Bug 506820

Summary: "phantom" network appears in the WiFi widget's network list
Product: [Plasma] plasmashell Reporter: Shual Kravot <as.afgre.enberg>
Component: Networks widgetAssignee: Plasma Bugs List <plasma-bugs-null>
Status: RESOLVED WORKSFORME    
Severity: minor CC: kde
Priority: NOR    
Version First Reported In: 6.4.80   
Target Milestone: 1.0   
Platform: Arch Linux   
OS: Linux   
Latest Commit: Version Fixed/Implemented In:
Sentry Crash Report:

Description Shual Kravot 2025-07-09 19:41:54 UTC 
SUMMARY
2 months ago I tried to connect to an WiFi HP printer  (by accident).
The network's name was HPxxxxxx (hexa digits, typical to HP appliacnes).
Since then, this network always appears in my network list.

characteristics of the HP phantom network:
1. it appears even if my laptop is alone in the nature, without any technology around
2. it always indicates maximum power (full "bars")
3. various other devices nearby don't detect or show this network.
4. it was never hidden.

I eventually deleted it from the "WiFi & Networking" settings window.

STEPS TO REPRODUCE
1. when nearby HPxxxxxx WiFi network range - connect to it. Not as a printer, but as a "regular" internet connection.
2. take the computer outside of the printer's WiFi range
see if the wifi still visible on the list.

it will probably fail.
3. 

OBSERVED RESULT


EXPECTED RESULT


SOFTWARE/OS VERSIONS
Windows: 
macOS: 
(available in the Info Center app, or by running `kinfo` in a terminal window)
Linux/KDE Plasma: 
KDE Plasma Version: 
KDE Frameworks Version: 
Qt Version: 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Comment 1 David Edmundson 2025-07-10 09:48:22 UTC 
When you're in this situation can you run

nmcli device wifi list

and see if that contains the phantom entry.

This asks the backend we use for wifis. Plasma just displays whatever we're told, so it's unlikely to be a bug on our level
Comment 2 Bug Janitor Service 2025-07-25 03:46:53 UTC 
🐛🧹 ⚠️ This bug has been in NEEDSINFO status with no change for at least 15 days. Please provide the requested information, then set the bug status to REPORTED. If there is no change for at least 30 days, it will be automatically closed as RESOLVED WORKSFORME.

For more information about our bug triaging procedures, please read https://community.kde.org/Guidelines_and_HOWTOs/Bug_triaging.

Thank you for helping us make KDE software even better for everyone!
Comment 3 Bug Janitor Service 2025-08-09 03:46:57 UTC 
🐛🧹 This bug has been in NEEDSINFO status with no change for at least 30 days. Closing as RESOLVED WORKSFORME.