- A
System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Details > Remove this network.
This is the correct graphical method to forget a Wi-Fi network. It removes the saved password and any custom network settings, allowing a fresh connection attempt.
- B
Keychain Access and delete the Wi-Fi password entry.
Why wrong: Deleting the password from Keychain removes the stored password, but the network configuration (like security type and other settings) may remain. It is less thorough than removing the network entirely.
- C
Terminal with the 'networksetup -setairportnetwork' command.
Why wrong: This command is used to connect to a network, not to remove a saved network. It would attempt to join the network again, which may fail if the configuration is corrupted.
- D
System Information > Network > Wi-Fi.
Why wrong: System Information only displays current network status and hardware information. It does not allow modification or deletion of saved networks.
How to Remove a Saved Wi-Fi Network on macOS for CompTIA A+ Core 2
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of macos features and tools. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is troubleshooting a Mac that fails to connect to a Wi-Fi network. The network is visible, but entering the correct password results in an 'unable to join the network' error. The technician wants to delete the saved network configuration to start fresh. Which macOS tool or location should they use?
Quick Answer
The answer is System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Details > Remove this network. This is correct because macOS stores individual Wi-Fi network configurations, including passwords and security settings, in a per-network profile within the Network pane; deleting that profile forces the system to treat the network as new, clearing any corrupted or outdated credentials that cause authentication failures. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of macOS network troubleshooting and the distinction between configuration management (Network settings) and credential storage (Keychain Access). A common trap is assuming Keychain Access alone will fix the issue, but it only manages passwords, not the full network profile—removing the saved network from System Settings is the complete fix. Memory tip: “Network settings hold the keys to the house; Keychain just holds the key.”
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Details > Remove this network.
Option A is correct because macOS stores Wi-Fi network configurations (including SSID, security type, and saved passwords) in the system's network preferences. By navigating to System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi, clicking Details next to the network, and selecting 'Remove This Network', the technician completely deletes the saved configuration, forcing macOS to treat the network as new on the next connection attempt. This resolves issues where a corrupted or outdated saved configuration prevents successful authentication despite entering the correct password.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Details > Remove this network.
Why this is correct
This is the correct graphical method to forget a Wi-Fi network. It removes the saved password and any custom network settings, allowing a fresh connection attempt.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Keychain Access and delete the Wi-Fi password entry.
Why it's wrong here
Deleting the password from Keychain removes the stored password, but the network configuration (like security type and other settings) may remain. It is less thorough than removing the network entirely.
- ✗
Terminal with the 'networksetup -setairportnetwork' command.
Why it's wrong here
This command is used to connect to a network, not to remove a saved network. It would attempt to join the network again, which may fail if the configuration is corrupted.
- ✗
System Information > Network > Wi-Fi.
Why it's wrong here
System Information only displays current network status and hardware information. It does not allow modification or deletion of saved networks.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume deleting just the password from Keychain Access (Option B) is sufficient, but Cisco tests the understanding that macOS requires removing the entire network configuration to clear all cached parameters that could cause authentication failures.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This command is used to connect to a network, not to remove a saved network. It would attempt to join the network again, which may fail if the configuration is corrupted.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, macOS stores Wi-Fi network configurations in the /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.airport.preferences.plist file, which includes per-SSID entries with parameters like security type (WPA2, WPA3), channel, and BSSID. When a network is removed via System Settings, macOS deletes the entire entry from this plist and also removes the corresponding password from the Keychain, ensuring a clean slate. In real-world scenarios, a mismatch between the saved security type and the actual AP configuration (e.g., after a router firmware update) can cause authentication failures that only a full network removal can fix.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
macOS Features and Tools — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
macOS Features and Tools practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 220-1202 questions
750 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
220-1202 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 220-1202 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Windows OS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows OS Features and Tools.
Windows Settings and Control Panel practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Settings and Control Panel.
Windows Command-Line Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Command-Line Tools.
Windows Administrative Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Administrative Tools.
macOS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to macOS Features and Tools.
Linux Commands and File Permissions practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Linux Commands and File Permissions.
Mobile OS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Mobile OS Features and Tools.
Virtualization and Cloud Technologies practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Virtualization and Cloud Technologies.
Physical Security Controls practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Physical Security Controls.
Logical Security Concepts practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Logical Security Concepts.
Wireless Security Protocols practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Wireless Security Protocols.
Malware Types and Removal practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Malware Types and Removal.
Practice this exam
Start a free 220-1202 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
macOS Features and Tools — This question tests macOS Features and Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Details > Remove this network. — Option A is correct because macOS stores Wi-Fi network configurations (including SSID, security type, and saved passwords) in the system's network preferences. By navigating to System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi, clicking Details next to the network, and selecting 'Remove This Network', the technician completely deletes the saved configuration, forcing macOS to treat the network as new on the next connection attempt. This resolves issues where a corrupted or outdated saved configuration prevents successful authentication despite entering the correct password.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More 220-1202 practice questions
- During a Windows 10 deployment, you need to ensure that a specific Group Policy setting is applied to a computer before…
- After installing a new printer driver, a user's Windows 11 computer crashes with a blue screen error every time they try…
- A user reports that their Windows 10 computer is infected with a virus that keeps reinstalling itself after removal. Wha…
- A customer reports that their Windows 10 laptop is displaying pop-up ads even when no browser is open. They suspect a ma…
- A technician is configuring a new Windows 10 workstation for a user who handles sensitive financial data. The company po…
- A technician is responding to a security incident where an employee's credentials were used to access a server without a…
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.