Internet, Networking, & Security > Home Networking

How to Block a Wi-Fi Network

Learn how to prevent Wi-Fi network connections on PC and Mac

Updated on March 5, 2022

What to Know

Elevated Command Prompt: netsh wlan add filter permission=block ssid=Network Name networktype=infrastructure.
On Mac, go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Network > choose the network, then select the Minus sign (-) in your Preferred Networks.
Blocking a network doesn't block the signal. To avoid interference, change Wi-Fi channels and block neighbors from your network.

This article explains how to block a Wi-Fi network on Windows and Mac so you can't connect to it. Instructions apply to all versions of Windows and macOS.

Can I Block a Wi-Fi Network?

In Windows, you can block a Wi-Fi network, so it doesn't show up in your computer's list of available networks. If you've previously connected to a network, you can prevent Windows from connecting to Wi-Fi automatically.

On a Mac, you can remove a network from your Preferred Networks list if you've previously connected to it. You'll still see it in the list of available networks, but you must re-enter the password to reconnect. If you don't want to connect to any network, disable Wi-Fi altogether.

How to Block a Wi-Fi Network in Windows

Here's how you can block other Wi-Fi networks on Windows:

Select the Network icon in the taskbar and write down the network name (SSID) that you want to block.
Open an elevated Command Prompt. The easiest way is to enter Command Prompt in Windows search select Run as administrator.
Type the following, replacing Network Name with the name of the network you want to block, then press Enter:
```
 netsh wlan add filter permission=block ssid=Network Name networktype=infrastructure
```
The network will no longer show up in your list of available networks. To unblock the network, enter:
```
 netsh wlan delete filter permission=block ssid=Network Name networktype=infrastructure
```
If you want Windows to forget a Wi-Fi network, right-click the Network icon on the taskbar, then select Network and internet settings > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks > Forget.

How to Block Wi-Fi Networks on a Mac

Follow these steps to remove networks from your Preferred Networks list on a Mac:

In the upper-left corner of the screen, select the Apple icon, then select System Preferences.
Select Network.
Select the Wi-Fi tab, then choose the network you want to block
Select the Minus sign (-) under your preferred networks to remove it from the list.

Can You Block Your Neighbor's Wi-Fi Signal?

Blocking a network doesn't block the signal. Likewise, hiding your Wi-Fi network doesn't stop network interference. If your internet is slow, you might want to try changing Wi-Fi channels to avoid signal interference. You should also take steps to block neighbors from using your network.

Here are some other ways to improve your Wi-Fi signal:

Relocate your Wi-Fi router
Switch to an Ethernet connection
Limit the number of devices connect to your network
Install a Wi-Fi extender

FAQ

How do I block websites on my Wi-Fi network?

To block a website on your network, find the website's IP address and block the IP address in your router settings. Some websites like YouTube have multiple IP addresses that must be blocked.
How do I block a Wi-Fi signal in a room?

To block out Wi-Fi signals in a room, line the walls with aluminum foil or mylar blankets with the aluminum facing outward. There's also special wallpaper, like Metapaper, that blocks out Wi-Fi signals, or you can paint the walls with conductive paint.
How do I block a Wi-Fi network on Android and iPhone?

To remove a Wi-Fi network on iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and tap the (i) next to the network, then turn off the Auto-Join toggle. On Android, use an app like Wi-Fi Priority Manager.

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