Are you tired of seeing an old WiFi network in your list of available connections? Do you want to remove a WiFi network that you no longer use or need? Deleting a WiFi network can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll show you how to completely delete a WiFi network on various devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Why Delete a WiFi Network?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why you might want to delete a WiFi network. Here are a few reasons:
- Security: If you’re no longer using a WiFi network, it’s a good idea to delete it to prevent unauthorized access to your device.
- Clutter: If you have a lot of old WiFi networks stored on your device, it can be cluttered and confusing. Deleting them can help simplify your list of available connections.
- Performance: Deleting old WiFi networks can also help improve your device’s performance by reducing the number of networks it needs to scan for.
Deleting a WiFi Network on Windows
Deleting a WiFi network on Windows is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps:
Method 1: Using the WiFi Settings App
- Click on the WiFi icon in the system tray and select “Open Network & Internet settings.”
- Click on “WiFi” and then click on “Manage WiFi settings.”
- Click on the “Manage known networks” option.
- Find the WiFi network you want to delete and click on it.
- Click on the “Forget” button.
Method 2: Using the Command Prompt
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the following command:
netsh wlan delete profile name="WiFi Network Name" - Replace “WiFi Network Name” with the name of the WiFi network you want to delete.
- Press Enter to run the command.
Deleting a WiFi Network on Mac
Deleting a WiFi network on Mac is also a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps:
Method 1: Using the WiFi Menu
- Click on the WiFi icon in the menu bar.
- Select “Open Network Preferences.”
- Click on “Advanced.”
- Select the WiFi network you want to delete from the list of preferred networks.
- Click on the minus (-) button at the bottom of the list.
Method 2: Using the Terminal
- Open the Terminal app.
- Type the following command:
sudo /usr/sbin/networksetup -removepreferredwirelessnetwork en0 "WiFi Network Name" - Replace “WiFi Network Name” with the name of the WiFi network you want to delete.
- Press Enter to run the command.
Deleting a WiFi Network on Android
Deleting a WiFi network on Android is a bit more complicated than on Windows or Mac, but it’s still a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps:
Method 1: Using the WiFi Settings App
- Go to the Settings app.
- Select “Connections” or “Wireless & networks.”
- Select “WiFi.”
- Long press on the WiFi network you want to delete.
- Select “Forget network.”
Method 2: Using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB)
- Enable Developer options on your Android device.
- Enable USB debugging.
- Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.
- Type the following command:
adb shell su -c "iwconfig wlan0 del "WiFi Network Name"" - Replace “WiFi Network Name” with the name of the WiFi network you want to delete.
- Press Enter to run the command.
Deleting a WiFi Network on iOS
Deleting a WiFi network on iOS is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps:
Method 1: Using the WiFi Settings App
- Go to the Settings app.
- Select “WiFi.”
- Find the WiFi network you want to delete and tap on the “i” icon next to it.
- Tap on “Forget This Network.”
Method 2: Using the Reset Network Settings Option
- Go to the Settings app.
- Select “General.”
- Select “Reset.”
- Select “Reset network settings.”
- Enter your passcode or password to confirm.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when deleting a WiFi network:
- Make sure you’re connected to a different WiFi network before deleting a network. If you’re not connected to a different network, you may lose internet access.
- Be careful when using the Command Prompt or Terminal to delete a WiFi network. If you enter the wrong command, you could accidentally delete the wrong network or cause other problems.
- If you’re having trouble deleting a WiFi network, try restarting your device. This can sometimes resolve connectivity issues and make it easier to delete the network.
Conclusion
Deleting a WiFi network can be a bit tricky, but it’s a relatively straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to completely delete a WiFi network on your Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS device. Remember to be careful when using the Command Prompt or Terminal to delete a WiFi network, and make sure you’re connected to a different network before deleting a network.
What is the purpose of deleting a WiFi network, and when should I do it?
