In today’s digital age, WiFi networks have become an essential part of our daily lives. We use them to connect to the internet, access various online services, and stay connected with our loved ones. However, there are times when we need to “unforget” a WiFi network, either because we want to reconnect to it, or because it’s causing issues with our device. In this article, we will explore the different methods to unforget a WiFi network on various devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
Understanding WiFi Network Forgetfulness
Before we dive into the methods to unforget a WiFi network, it’s essential to understand why devices “forget” WiFi networks in the first place. When you connect to a WiFi network, your device stores the network’s credentials, including the network name (SSID), password, and security settings. This information is stored in the device’s memory, allowing you to automatically connect to the network whenever you’re in range.
However, there are times when your device may “forget” a WiFi network, either due to a software glitch, a change in the network’s settings, or a deliberate action on your part. When this happens, you may need to re-enter the network’s credentials to reconnect to it.
Why Unforget a WiFi Network?
There are several reasons why you may want to unforget a WiFi network. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Reconnecting to a network you previously connected to
- Resolving connectivity issues with a network
- Changing the network’s settings or password
- Troubleshooting network connectivity problems
Unforgetting a WiFi Network on Windows
If you’re using a Windows device, you can unforget a WiFi network by following these 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 select “Manage WiFi settings.”
- Scroll down to the “Manage known networks” section and click on the network you want to unforget.
- Click on the “Forget” button to forget the network.
- To unforget the network, click on the “Add a network” button and enter the network’s credentials.
Method 2: Using the Command Prompt
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the command “netsh wlan show profiles” to list all the WiFi profiles stored on your device.
- Find the profile of the network you want to unforget and note down its name.
- Type the command “netsh wlan delete profile name=
” to delete the profile. - To unforget the network, type the command “netsh wlan add profile filename=
.xml” to add the profile back.
Unforgetting a WiFi Network on macOS
If you’re using a Mac, you can unforget a WiFi network by following these steps:
Method 1: Using the WiFi Preferences
- Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
- Click on “Network” and then select “Advanced.”
- Click on the “WiFi” tab and select the network you want to unforget.
- Click on the “-” button to forget the network.
- To unforget the network, click on the “+” button and enter the network’s credentials.
Method 2: Using the Terminal
- Open the Terminal app.
- Type the command “networksetup -listallhardwareports” to list all the network interfaces on your Mac.
- Find the interface corresponding to your WiFi adapter and note down its name.
- Type the command “networksetup -removepreferredwirelessnetwork
” to forget the network. - To unforget the network, type the command “networksetup -addpreferredwirelessnetwork
” to add the network back.
Unforgetting a WiFi Network on Android
If you’re using an Android device, you can unforget a WiFi network by following these steps:
Method 1: Using the WiFi Settings App
- Go to the Settings app and select “Connections” or “Wireless & networks.”
- Select “WiFi” and then select the network you want to unforget.
- Long press on the network and select “Forget network.”
- To unforget the network, go back to the WiFi settings and select the network from the list of available networks.
Method 2: Using the WiFi Manager App
- Download and install a WiFi manager app, such as WiFi Manager or WiFi Analyzer.
- Open the app and select the network you want to unforget.
- Long press on the network and select “Forget network.”
- To unforget the network, go back to the app and select the network from the list of available networks.
Unforgetting a WiFi Network on iOS
If you’re using an iOS device, you can unforget a WiFi network by following these steps:
Method 1: Using the WiFi Settings App
- Go to the Settings app and select “WiFi.”
- Select the network you want to unforget.
- Tap on the “i” icon next to the network name.
- Tap on “Forget This Network” to forget the network.
- To unforget the network, go back to the WiFi settings and select the network from the list of available networks.
Method 2: Using the Control Center
- Open the Control Center by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.
- Tap on the WiFi icon to toggle WiFi on or off.
- Tap on the “i” icon next to the network name.
- Tap on “Forget This Network” to forget the network.
- To unforget the network, go back to the WiFi settings and select the network from the list of available networks.
Troubleshooting WiFi Network Connectivity Issues
If you’re experiencing connectivity issues with a WiFi network, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take:
- Restart your router and modem
- Check your WiFi adapter’s settings
- Move closer to the router
- Use a WiFi analyzer app to scan for nearby networks
- Reset your WiFi adapter’s settings to their default values
Common WiFi Network Connectivity Issues
Some common WiFi network connectivity issues include:
- Intermittent connectivity: Your device connects to the network, but the connection drops frequently.
- Slow speeds: Your device connects to the network, but the internet speeds are slow.
- Failed connections: Your device fails to connect to the network, even after entering the correct credentials.
