Forget a Network in Settings

To remove a saved Wi-Fi network from your Apple TV, go to Settings on the home screen, then select AirPlay and HomeKit, then Wi-Fi Networks. You will see a list of every network your Apple TV has connected to before. Find the network you want to remove, select it, and choose Forget. Your Apple TV will no longer try to connect to that network automatically.

This process works the same way on all Apple TV models that run tvOS 11 or later. The network name stays in your Apple TV's memory until you forget it, even if you have not used it in months or moved to a different location.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, then AirPlay and HomeKit, then Wi-Fi Networks to see all saved networks on your Apple TV.
  • Select the network you want to remove and tap Forget to delete it permanently from your device.
  • Forgetting a network does not affect your Apple TV's connection to your current network.
  • You can reconnect to a forgotten network later by entering the password again if needed.

Why You Might Want to Forget a Network

You may want to forget a network if you no longer use it—for example, if you moved to a new home, changed internet providers, or no longer visit a location where you once connected. When your Apple TV holds onto old networks, it can slow down the connection process because the device keeps trying to find and join networks that no longer exist or that you do not want to use.

Forgetting networks also keeps your Wi-Fi list clean and organized. If you have connected to many networks over time, the list can become long and confusing. Removing networks you no longer need makes it easier to find and manage the ones you actually use.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start from the Apple TV home screen. Press the Menu button on your remote to open the main menu if you are not already there.

Navigate to Settings using the touch surface or directional buttons on your remote. Press the touch surface or select button to open Settings.

Scroll down and select AirPlay and HomeKit. This section contains all your network and connectivity settings.

Choose Wi-Fi Networks from the menu. Your Apple TV will display every network it has ever connected to, listed by name.

Find the network you want to remove from the list. Highlight it by moving the selection cursor over the network name.

Press the touch surface or select button on the network name. A menu will appear with options for that network.

Select Forget from the menu. Your Apple TV will ask you to confirm. Select Forget again to complete the removal.

What Happens After You Forget a Network

Once you forget a network, your Apple TV stops storing the password and connection details for that network. If you try to connect to that same network later, you will need to enter the password again from scratch, just as if you were connecting for the first time.

Forgetting a network does not change your current connection. If you are currently connected to a different network, that connection stays active and unaffected. You can continue using your Apple TV normally while you manage your saved networks.

Forgetting Multiple Networks at Once

Apple TV does not have a feature to forget all networks at once. You must forget each network individually by going through the steps above for each one. If you have many networks to remove, this takes a few minutes, but it is the only way to clear your network list.

If you want to start completely fresh with your Apple TV's network settings, you can reset the entire device to factory settings. This will erase all saved networks, but it will also erase all your apps, settings, and sign-in information. Most people find it easier to forget networks one at a time instead.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

If your Apple TV keeps trying to connect to a network you no longer use, forgetting it should stop that behavior. After you forget the network, restart your Apple TV by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. This clears the device's memory and ensures the forgotten network does not appear again.

If you forget a network by mistake, you can reconnect to it when ready by going back to Wi-Fi Networks, selecting the network from the available list, and entering the password. The network will be saved again as if nothing happened.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will forgetting a network affect my current Wi-Fi connection?

No. Forgetting a network only removes it from your saved list. Whatever network you are currently connected to will keep working without interruption. You can forget old networks while staying online.

Can I forget a network and then reconnect to it later?

Yes. Once you forget a network, it disappears from your saved list, but you can reconnect anytime by selecting it from the available networks and entering the password again. The network will be saved to your Apple TV once more.

What if I forget a network by accident?

straightforward go back to Wi-Fi Networks, find the network in the available list, select it, and enter the password. Your Apple TV will save it again when ready. There is no permanent damage from forgetting a network by mistake.

Do I need to forget networks when I move to a new home?

You do not have to, but it is a good idea. Forgetting old networks keeps your saved list clean and prevents your Apple TV from trying to connect to networks that no longer exist. It also speeds up the connection process when you set up your new home network.

Can I see which networks my Apple TV has connected to in the past?

Yes. Go to Settings, AirPlay and HomeKit, then Wi-Fi Networks. Every network your Apple TV has ever connected to appears in this list, whether you are currently using it or not. This is the same list where you forget networks.