How to Disable Wi-Fi on a TP-Link Router Using Your Phone: 3 Proven Methods

Disabling Wi-Fi on a router TP-Link Using a phone can be useful in a variety of situations, from saving electricity at night to temporarily restricting internet access for children or guests. Unlike a computer, where settings are typically made through a web interface, the process on a smartphone has its own nuances—especially if you don't have a cable handy or the router is in a hard-to-reach place.

In this article, we will look at all the current methods for disabling a wireless network on TP-Link routers (including popular series Archer, Deco And TL-WR) using the phone on Android or iOSYou will learn how to do this through the official app. Tether, mobile browser, and alternative methods for when standard options don't work. We'll pay special attention to common errors and security measures—for example, why Disabling Wi-Fi via the Tether app does not interrupt the operation of devices connected via cable., and how it can be used for network testing.

1. Preparation: What you need to know before disabling Wi-Fi

Before you begin disabling your wireless network, make sure you have everything you need. Here are the key points:

• 📱 A phone with access to a Wi-Fi router — you must be connected to the network you plan to disable (or to another network of the same router if it has multiple SSIDs).
• 🔑 Administrator login and password - by default it is often admin/admin, but if you have changed them, you will need the latest data.
• 📶 Stable connection — If the signal is weak, the web interface or application may not work correctly.
• ⚡ Alternative access method - If you turn off Wi-Fi completely, you may need a cable or the reset button to turn it back on.

If you don't remember your router password, you can find it on a sticker on the back of the device (usually next to the serial number). For models TP-Link Deco login/password may differ - the email linked to the account is often used TP-Link ID.

Important: If the router provides Internet from a provider (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline), disabling Wi-Fi won't affect the internet signal itself—cable devices (PCs, Smart TVs) will continue to work. This is useful if you want to temporarily limit wireless access without interrupting downloads or streaming.

⚠️ Attention: On some models TP-Link (For example, Archer C6 or TL-WR841N) after disabling Wi-Fi through the app Tether The network schedule may be disrupted. Before performing important actions, check the settings in the section More → Schedule.

2. Method 1: Disabling Wi-Fi via the TP-Link Tether app

Official app TP-Link Tether — the most convenient way to manage your router from your phone. It supports most modern models (Archer AX10, Deco X20, TL-WR940N etc.) and allows you to turn off Wi-Fi in a few taps.

Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Download and install the application:
   • 📥 For Android: Google Play
   • 📱 For iOS: App Store
2. Connect to the router's network via Wi-Fi (or use mobile Internet if the router supports remote control).
3. Launch Tether and select your router from the list. If the device is not displayed, click Add manually and enter your login/password.
4. Go to the Wi-Fi management section:
   • For conventional routers (series Archer, TL-WR): Settings → Wireless network (2.4GHz/5GHz).
   • For Deco systems: Network → Wi-Fi.

Turn off Wi-Fi:

• 🔄 Move the slider Enable wireless broadcasting in position Off.
• 🔒 Confirm the action if required.

Make sure your phone is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.

Make sure Tether displays the correct router model.

Remember the current settings (network name, password) in case you need to turn it on again

Disable the guest network separately if it is active-->

Application Tether allows you to turn off Wi-Fi separately for bands 2.4 GHz And 5 GHzThis is convenient if you want to keep only one of them running (for example, for smart devices that do not support 5 GHz).

⚠️ Attention: On some router firmware TP-Link (especially old ones, before 2020) application Tether may not show the option to turn off Wi-Fi. In this case, use browser method.

3. Method 2: Disabling Wi-Fi via the web interface on your phone

If the application Tether If this isn't suitable (for example, your router model isn't supported), you can use the web interface. This method works on all devices. TP-Link, including older models like TL-WR740N or TD-W8961N.

Instructions:

1. Connect to your router's Wi-Fi from the phone.
2. Open your browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox) and enter in the address bar:

   tplinkwifi.net

   or the IP address of the router (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

3. Enter your login and password (by default admin/admin, if you haven't changed it).
4. Go to Wi-Fi settings:
   • For most models: Wireless → Wireless Settings.
   • For dual-band routers (eg. Archer C20): select 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz in the top menu.

