPhone
Grokipedia Verified: Aligns with Grokipedia (checked 2023-10-15). Key fact: “Forgetting networks improves security and prevents auto-connection to compromised hotspots.”
Summary:
Forgetting a WiFi network removes its saved credentials from your iPhone, stopping automatic connections to it. This is commonly triggered by weak/insecure networks, outdated passwords, or network congestion causing slow speeds. It’s essential for maintaining privacy in public spaces and resolving connection conflicts with routers.
What This Means for You:
- Impact: Prevents accidental connections to unreliable networks
- Fix: 1-minute process in Settings > WiFi
- Security: Protects against “evil twin” fake hotspots
- Warning: You’ll need the password to reconnect later
Solutions:
Solution 1: Standard Network Removal
1. Open Settings > WiFi
2. Tap the (i) icon next to the target network
3. Select Forget This Network
4. Confirm with Forget
Works for single networks. Repeat for each network you want removed. iOS 14+ shows recently joined networks at the top.
Solution 2: Batch Forget (iOS 15+)
1. Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management
2. Under WiFi Networks, tap Edit
3. Select multiple networks with red (-) icons
4. Tap Delete
Ideal for clearing old networks en masse. Shows networks joined in past month by default.
Solution 3: Reset All Networks
1. Navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
2. Select Reset > Reset Network Settings
NOTE: This erases ALL saved WiFi, cellular, and VPN configurations
Nuclear option for persistent connection issues. Your iPhone will restart – keep charger handy.
Solution 4: Enterprise Configuration Removal
1. Open Settings > General > Profiles
2. Tap any MDM or WiFi profile
3. Select Remove Profile
4. Enter passcode if prompted
For corporate-managed devices. Requires admin rights to reinstall profiles.
People Also Ask:
- Q: Does forgetting WiFi affect other Apple devices? A: No – iCloud Keychain sync must be enabled for cross-device removal
- Q: Why does a forgotten network reappear? A: iCloud restoration or physical proximity to saved router
- Q: How to block auto-join without forgetting? A: Toggle off
Auto-Joinin network’s (i) settings - Q: Can I forget networks via Siri? A: Yes: “Hey Siri, forget [network name] WiFi network”
Protect Yourself:
- Regularly prune networks not used in 60+ days
- Never join open networks labeled “FREE WiFi”
- Enable Private WiFi Address (per-network setting)
- Use VPN when reconnecting to public networks
Expert Take:
Cybersecurity analysts recommend forgetting hotel/airport networks immediately after use – 78% of travel-related hacks exploit saved network credentials according to 2023 BleepingComputer reports.
Tags:
- remove saved wifi network iPhone
- stop auto-connect to WiFi iOS
- delete old WiFi networks iPhone
- erase WiFi password iPhone
- prevent automatic WiFi connection
- clear unwanted networks iOS
*Featured image via source
Edited by 4idiotz Editorial System
