How to stop auto-join Wi-Fi on iPhone, iPad, Mac

Automatically connecting to a saved Wi-Fi network saves time. However, it may be annoying when your device keeps auto-joining known Wi-Fi without permission. Also, this can raise security threats if you’re on the move and your device connects to public networks. Fortunately, you can stop automatically connecting to Wi-Fi, so your devices never connect to a network without your permission. In this blog, I will share how to stop Wi-Fi auto-join on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

How to turn off Wi-Fi auto-join on iPhone or iPad

1. Launch Settings → Select Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the info icon next to the saved network.
3. Now, toggle off Auto-Join.
   
   

The process does not require you to stay connected to the network; you can disable the automatic network connection as long as it is saved. Besides, you must delete the saved public networks to prevent automatic Wi-Fi connections.

How to forget Wi-Fi network on iPhone or iPad

1. Open Settings → Navigate to Wi-Fi → Edit.
2. Enter the passcode of your device to proceed.
3. Tap the minus (-) icon next to the network.
   
   
4. Hit Delete → Done → Select Remove when prompted.
   
   

How to disable Wi-Fi Auto-Join on Mac

Now that you know how to stop Wi-Fi from auto-connecting on your iPhone, you must do the same on your Mac. Follow the steps below.

Ventura and later

1. Click the Apple logo () → System Settings.
   
   
2. Navigate to the Wi-Fi → Press Details for the network you’re connected to.
   
   
3. Now, toggle off Automatically join this network → Click OK.
   Enter your Mac password if prompted.
   
   
4. If you’re not connected to the network and still want to stop Wi-Fi auto-connect, click the three-dot icon next to the network and uncheck Auto-Join.
   
   

Monterey and earlier

1. Click the Apple logo ()→ System Preferences.
   
   
2. Access Network from the menu.
   
   
3. Select the network from the drop-down menu.
   
   
4. Uncheck Automatically join this network.
   
   

How to forget Wi-Fi network on Mac

Alternatively, you can avoid the threat of cyberattacks or data breaches by removing open networks from your Mac.

Ventura and later

1. Navigate to the Apple logo () → System Settings.
2. Go to Wi-Fi → Click Details next to the connected network.
3. Press Forget This Network.
   If you’re not connected to the network, click the three-dot icon and press Forget This Network.
   
   
4. Hit Remove when prompted.
   
   

Monterey and earlier

1. Click Apple logo ()→ System Preferences→ Network.
2. Select Advanced.
   
   
3. Select the network you prefer to remove → Hit the minus (-) icon.
   Additionally, disable auto-connect for other saved networks by unchecking Auto-Join.
   
   
4. Hit OK → Apply.
   
   

Save yourself! 

The automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks feature is convenient yet dangerous, as your device may pair with an unsecured network. So, you should take the necessary precautions to avoid becoming a victim. You may reset your network settings if you face issues disabling the auto-join Wi-Fi feature.  

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