How to Forget and Reconnect to a Wi-Fi Network
By Site Editor · Updated September 2, 2026 · 6 min read
Forgetting a saved Wi-Fi network and reconnecting fresh is one of the quickest fixes for authentication errors, wrong passwords, and stuck "Obtaining IP address" loops.
1. Forget a Wi-Fi network on Windows
Click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray, then click the arrow next to your network name. Select Forget. Alternatively, go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks, find the network, and click Forget.
After forgetting, click the Wi-Fi icon again, select your network from the list, enter the password, and connect.
2. Forget a Wi-Fi network on Android
Go to Settings → Wi-Fi (or Network & Internet → Internet on newer Android). Long-press the network name, or tap the gear icon next to it, then tap Forget. On Samsung, tap Forget network.
Return to the Wi-Fi list, tap the network name, enter the password, and tap Connect.
3. When should you forget and reconnect?
Forgetting and reconnecting solves several common problems: getting stuck on Obtaining IP address, an Authentication error even with the correct password, connecting to Wi-Fi but having no internet access, or after the router password has been changed.
It does not help with physical signal problems or ISP outages — if every device in the house has no internet, the issue is most likely with your router or ISP rather than a saved network profile.
Frequently asked questions
Will forgetting a Wi-Fi network delete anything?
No. Forgetting a Wi-Fi network only removes the saved password and connection settings for that network from your device. It does not affect your files, apps, or other saved networks.
I forgot the Wi-Fi password. How do I find it?
On Windows, go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks, click the network, then Show password. On Android, tap the gear icon next to the connected network — some versions show a QR code you can scan instead of the plain text password.
My phone keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi after reconnecting. Why?
This is usually caused by a weak signal, an IP address conflict, or the phone switching to mobile data because it detects a slow Wi-Fi connection. Try moving closer to the router, assigning a static IP to the phone in the router settings, or disabling "Switch to mobile data" in your phone's Wi-Fi preferences.