Deleting a WiFi network is a process that removes the network’s profile from your device, which can be useful in various situations. If you’ve changed your WiFi network’s name or password, you may need to delete the old network profile to connect to the updated network. Additionally, if you’re experiencing connectivity issues or your device is automatically connecting to a network you no longer want to use, deleting the network can resolve these problems.
Deleting a WiFi network can also be helpful when you’re troubleshooting connectivity issues or when you’re selling or giving away your device. By removing all stored WiFi networks, you can ensure that the device is reset to its default settings, making it easier for the new user to set up their own networks. Furthermore, deleting a WiFi network can also improve your device’s security by removing any potentially compromised network profiles.
How do I delete a WiFi network on my Windows device?
To delete a WiFi network on a Windows device, you’ll need to access the WiFi settings. You can do this by clicking on the WiFi icon in the system tray, then clicking on “Network & Internet settings.” From there, click on “WiFi” and then “Manage WiFi settings.” You’ll see a list of all the WiFi networks your device has connected to in the past. Find the network you want to delete, click on it, and then click on the “Forget” button.
Alternatively, you can also delete a WiFi network on a Windows device using the Command Prompt. To do this, press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin).” Then, type the command “netsh wlan delete profile name=’network name'” (replace “network name” with the name of the network you want to delete). Press Enter to execute the command, and the network will be deleted.
How do I delete a WiFi network on my Mac device?
To delete a WiFi network on a Mac device, you’ll need to access the WiFi settings. You can do this by clicking on the WiFi icon in the menu bar, then clicking on “Network preferences.” From there, click on “Advanced” and then select the network you want to delete from the list of preferred networks. Click on the minus (-) button at the bottom of the list to delete the network.
Alternatively, you can also delete a WiFi network on a Mac device using the Terminal app. To do this, open the Terminal app and type the command “sudo /usr/sbin/networksetup -removepreferredwirelessnetwork en0 ‘network name'” (replace “network name” with the name of the network you want to delete). Press Enter to execute the command, and the network will be deleted.
How do I delete a WiFi network on my Android device?
To delete a WiFi network on an Android device, you’ll need to access the WiFi settings. You can do this by going to the Settings app, then clicking on “Connections” or “Wireless & networks.” From there, click on “WiFi” and then select the network you want to delete from the list of available networks. Long-press on the network name, then select “Forget network” to delete the network.
Alternatively, you can also delete a WiFi network on an Android device by resetting the network settings. To do this, go to the Settings app, then click on “System” or “Backup & reset.” From there, click on “Reset options” and then select “Reset network settings.” This will delete all stored WiFi networks, as well as other network settings.
How do I delete a WiFi network on my iOS device?
To delete a WiFi network on an iOS device, you’ll need to access the WiFi settings. You can do this by going to the Settings app, then clicking on “WiFi.” From there, select the network you want to delete from the list of available networks. Tap on the “i” icon next to the network name, then tap on “Forget This Network” to delete the network.
Alternatively, you can also delete a WiFi network on an iOS device by resetting the network settings. To do this, go to the Settings app, then click on “General.” From there, click on “Reset” and then select “Reset network settings.” This will delete all stored WiFi networks, as well as other network settings.
Will deleting a WiFi network affect my internet connection?
Deleting a WiFi network will not directly affect your internet connection. However, if you delete the network profile for your current WiFi network, you will be disconnected from the internet until you reconnect to the network. To reconnect, you’ll need to select the network from the list of available networks and enter the password.
If you’re deleting a WiFi network that you no longer use, it’s unlikely to affect your internet connection. However, if you’re deleting a network that you still use, make sure you have the password handy so you can reconnect to the network after deleting the profile.
Can I recover a deleted WiFi network?
In most cases, it’s not possible to recover a deleted WiFi network. When you delete a WiFi network, the network profile is removed from your device, and the information is not stored anywhere else. However, if you’ve backed up your device’s settings, you may be able to restore the network profile from the backup.
If you’ve deleted a WiFi network and want to reconnect to it, you’ll need to select the network from the list of available networks and enter the password. If you don’t remember the password, you may need to reset the router or contact the network administrator to obtain the password.