Instructions apply to Windows and Mac computers, Android and iOS smartphones, and routers.
Another option is to turn off Wi-Fi from the Windows taskbar.
Select theWi-Fiicon and then selectWi-Fito disable it.
Lifewire / Derek Abella
Move the switch to the On position to turn Wi-Fi back on.
Some computers have the option to turn off Wi-Fi with a key combination.
For example, on the iPhone, this is inSettings>Wi-Fi.
you’ve got the option to alsoprevent your devices from automatically connecting to Wi-Fi networks.
Some routers have a physical button that turns off the Wi-Fi.
If your router does, press it to shut down the wireless signal immediately.
If that’s not how your router is built,access your router’s administrative consoleto turn off Wi-Fi.
The process isn’t the same for every router.
On many Linksys routers, disable Wi-Fi as part of theWireless Basic Settingsby changing theWireless web connection ModetoOFF.
Lifewire / Derek Abella
Shutting down the router disables any non-Wi-Fi functionality such as the wired connections.
Remove Adapters and Antennas to Disable Wi-Fi
Some wireless routers feature external, detachable antennas.
Removing these antennas hinders the ability of the router to use Wi-Fi but does not stop Wi-Fi signal transmission.
Consult the manufacturer documentation for the router model for details.
You may not need to disable your Wi-Fi; hiding it from others could solve the problem.
Some homes don’t have any wireless devices, and a wireless signal in these cases serves no purpose.
Another reason to disable Wi-Fi is when the web connection has aslow Wi-Ficonnection.
Another option for increased security instead of disabling Wi-Fi from the router is to disable it from the unit.
The Wi-Fi doesn’t turn off when you hide orstop broadcasting the SSID.
Hiding the SSID makes it difficult for uninvited guests to find and connect to your web connection.
On iOS, openSettingsand selectPhone, then turn off Wi-Fi Calling.
Turning off Wi-Fi Calling on an iPad or Mac requires going through the FaceTime options.
On Android, openSettings> selectConnectionsorNetwork & Internet> select thegear iconnext to the connection.
SelectMAC address punch in>Use phone MAC> turn your phone’s Wi-Fi off and back on again.
