As we acquire more and more devices, our wifi networks can quickly become cluttered. We connect to networks at work, when visiting friends, or while traveling, all of which can build up on our Macs. Knowing how to delete a wifi network on a Mac can be an important skill, especially if you’re concerned about security or if you need to connect to a different network.
In this post, we will walk you through a few methods to delete a wifi network on a Mac. We’ll cover both manual methods and third-party apps. By the end, you’ll be able to easily remove unwanted networks and keep your wifi connections tidy.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To delete a wifi network on your Mac, you’ll need:
- A working Mac computer with macOS
- Admin privileges
- The name of the wifi network that you want to delete
What Requires Your Focus?
The method you choose to delete a wifi network on your Mac may depend on how recently you connected to the network, how often you use it, and whether you want to clear it from other Apple devices. Taking some time to think about your wifi networks and how to best remove them can save you time and effort.
Method 1: Remove Wifi Network Manually
One of the most straightforward ways to delete a wifi network on a Mac is with System Preferences. You can remove a wifi network in three steps:
Step 1: Click on the wifi icon in the menu bar and select Open Network Preferences from the dropdown menu.
Step 2: Click the Advanced… button in the bottom right corner.
Step 3: In the list of Preferred Networks, find the network you want to delete and click the "-" sign.
Pros:
- Removing wifi networks manually is easy and doesn’t require any third-party apps.
- It can also be done for free.
Cons:
- You must know the exact name of the wifi network you want to delete.
- If you have multiple Macs, you’ll need to delete the network on each device separately.
Method 2: Use Third-Party App
If you prefer a faster and easier way to delete wifi networks, you might consider a third-party app like WiFi Explorer. Here’s how you can use this app:
Step 1: Download and install the WiFi Explorer app from the App Store.
Step 2: Open the app and click on the Scan button.
Step 3: Find the network you want to delete and right-click on it.
Step 4: Select Delete Network from the dropdown menu.
Pros:
- Third-party apps like WiFi Explorer give you a visual display of all available networks, so it’s easier to identify the exact network you want to delete.
- You can delete multiple networks at once without worrying about system preferences.
Cons:
- You must pay for a third-party app like WiFi Explorer.
- You must trust the app provider’s reputation and security.
Method 3: Use Terminal
If you’re comfortable using Terminal, you can use it to list all saved wifi networks and remove them. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Terminal on your Mac.
Step 2: Type networksetup -listpreferredwirelessnetworks into the terminal and press Enter.
Step 3: Find the name of the network you want to delete and copy it.
Step 4: Type networksetup -removepreferredwirelessnetwork <SSID Name> in the terminal, replacing <SSID Name> with the name of the wifi network you want to delete.
Pros:
- You don’t need to launch any apps.
- It’s easy to copy and paste the network name in Terminal.
Cons:
- The method requires familiarity with Terminal and its commands.
- There’s a chance of mistyping or using the wrong command, which could lead to unintended results.
Why Can’t I Delete a Wifi Network on My Mac?
If you try to delete a wifi network on your Mac and it doesn’t work, there could be several reasons. Some of the common ones are:
1. Incorrect Name: You may be trying to delete a network with an incorrect name.
Fix: Double-check the name of the network that you want to delete. You may be accidentally adding a space or leaving out a character.
2. Connection Issue: Your Mac may not have a stable internet connection, making it difficult for it to delete the network properly.
Fix: Ensure your Mac has a stable internet connection before trying to delete the network.
3. Permission Issue: You may not have the necessary permissions to delete the network on the Mac.
Fix: Check whether you have the Admin privileges on your Mac. If not, check with the computer administrator or someone with higher-level credentials.
Implications & Recommendations
Deleting a wifi network on your Mac can be a simple task, but it can have some implications. Here are some implications and recommendations you should keep in mind:
1. Loss of Automatic Connection: If you delete a wifi network that you were automatically connected to, you may need to manually re-connect when you encounter the network again.
Recommendation: Keep a note of all the networks you frequently access, and also ensure all the necessary details about the network, including the password.
2. Erase Network Settings: Deleting wifi networks can erase settings and configurations specific to the network, such as DNS servers, IPv4 configurations, and more.
Recommendation: Always have a backup of your network settings, or avoid deleting networks that have specific configurations.
FAQs
Q: Can I delete wifi networks on my Mac without affecting other devices?
A: Yes, each device manages its wifi networks separately. So, deleting a network on your Mac will not affect other Apple devices connected to the same network.
Q: What happens if I delete a wifi network on my Mac, and I visit the network again?
A: If you visit the same network again, your Mac will search for and connect to the network like a new network, requesting the password if required.
Q: Will deleting a wifi network on my Mac reset any connection settings?
A: Yes, deleting a network can reset some connection settings, such as IPv4 configurations, previously set proxies, and more.
Q: Can I delete all saved wifi networks on my Mac instead of deleting them one by one?
A: Yes, you can use the networksetup -removeallpreferredwirelessnetworks command in Terminal to delete all saved wifi networks on your Mac.
Q: Can I delete a wifi network that my Mac is currently connected to?
A: No, you cannot delete a connection that is currently active. Disconnect from the network before trying to delete it.
In Conclusion
Deleting wifi networks on a Mac can improve your security and make connecting to other networks less confusing. We’ve shown you three methods to delete a wifi network on your Mac, from manual to third-party apps to Terminal. Keep in mind the implications of deleting a network before you do so, and always have a backup of your network settings.