Why the Wi-Fi network won't delete from your phone and how to fix it

• On Android: Settings → Mobile network → Additional settings → Operator profiles → Delete.
• On iOS: Settings → General → VPN & Device Management → Delete Profile.
• If nothing helps, temporarily remove the SIM card, remove the network, then insert the SIM back.
What is EAP-SIM and why do operators use it?

EAP-SIM (Extensible Authentication Protocol for SIM) is an authentication protocol that allows users to connect to operator Wi-Fi networks without entering a password, using SIM card data. Operators use it to automate access to their hotspots (for example, in subways or shopping malls), but this often hinders users from manually managing the networks.

3. Cache Errors: How to Clear Wi-Fi Module Data

On Android a system application is responsible for Wi-Fi operation com.android.wifitrackerlib (or similar, depending on the firmware). If its cache is corrupted, networks may not be deleted or may reappear. iOS the systemic process plays a similar role WiFiAgent, but clearing the cache there happens differently.

For Android:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Show all apps (⋮) → System.
2. Find apps with the following names:
   • Wi-Fi or WifiService
   • Wi-Fi settings (Wi-Fi Settings)
   • com.android.wifitrackerlib (on some firmware versions)
• For each of them, click Storage → Clear Cache (not data!).
• Restart your phone.

For iPhone:

On iOS There is no direct access to clear the Wi-Fi cache, but you can do the following:

1. Turn off Wi-Fi in Control center (swipe down/up).
2. Press and hold the power button Turn down the volume (on iPhone without a Home button) until the power slider appears.
3. Without turning off the phone, release the buttons and turn Wi-Fi back on.
4. Try deleting the network again.

4. Firmware limitations: why some networks are “invisible” for deletion

Some manufacturers (eg Xiaomi, Huawei, Realme) modify Android, adding your own shell layers (MIUI, EMUI, ColorOS). As a result:

• 🔒 Some networks (for example, corporate or hidden ones) may not appear in the list for removal.
• 📵 Forget Network feature absent in the menu (instead of it - only "Disconnect").
• 🔄 After deleting the network is being restored after connecting to the mobile Internet.

Custom firmware solutions:

Radical solution for Android: If nothing helps, you can delete the network via ADB (requires a computer and USB debugging). Commands:

adb shell
su
pm clear com.android.providers.settings

⚠️ Attention: this will reset all Wi-Fi settings, including saved passwords. Use only if other methods fail.

5. Public networks: why hotels and airports block deletion

Wi-Fi in hotels, airports or shopping malls is often used port restrictions (Captive Portal) and MAC address bindingSuch networks can:

• 🔄 Automatically connect even after deletion.
• 📛 Block access to other networks until you log in.
• 🔒 Disable manual connection control through device settings.

How to get around this:

1. Change MAC address (on Android):
   • Go to Settings → About phone → Device information → Status → Wi-Fi MAC address.
   • Use apps like Mac Changer (root rights required) or a built-in function (on some firmware).

• On Android: turn off Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Network discovery.
• On iOS: turn off Settings → Wi-Fi → [tap the "i"] → Auto-connect.
• Use a VPN before connecting - this sometimes bypasses portal restrictions.

6. Hardware problems: when the Wi-Fi module is to blame

If none of the methods helped, the problem may be in physical damage Wi-Fi module or antenna. This applies to phones:

• 💥 After a fall or impact.
• 🌡️ Overheating (for example, when charging).
• 🔋 With a swollen battery (it can put pressure on the board).

Signs of hardware failure:

• 📶 Wi-Fi connects, but the speed is extremely low (1-2 Mbps).
• 🔄 The network disappears and appears by itself.
• ⚡ The phone gets very hot when using Wi-Fi.
• 🔌 Bluetooth doesn't work (often breaks down along with Wi-Fi).

What to do:

1. Check the module:
   • Connect to a different network (e.g., a mobile hotspot). If the problem persists, the module is at fault.
   • Try connecting to Wi-Fi on another device (laptop, tablet). If everything works there, the problem is with your phone.

• On Android: use NetGuard or PCAPdroid to monitor traffic.
• On iOS: check Settings → General → VPN and device management for the presence of unknown profiles.

If you find a virus:

1. Remove infected applications.
2. Do it factory reset (after saving the data).
3. After reset do not restore data from a backup — the virus may return.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about deleting Wi-Fi networks

Is it possible to delete a Wi-Fi network without a password?

Yes, you don't need a password to delete a network. Just go to the Wi-Fi settings, tap on the network, and select "Forget" (on Android) or "Remove this network" (on iOS). If the button is inactive, try the methods from the section about system failures.

Why does Wi-Fi still connect automatically after resetting network settings?
This happens because:
1. Operator profile (EAP-SIM) - remove it in the mobile network settings.
2. Smart Connectivity** features on some firmware versions (e.g. MIUI). Turn it off in Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced.
3. Google Play Services cache (on Android). Clean it in Settings → Apps → Google Play Services → Storage → Clear Cache.
How do I delete a hidden Wi-Fi network that isn't listed?
Hidden networks (with the SSID disabled) are not displayed in the list, but can be saved. To delete them:
On Android:
1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Manage networks.
2. Enable display of hidden networks (if there is such a switch).
3. Find the network by name (if you remember it) and delete it.
On iPhone:
1. Connect to the hidden network manually (enter the name and password).
2. Once connected, click on the icon i next to the network and select "Remove this network."