Manage Wi-Fi networks on your iPhone and iPad
If you connect to a Wi-Fi network with the iPhone, the settings are saved. This way you can easily log in to the network on your next visit. This can be useful if you often visit people and don’t want to ask for the WiFi password every time, or if you want to surf the internet between meals at your favorite restaurant. As a result, it can happen that the Wi-Fi network of ex-friends is still in the list, while you never go there again. You can easily see which networks you have previously connected to and clean up the list from iOS 16.
- Wi-Fi networks from iOS 16
- Networking in iOS 15 and earlier
- Manage Wi-Fi networks on Mac
Delete Wi-Fi networks from iOS 16
Take the following steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Go to Wi-Fi and tap Change at the top right.
- Scroll through the list of Wi-Fi networks you’ve previously connected to.
- You can delete a specific network by swiping or by pressing the red icon.
You can no longer automatically connect to this network and will have to tap it manually to use it again in the future. You will also have to enter the password again.
Delete Wi-Fi networks in iOS 15 and earlier
You can only delete Wi-Fi networks up to and including iOS 15 if you’re connected to them. To do this, tap the i symbol behind the name of the network. You will now receive more information about the network and will see the option Forget this network at the top. With iOS 15 and earlier you will always have to be near the network, while from iOS 16 you can request the WiFi data from anywhere.
What you can always do, in both iOS 15 and iOS 16, is to reset all network settings. This will force you to reconnect with all network settings on your iPhone or iPad. You can read how to do that in our tip.
Manage Wi-Fi networks on Mac
If you want to manage your Wi-Fi networks manually, you can also do so on the Mac. You do not need to be connected to the relevant WiFi network for this. Go to System Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi > Advanced and delete the networks you no longer want to see. In macOS Ventura and newer, go to System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi.
Did you know that over time it has also become much easier to view your Wi-Fi password by making it visible and copying it. It also makes it easier to share your Wi-Fi password with someone else.
Want to do more with your WiFi networks? Here are some more tips:
- This is how WiFi works on the Apple Watch
- This way you can see which WiFi network your HomePod (mini) is connected to and what the signal strength is
- Is your Mac having Wi-Fi problems? Try these solutions
- This is how you quickly connect to WiFi networks and Bluetooth devices
