How do I remove Wi-Fi networks from my list of available?

Tired of seeing a laundry list of Wi-Fi networks you never use? Your devices remember every network you’ve connected to, cluttering your available networks list and sometimes even causing connection confusion. Thankfully, clearing out these digital cobwebs is a simple process. Here’s how to banish unwanted Wi-Fi networks from your devices:

The Universal Principle: Forgetting the Network

The core concept across all devices is to “forget” the network. This removes the saved profile, including the password, and prevents your device from automatically connecting to it. The specific steps, however, vary slightly depending on your operating system.

Windows:

1. Open Network & internet settings: Right-click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner) and select “Network & Internet settings.” Alternatively, search for “Network & Internet settings” in the Windows search bar.
2. Manage Wi-Fi settings: Click on “Wi-Fi” in the left-hand menu.
3. Manage known networks: Click on “Manage known networks.”
4. Select and Forget: Choose the network you want to remove from the list and click “Forget.”

macOS:

1. Open System Preferences: Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner and select “System Preferences.”
2. Network Preferences: Select “Network.”
3. Advanced Wi-Fi Settings: Click “Wi-Fi” in the left-hand menu and then click “Advanced…”
4. Remove the Network: Select the network you want to remove from the list and click the minus (-) button. Click “OK” to confirm.

Android (Steps may vary slightly depending on manufacturer and Android version):

1. Open Settings: Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the notification shade and tap the gear icon (Settings).
2. Network & internet: Tap on “Network & internet” (or similar).
3. Wi-Fi: Tap on “Wi-Fi.”
4. Saved Networks: Tap on “Saved networks” (or a similar option like “Networks”).
5. Select and Forget: Choose the network you wish to remove. Tap on it and select “Forget” (or “Forget network”).

iOS (iPhone/iPad):

1. Open Settings: Tap the “Settings” app icon.
2. Wi-Fi: Tap on “Wi-Fi.”
3. Select the Network: Tap the information icon (the “i” in a circle) next to the network you want to remove.
4. Forget This Network: Tap “Forget This Network” and confirm.

Reconnecting in the Future:

Don’t worry, forgetting a network doesn’t banish it forever. If you want to reconnect later, simply select it from the available networks list and enter the password again. This allows you to keep your list tidy and only see the networks you actively use.