Resolving Intermittent Connectivity Issues
To resolve intermittent connectivity issues, try the following:
- Restart your router and modem
- Check your WiFi adapter’s settings
- Move closer to the router
- Use a WiFi analyzer app to scan for nearby networks
Resolving Slow Speeds
To resolve slow speeds, try the following:
- Restart your router and modem
- Check your internet service provider’s speeds
- Use a WiFi analyzer app to scan for nearby networks
- Upgrade your router’s firmware
Resolving Failed Connections
To resolve failed connections, try the following:
- Restart your router and modem
- Check your WiFi adapter’s settings
- Enter the correct credentials
- Reset your WiFi adapter’s settings to their default values
In conclusion, unforgetting a WiFi network is a relatively simple process that can be done on various devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily unforget a WiFi network and resolve connectivity issues. Remember to always restart your router and modem, check your WiFi adapter’s settings, and use a WiFi analyzer app to scan for nearby networks to troubleshoot connectivity issues.
What is the purpose of unforgetting a WiFi network?
Unforgetting a WiFi network is a process that allows you to reconnect to a previously forgotten network. When you forget a network, your device removes the network’s settings and credentials, making it impossible to connect to it automatically. However, if you need to reconnect to the network, you’ll have to re-enter the password and other settings. Unforgetting a network saves you the hassle of re-entering the credentials.
By unforgetting a network, you can also restore the network’s priority on your device. This means that if you have multiple networks saved on your device, your device will automatically connect to the un-forgotten network when it’s in range. This feature is particularly useful if you have a preferred network that you want your device to connect to automatically.
How do I unforget a WiFi network on my Android device?
To unforget a WiFi network on your Android device, go to Settings > WiFi. Look for the network you want to unforget and tap on the “Forget network” option next to it. However, if you don’t see the “Forget network” option, it means the network is not saved on your device. In this case, you’ll have to search for the network and connect to it manually.
Once you’ve connected to the network, your device will save the network’s settings and credentials. You can then go back to the WiFi settings and look for the network in the list of saved networks. If you want to make the network your default connection, you can tap on the three dots next to the network and select “Make default” or “Move to top” to prioritize it.
Can I unforget a WiFi network on my iPhone or iPad?
Yes, you can unforget a WiFi network on your iPhone or iPad. To do this, go to Settings > WiFi and look for the network you want to unforget. If you don’t see the network in the list, it means it’s not saved on your device. In this case, you’ll have to search for the network and connect to it manually.
Once you’ve connected to the network, your device will save the network’s settings and credentials. You can then go back to the WiFi settings and look for the network in the list of saved networks. If you want to make the network your default connection, you can tap on the “i” icon next to the network and select “Prioritize this network” to prioritize it.
How do I unforget a WiFi network on my Windows computer?
To unforget a WiFi network on your Windows computer, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi. Look for the network you want to unforget and click on the “Manage known networks” option. If you don’t see the network in the list, it means it’s not saved on your device. In this case, you’ll have to search for the network and connect to it manually.
Once you’ve connected to the network, your computer will save the network’s settings and credentials. You can then go back to the WiFi settings and look for the network in the list of saved networks. If you want to make the network your default connection, you can click on the “Move up” or “Move down” buttons to prioritize it.
What happens when I unforget a WiFi network?
When you unforget a WiFi network, your device restores the network’s settings and credentials. This means that your device will automatically connect to the network when it’s in range. Unforgetting a network also restores the network’s priority on your device, so if you have multiple networks saved on your device, your device will automatically connect to the un-forgotten network.
Unforgetting a network does not affect your device’s other settings or connections. It only restores the network’s settings and credentials, allowing you to reconnect to the network automatically. If you’ve made changes to your device’s settings or connections since forgetting the network, those changes will remain intact.
Can I unforget a WiFi network if I’ve forgotten the password?
If you’ve forgotten the password to a WiFi network, you won’t be able to unforget the network until you enter the correct password. When you try to connect to the network, your device will prompt you to enter the password. If you don’t know the password, you’ll have to reset the network’s password or obtain it from the network administrator.
If you’ve forgotten the password to a network that you previously connected to, you can try checking your device’s password manager or WiFi settings to see if the password is saved. If the password is saved, you can use it to connect to the network again. If not, you’ll have to reset the password or obtain it from the network administrator.
Is it safe to unforget a WiFi network?
Unforgetting a WiFi network is generally safe, as long as you’re connecting to a trusted network. When you unforget a network, your device restores the network’s settings and credentials, which can potentially expose you to security risks if the network is not secure. However, if you’re connecting to a trusted network, such as your home or work network, unforgetting the network is safe.
To ensure your safety, make sure to only unforget networks that you trust. Avoid unforgetting public networks or networks that you don’t recognize, as they may pose security risks. Additionally, always use a VPN or other security measures when connecting to public networks to protect your data and identity.