Your iPhone 17 automatically connects to known Wi-Fi networks you’ve joined before. This can be convenient, but sometimes, you might want to remove one. Maybe the network’s password has changed, or it keeps reconnecting to a weak signal. Deleting a saved Wi-Fi network helps fix these issues and ensures your iPhone connects only to networks you trust.
Why You Might Need to Forget a Wi-Fi Network
- The Wi-Fi password has been changed and no longer matches.
- Your iPhone keeps reconnecting to a weak or unstable network.
- You want to clear old or unused network entries.
- You’re troubleshooting connection or speed issues.
- You need to reset all saved networks for privacy reasons.
Forget a Wi-Fi Network Directly from Settings.
This is the simplest way to remove a saved network. Once forgotten, your iPhone 17 will not automatically reconnect to it until you manually join again.
- Open Settings, and then tap Wi-Fi.
- Tap the i icon next to the network you want to remove, and then tap Forget This Network.
When prompted, confirm the action by tapping Forget. The network will disappear from your saved list.
Remove a Network Not Currently in Range.
If the Wi-Fi network is not nearby, you can still delete it from your known networks list.
- Open Settings, and then tap Wi-Fi.
- Tap Edit at the top-right corner, and then find the network under Known Networks.
Tap the red minus (–) icon next to the network, and then tap Delete to remove it.
Forget All Saved Networks at Once.
If you want a clean start or are troubleshooting persistent Wi-Fi issues, you can erase all saved networks in one go.
- Open Settings, and then tap General.
- Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone, and then tap Reset Network Settings.
Enter your passcode when prompted, and confirm. This resets all network settings, including Wi-Fi, cellular, and VPN configurations.
Removing saved Wi-Fi networks is a quick fix for many connection problems. Once cleared, reconnect only to networks you trust for a smoother and safer browsing experience.
FAQs
Will forgetting a Wi-Fi network delete the password?
Yes. When you forget a network, your iPhone deletes the stored password, so you’ll need to re-enter it if you reconnect later.
Does forgetting a network affect other devices using the same Apple ID?
If iCloud Keychain is enabled, forgetting a network on one device removes it from all devices signed in with the same Apple ID.
What happens when I reset network settings?
All saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, and VPN settings are deleted, but your personal data such as photos and messages remain safe.
