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How to remove unused Wi-Fi connections on iPhone

Asked Dec 3, 2024, 10:03 AM • Viewed 1745 times

I have numerous Wi-Fi networks saved on my iPhone that I no longer use, and it's becoming cluttered. How can I delete these unused Wi-Fi connections from my device? I've heard that keeping my list clean can help improve performance and security. Any guidance will be appreciated!

iphone wifi settings
Asked by techie101

3 Answers

Accepted

To manage and delete unused Wi-Fi networks on your iPhone, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap on 'Wi-Fi'. This will display a list of available networks.
  3. Locate the network you want to remove from the list. Unfortunately, iOS doesn't allow you to directly forget a network from the list unless you're in range. If you see the network you're currently connected to, tap the information 'i' icon next to its name.
  4. Select 'Forget This Network'. This option will only appear if you are connected to the network or if it's a favorite and in range. Confirm your choice to remove the network from memory.
  5. To manage known networks more extensively, you need to use a Mac or PC. Connect your iPhone to your computer and use iTunes or Finder:
    • Open Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (on Windows or earlier macOS) and select your device.
    • Select 'Summary', then click 'Backup' to back up your data.
    • Go to Settings > General > Reset on your iPhone. Then, choose 'Reset Network Settings'. This will remove all Wi-Fi networks at once, so proceed with caution.

Taking these steps can help declutter your Wi-Fi list, ensuring better performance and improved security.

Answered by danso • Dec 5, 2024

You might also want to try the iCloud Keychain, as it syncs your saved Wi-Fi passwords across devices. Here's how you can manage it:

  • On your iPhone, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud.
  • Turn off iCloud Keychain and then turn it back on. This may refresh saved Wi-Fi passwords and networks.

This method can sometimes remove old entries that are no longer in use, but it’s also a way to ensure that when you delete networks, they don't reappear from your other devices synced via iCloud.

Answered by rayiner • Dec 5, 2024

Consider using a third-party app to manage your Wi-Fi networks more extensively, although such apps are limited on iOS due to security restrictions. Apps like WiFi Analyzer can help analyze networks while advising on network management. Unfortunately, they won't delete networks directly, but their insights might help you understand which networks to prioritize or remove by manually following the system methods.

Answered by colin_wright • Dec 5, 2024

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