# How to configure Wi-Fi settings on managed devices? Last updated: July 24, 2026 This guide explains how to configure Wi-Fi settings on managed devices and prevent unauthorized network connections using Mobile Device Manager Plus. Admins create an iOS, Android, Windows, or Chrome OS profile, specify the Wi-Fi SSID, security type, and optional proxy settings, then save and publish it—testing on a single device before applying it to groups. A separate Restrictions profile can enforce that devices only connect to Wi-Fi networks distributed via MDM. ## Description A Wi-Fi network connection is the most basic requirement in mobile devices for accessing corporate mobile devices. While users can manually connect to any Wi-Fi there are a few points that an IT admin must consider: - If the user knows the credentials, the Wi-Fi password can be shared with unauthorised users - Users may connect to public Wi-Fi, which greatly increases the chances of a data breach - Some employees might not be technically adept to configure an enterprise grade Wi-Fi connection - Some organizations want their corporate devices to be connected only to specified Wi-Fi networks - Users might access unauthorised content by connected to a unsecured Wi-Fi connection To address the above mentioned concerns, [mobile device management (MDM)](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/what-is-mdm.html?wifi_settings) solutions such as Mobile Device Manager Plus allow admins to modify Wi-Fi settings and configurations on devices, automatically connect devices to specified Wi-Fi networks, prevent users from connecting to unauthorized Wi-Fi networks, and even prevent them from turning Wi-Fi off. This document provides steps for: - [Configuring Wi-Fi settings on devices](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/how-to/mdm-configure-wifi-settings.html#configure_wifi_settings) - [Preventing devices from connecting to unauthorised Wi-Fi networks](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/how-to/mdm-configure-wifi-settings.html#prevent_unauthorised_wifi_connection) ## Steps ### Configuring Wi-Fi settings on devices Follow the steps given below to configure the Wi-Fi settings on devices. - On the MDM console, navigate to **Device Mgmt -> Profiles** and create a new profile. Admins can choose between iOS, Android, Windows or Chrome OS to create a Wi-Fi profile. - From the left tab, select **Wi-Fi** from the list of supported policies. - Specify the following details to configure the Wi-Fi settings: - Provide the Wi-Fi SSID to which you want the device to connect to. - Enable **Connect to this Wi-Fi automatically** to ensure the device connects to the specified Wi-Fi without any user intervention, when in it's vicinity. - Specify whether the configured Wi-Fi is detectable or is a **hidden network**. - Select the corresponding **Security type** and enter the password or other required details to ensure the device doesn't prompt the user for the details while connecting the Wi-Fi. - You can also configure a Proxy for the Wi-Fi settings to be configured. - Once all the required details are entered, Save and Publish the profile. - It is recommended to test the profile by [associating it with a single device](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/profile_management/mdm_associating_profiles_to_devices.html?wifi_settings) before applying it to the [Groups](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/profile_management/mdm_associating_profiles_to_groups.html?wifi_settings) in your production environment. ### Prevent devices from connecting to unauthorised Wi-Fi networks Follow the steps given below to prevent users from connecting devices to unauthorised Wi-Fi settings. - On the MDM console, navigate to **Device Mgmt -> Profiles** and create a new profile. Admins can choose between iOS, Android, Windows to create a profile. - Select **Restrictions** to create a policy for restricting users from connecting to an unauthorised Wi-Fi. Navigate based on the required OS. - **iOS devices**: Navigate to **Network and Roaming** and enable **Connect to Wi-Fi only if distributed via MDM**. - **Android devices**: Navigate to **Network and Roaming** and enable **Connect to Wi-Fi only if distributed via MDM**. - **Windows devices**: Navigate to **Network** and enable **Allow Wi-Fi configurations**. - Save and Publish the profile. - It is recommended to test the profile by [associating it with a single device](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/profile_management/mdm_associating_profiles_to_devices.html?wifi_settings) before applying it to the [Groups](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/profile_management/mdm_associating_profiles_to_groups.html?wifi_settings) in your production environment. **Note:** No need to specify separately if the network is a hidden network. Adding details of the hidden network to the Wi-Fi profile and associating the profile with a device will automatically get the device connected to the network when it is in range. ## Recommendation - While enabling the settings to prevent users from connecting to unauthorised Wi-Fi, ensure a Wi-Fi settings profile is successfully applied on the device. This is because once the device is restricted from connecting to other Wi-Fi networks, the device will automatically be disconnected from the existing Wi-Fi if it's not distributed using MDM. This will result in the device being unmanaged. - Admins can configure user specific Wi-Fi settings as well in case of Chrome devices. This ensures the device connects to the specified Wi-Fi when the user logs into the device. ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I prevent devices from connecting to unauthorized Wi-Fi networks? Create a Restrictions profile and enable "Connect to Wi-Fi only if distributed via MDM" for iOS or Android devices, or enable "Allow Wi-Fi configurations" for Windows devices, then save and publish the profile. ### Can Wi-Fi settings be configured across Android, iOS, and Windows devices? Yes, this is documented for iOS, Android, Windows, and Chrome OS devices managed through Mobile Device Manager Plus. ### What happens if a device is restricted from unauthorized Wi-Fi but the Wi-Fi settings profile hasn't been applied yet? The device will automatically disconnect from its existing Wi-Fi network because it wasn't distributed via MDM, leaving the device unmanaged - so ensure the Wi-Fi settings profile is successfully applied before enabling the restriction.