How do I permanently remove an unauthorized 't-mobile' from Managed Networks under Wi-Fi settings on iPhone 16?

Yes, every major cell provider that I know of has their own managed networks to allow WiFi access at certain locations when cellular coverage is not available. For example, T-Mobile offers WiFi service on Alaska Airlines and T-Mobile customers can use that service because of that managed network. The word "Managed" does not mean your device is being managed or anything nefarious. T-Mobile manages that WiFi network, so you can use it in situations such as flying when you would normally not have any network access.

Once you remove the SIM card, the managed network goes away. You can try contacting T-Mobile again, but I have not seen where they remove these networks, but it may be possible. In all cases, first tier support will have no idea what you are talking about and simply tell you it is an Apple problem because they don't know what else to say.

Verizon has 3 possible managed WiFi networks and I am not sure which ones AT&T uses:

• PrivateMobileWiFi
• VerizonWiFi
• VerizonWiFiAccess

apple_hates_me wrote:

Thanks so much. I appreciate the info, and advice.

May I please ask you.. how are you so matter of factly saying that T-Mobile probably won’t remove it from my device? I mean, obviously they are forcing it onto my iPhone without my knowledge or consent to begin with with, so they’re obviously doing it with malicious intent and for a specific reason…

…but what do you think that reason could be?

My guess is that they want to limit your use of their cellular data network.

They may have some arrangement where they have access to Wi-Fi Internet spots at a number of businesses, and the purpose of that profile on your phone is to identify it as a device that is permitted to piggyback on the Internet service. The more your data traffic gets directed to those Wi-Fi hot spots, the less goes over their cellular network (where bandwidth is more limited and possibly also more expensive).

apple_hates_me wrote:

PLEASE help! what can i do about this?! it never should have been on my iphone to begin with, so i just really need & want it removed and deleted permanently... BUT IT IS CURRENTLY IMPOSSIBLE! anybody who can help PLEASE!!!! i am begging 🙏🏼 and thank you, in advance, to anyone who can help me find resolve for this very difficult and loooong overdue (it’s been at least 2-3 years i’ve had this issue with no resolution) issue!

My guess is that the only way to get it removed would be to switch to another carrier – if that's even possible, or desirable – and hope that when you go, T-mobile removes that managed network from your phone. If the reason the thing is there is to cut down on T-mobile's costs / conserve limited cellular data bandwidth, they probably will not be interested in removing it as long as you are their customer.

Even if you go to another carrier, you may find that the new carrier does the same thing.

It is T-Mobile that you should hate. They are just trying to get you off the phone by telling you to contact Apple. .

Apple has nothing at all to do with your issue.

T-Mobile installed the Managed Network on your phone.

Only T-Mobile can remove the Managed Network on your phone.

Contact T-Mobile Support and ask for a senior support person.

I would be very surprised if T-Mobile removes the network from your phone.

They are not going to remove it because it's part of their service package. You can't opt out of it. If you don't want it there, then switch to a different cellular carrier.

You consented to it when you agreed to their terms of service and signed up with them as your cellular provider.

The people you're talking to who deny knowledge of it are almost certainly low paid flunkies who probably aren't allowed to deviate from the script they have in front of them or they'll be fired.

how are you so matter of factly saying that T-Mobile probably won’t remove it from my device?

After working in the telecommunications field for many years before retiring and working on this support board for an additional 15+ years after retirement......we certainly don't know it all, but we do know a thing or two about how carriers operate.

And....as some of the other replies have pointed out.....you were probably not aware, but you agreed to this when you signed up with T-Mobile. You can try another carrier......but don't bother checking with AT&T or Verizon. They have their own similar deals.

It might be another discussion, but you might be interested to learn that T-Mobile has partnered with Elon Musk's Starlink satellite system. That might be either good news or bad news for you.

Do you have any files at this path,

iPhone > Settings > General > scroll down > VPN and > Device Management > do you see any profiles that say T-Mobile?