Forgetting a network on your iPad is as simple as tapping a few buttons. Whether you’re troubleshooting connectivity issues or simply cleaning up your Wi-Fi list, the process is straightforward. In just a few taps, you can remove any unwanted network and prevent your device from automatically connecting to it in the future.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Forget a Network on the iPad
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what this process will achieve. By forgetting a network, your iPad will no longer remember the Wi-Fi password, and it won’t connect automatically to that network. This is particularly useful if you’ve changed your Wi-Fi password or if you’re no longer using a particular network.
Step 1: Open Settings
Tap the “Settings” icon on your iPad’s home screen to begin.
The Settings app is the control center for your iPad. Here, you can adjust everything from screen brightness to privacy settings.
Step 2: Tap Wi-Fi
In the Settings, find and tap on the “Wi-Fi” menu option.
The Wi-Fi section is where you can manage everything related to wireless network connections.
Step 3: Find the Network
Scroll through the list of networks until you find the one you want to forget.
Your iPad will display all the Wi-Fi networks in range, as well as those it has connected to in the past.
Step 4: Tap the Info Button
Next to the network name, tap on the small “i” or info button.
This will take you to a screen with more information about that specific Wi-Fi network.
Step 5: Tap Forget This Network
At the top of the screen, tap on the “Forget This Network” option.
A confirmation pop-up may appear, asking if you’re sure you want to forget the network. Confirm your choice.
After you complete these steps, your iPad will no longer connect to the forgotten network automatically. It will disappear from your list of known networks. If you ever want to reconnect to the network, you’ll need to enter the password again, just as if you were connecting for the first time.
Tips for Forgetting a Network on the iPad
- If you can’t find the network in your list, make sure your iPad’s Wi-Fi is turned on.
- Forgetting a network will not prevent it from appearing in the list of available networks.
- If you’re troubleshooting, forgetting the network and then reconnecting can often solve connectivity issues.
- Remember, forgetting a network on one Apple device won’t forget it on all your devices if you use iCloud Keychain.
- If you’re selling or giving away your iPad, it’s a good idea to forget all networks to protect your privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I forget a network?
Forgetting a network means your iPad will not remember any details about it, including the password. You’ll need to re-enter the password if you decide to connect to the network again.
Can I forget a network that isn’t in range?
No, your iPad needs to be in range of the network for it to appear on the list unless it’s one of the networks your device has previously connected to.
Will forgetting a network delete it from all my Apple devices?
No, forgetting a network on your iPad will not affect the same network on your other Apple devices. You’ll need to forget the network on each device individually.
Can I undo forgetting a network?
No, once you forget a network, the only way to ‘undo’ is to reconnect to the network by entering the password again.
If I forget a public Wi-Fi network, will my iPad auto-join it next time?
No, once a network is forgotten, your iPad won’t auto-join it. You’ll have to manually select and connect to the network.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Tap Wi-Fi
- Find the Network
- Tap the Info Button
- Tap Forget This Network
Conclusion
Forgetting a network on an iPad is a simple yet essential skill for any user. It helps maintain your device’s security and can troubleshoot common Wi-Fi issues. Plus, it’s a quick way to clear up your Wi-Fi list and keep it organized. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily forget any network that you no longer wish to use or connect to automatically. Remember to reconnect to networks with caution and always keep your Wi-Fi list up-to-date. With this knowledge in your tech toolbox, managing your iPad’s Wi-Fi connections should be a breeze.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.