How do I remove the Xfinitywifi plug-in?

Question

Level 2

410 points

How do I remove the Xfinitywifi plug-in?

Couple days ago, God knows why, I tried accessing the Xfinitywifi network that shows up on my iPhone, only to be presented with a required plug-in that needed to be installed for "security reasons". WHY I went ahead and installed it I don't know, (I didn't even know you could install plug-ins to the iPhone). After installing it, I read further that this is part of Xfinity's plan to let a certain frequency of my wifi modem to be used to provide Xfinity Wifi Hotspots city wide, with only "minimal effect" on my wifi speeds and performance. Ha! I notice how that I have a very hard time connecting to sites back on my home wifi network. I tried turning off the "Allow Hotspots" option, but I don'y know how I remove this plug1in that was installed, which I think is slowing down or interrupting my iPhone's wifi performance.

I saw an article that Xfinity was sued in California for sneaking this feature in on customers there, so I guess they are trying to get away with it in Philly. Any ideas how to get it off my iPhone/modem/etc?

iPhone 6s, iOS 9.3.1

Posted on Jul 18, 2016 10:43 AM

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Answer 1

Jul 18, 2016 10:59 AM in response to Jim Alden

You are correct, there is no such thing as a "plug-in" for Safari on an iOS device. More than likely what was installed was a profile: Settings app > General > Profiles & Device Management. If you do not see this setting in General, it means no profile has been installed. Lastly, look for an app that you will want to delete (if a profile was installed, you will need to delete it prior to deleting the app).

And last but not least, look into dumping Comcast. It is a vile company.

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Answer 2

elcpu

Level 7

31,602 points

Jul 18, 2016 11:04 AM in response to Jim Alden

Don't know where this so called "plug-in" lands but try resetting the Network Settings: Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Rejoin your regular home network again.

Edit: Is this the article you referred to? It is old but if so, it offers some setting options on the router.

http://www.fastcompany.com/3039682/comcast-was-sued-for-quietly-making-your-home s-internet-part-of-the-sharing-economy

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Answer 3

Demo

Level 10

166,887 points

Jul 18, 2016 11:09 AM in response to Jim Alden

I believe that it is a profile. I have it installed. Go to Settings>General>Profile>Xfinity WiFi>>Delete Profile if you want to remove it.

I received no such message at home about using my WiFi as a hotspot or anywhere I go for that matter. My connections speeds are fine and I have the most basic Xfinity Internet plan on the market as far as I know.

While I respect the opinions of Kilgore-Trout, I would personally rather deal with Comcast than the band of thieves that is Verizon. I have personally had much better experiences with Comcast than Verizon.

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Answer 4

Jim Alden Author

Level 2

410 points

Jul 18, 2016 11:10 AM in response to Kilgore-Trout

Sorry to use the term plug-in. I see now that it was a Security Profile. And with some searching on Comcast's website, I found how to remove it if anyone else thinks it is affecting their iPhone's performance:

"On iOS devices the security profile will remain. If you wish to uninstall the profile and therefore not take advantage of secure XFINITY WiFi hotspots, go to Settings → General → Profiles → XFINITY WiFi → Delete Profile."

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Answer 5

Joceylou

Level 1

8 points

Aug 30, 2017 8:29 AM in response to Jim Alden

Ugh thank you so much! My phone was constantly trying to connect to these "hot spots" causing slow performance.

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