Forgetting a network on Apple TV removes it from your device's memory so it stops connecting automatically

When you connect Apple TV to a Wi-Fi network, it saves that network's name and password. If you move, change networks, or no longer want your Apple TV to remember a particular Wi-Fi signal, you can delete it from the device's saved networks list. The process takes about a minute and happens entirely in your Apple TV's settings—you don't need a computer or any other device.

Forgetting a network is useful when you're selling or giving away your Apple TV, when you've switched internet providers, or when your device keeps trying to connect to a network that no longer exists or is too far away. Once you forget the network, Apple TV will no longer automatically join it, though you can always reconnect manually later if you change your mind.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings on your Apple TV, then go to Network and select Wi-Fi to see all saved networks.
  • Highlight the network you want to forget, press and hold the select button on your remote, then choose "Forget" from the menu.
  • Forgetting a network does not affect your current connection—you can forget networks you're not using without interrupting internet access.
  • If you forget a network by mistake, you can reconnect to it by selecting it from the available networks list and entering the password again.

Step-by-step: How to forget a Wi-Fi network

Start by opening the Settings app on your Apple TV. You'll find it on the home screen—it looks like a gear icon. Use your remote to navigate and select it.

Once Settings opens, scroll down and select Network. This section shows your current connection and lets you manage Wi-Fi settings. Select Wi-Fi to see the list of networks your Apple TV has connected to before.

Scroll through the list until you find the network you want to forget. Highlight it with your remote, then press and hold the select button (the center button on most Apple TV remotes). A menu will appear with options. Select Forget and confirm when prompted. The network will when ready disappear from your saved list.

What happens after you forget a network

Once you forget a network, Apple TV stops storing its password and will no longer connect to it automatically. If that network was your current connection, your Apple TV will disconnect and you'll need to select a different network to stay online.

If you forget a network by mistake, reconnecting is straightforward. Go back to Network > Wi-Fi, find the network in the available list, select it, and enter the password. Apple TV will save it again and reconnect when ready.

When to forget multiple networks at once

If you're preparing to sell or give away your Apple TV, you may want to forget all saved networks to remove your Wi-Fi passwords from the device. Go through the Wi-Fi list and forget each network one by one—there's no bulk delete option, but the process only takes a few minutes.

Alternatively, you can perform a factory reset, which erases all settings including saved networks, apps, and sign-in information. This is more thorough if you're handing the device to someone else, but it also removes your Apple ID and any downloaded apps. A factory reset is found in Settings > System > Reset, though forgetting individual networks is usually sufficient for most situations.

Troubleshooting: Network won't forget or keeps reconnecting

If you forget a network but Apple TV keeps reconnecting to it, the device may have been set to connect automatically through iCloud or another account setting. Check Settings > Users and Accounts to see if the network is linked to your Apple ID across devices.

If the network still appears after forgetting it, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Restart. After the restart, check the Wi-Fi list again—the network should be gone. If it persists, the network may be broadcasting so strongly that Apple TV is detecting it as available even though it's not saved. In this case, moving your Apple TV farther from that signal or asking the network owner to reduce broadcast power can help.

Forgetting networks before traveling or moving

Before you move to a new location or travel with your Apple TV, consider forgetting networks you won't use anymore. This prevents your device from searching for old networks and keeps your saved list clean and organized.

If you're moving and keeping your current internet provider, you don't need to forget anything—your new router will likely have the same network name and password, so Apple TV will connect automatically. If your new provider uses a different network name, forget the old one and connect to the new one when you set up your internet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does forgetting a network delete the password from my Apple TV?

Yes. When you forget a network, Apple TV removes both the network name and its saved password from the device's memory. If you reconnect later, you'll need to enter the password again.

Will forgetting a network affect my current internet connection?

If you forget a network you're currently connected to, you'll lose internet access when ready. Your Apple TV will show available networks, and you'll need to select and connect to a different one to get back online.

Can I forget a network without using the remote?

No. Forgetting a network requires using your Apple TV remote to navigate Settings and select the Forget option. There's no way to do it from another device or through the Apple TV app on your phone.

What if I forget a network and then want to reconnect?

Go to Network > Wi-Fi, find the network in the available list, select it, and enter the password. Apple TV will reconnect and save it again. You don't need to do anything special—it works like connecting to a new network.

Does factory reset forget all networks at once?

Yes. A factory reset erases all saved networks, apps, settings, and sign-in information. It's useful if you're selling your Apple TV, but it also removes your Apple ID and downloaded apps, so use it only when you're sure you want a complete wipe.