Why is my Nexus 6 phone fully operating with cellular and wi-fi OFF?

[Android Central Question]

My plan has unlimited data, text, calls. Usage cost is NOT a reason for my question. TMobile and Geek Squad tech support visually, physically examined my phone while cellular and wi-fi buttons were OFF/disabled. Inside their stores (ALL wireless connections off) I accessed a voice search response from OK Google and ALSO contacted my home security cameras in real time. Both T-Mobile & Geek baffled! HELP. I want to understand what is going on - - not just do a factory reset to supposedly fix the issue.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Go to Settings>Wi-fi, tap Menu>Advanced, and look for the Connect to Open Networks option and the Turn On Wi-fi Automatically option -- are they turned on? If so, the phone might be automatically scanning for open wi-fi and connecting to T-Mobile's wi-fi network (since it's considered high quality), even though you have manually turned the wi-fi toggle off.

 

[mzbrye]

I had already tried Turn Off Wi-Fi Automatically option but checked and repeated your suggestion again. Nope... Issue persists. No other takers on in this forum so far. Am I stranded on a cyber island?

 

[Rukbat]

No, but you might have a defective phone. "Turning wifi off" just sets (or resets, depending on the phone) a bit in the area in which it stores the status of various things. A bit can get stuck, there could be a shorted component keeping wifi or mobile data on - if the phone is still under warranty, ask TMobile tech support where to bring the phone to have it checked out and repaired. (Don't bother with the Geek Squad. After they finally get to your phone to check out your complaint, they'll send it to the same place TMobile will tell you to send it - you'll just lose a few more days.)

 

[mzbrye]

Thank you very much B. Diddy and Rukbat. Phone was purchased new at TMobile several years ago. Guess I will assert a little extra pressure there and see what happens. Appreciate your input.

 

[B. Diddy]

Did you already try a cache partition wipe (which doesn't affect your personal data)? https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-32198

 

[mzbrye]

No, I had not. I read the steps on the link you included...Appears harmless. Loss of personal information deters me from tinkering much on my own but most likely I'll try it. Will post results. Thanks again.

 

[mzbrye]

Cache partition wipe didn't work but the idea of doing it eventually sent me back to my TMobile store tech, permitting the factory reset to be done. Problem solved. Your responses were very helpful/supportive. Thanks again!

 

[Rukbat]

In the future, keep anything important backed up to your PC, a cloud account, or both. And you can do the factory reset yourself, no need to go to the store.