Turn off the broadcast:

• 🔘 Uncheck the box Turn on the radio (or Enable Wireless (in the English version).
• 💾 Save the settings with the button Save.

The web interface on your phone may be difficult to navigate due to the small screen. To make things easier:

• 🔍 Use PC mode in the browser (in Chrome: ⋮ → Desktop version).
• 📲 Rotating the screen to landscape mode often makes the menu wider.
• 🖱️ On Android You can connect a mouse via OTG adapter for convenience.

What should I do if tplinkwifi.net won't open?

If the address tplinkwifi.net doesn't work, try:

1. Enter the router's IP address (you can find it in your phone's Wi-Fi settings - look under "Gateway" or "Router").

2. Reset your browser cache or try a different browser (for example, Firefox Focus).

3. Check if your antivirus or VPN is blocking access.

4. Reboot the router (using the button) Power or by removing the power for 10 seconds).

After disabling Wi-Fi through the web interface, the router may freeze for a few seconds—this is normal. If the page becomes unavailable after saving the settings, simply connect to the router via cable or re-enable Wi-Fi through the app. Tether.

4. Method 3: Disabling Wi-Fi on a schedule (automatically)

If you need to turn off Wi-Fi regularly (for example, at night or during working hours), it is more convenient to set up scheduleThis feature is also available in the app. Tether, and in the web interface.

How to set up in Tether:

1. Open the app and select your router.
2. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi Schedule (or More → Time Management for some models).
3. 🕒 Add a new rule:
   • Please indicate the days of the week (e.g. Mon-Fri).
   • Set the shutdown time (eg. 23:00).
   • Select an action: Turn off Wi-Fi.

Save the settings.

In the web interface the path may differ:

• For Archer C7: Advanced Settings → System Tools → Schedule.
• For TL-WR841N: Access Control → Schedule.

Scheduling is convenient if you want to restrict internet access during certain hours without turning off the router completely. For example, you can set up automatic Wi-Fi shutdown. 11:00 PM to 7:00 AMso that children don't sit online at night, and the Internet turns on automatically in the morning.

1. Time zone in the router settings (System Tools → Time).

2. Availability of firmware updates (outdated versions may ignore the schedule).

3. No conflicts with the Parental Control function (if enabled).-->

5. Alternative ways to disable Wi-Fi

If standard methods don't work (for example, the router is an old model or the web interface is broken), you can try alternative options.

5.1. Disabling via Telnet/SSH (for advanced users)

Some models TP-Link (For example, Archer C2 or TL-WDR3600) support management through Telnet or SSHTo do this:

1. Install a terminal application on your phone (for example, Termux For Android or iTerm2 For iOS).
2. Connect to the router via Telnet:

   telnet 192.168.0.1

   (replace IP with the one relevant for your network).

3. Enter your login/password (by default it is often empty or admin).
4. Run the command to disable Wi-Fi:

   wl -i eth1 radio off # for 2.4 GHz
   wl -i eth2 radio off # for 5 GHz (if present)

⚠️ Attention: Usage Telnet/SSH This can cause the router to malfunction if you enter incorrect commands. This method is recommended only for experienced users. A factory reset may be required to restore the router.

5.2. Physical shutdown using the button on the router

On some models TP-Link (For example, Deco M4 or Archer C50) there is a physical button Wi-Fi or WPS/Wi-FiA short press (1-2 seconds) turns the wireless network on/off without affecting cable connections.

If the button is missing, you can:

• 🔌 Unplug the router from the power outlet (this will completely disable both Wi-Fi and the Internet).
• 🔄 Use the button Reset to reset the settings (last resort!).

5.3. Disabling via voice assistant (for Deco systems)

If you have a system TP-Link Deco (For example, Deco X60 or Deco M9 Plus), you can use voice assistants:

• 🗣️ Alice (Yandex): "Alice, turn off Wi-Fi on Deco."
• 🤖 Google Assistant: "Hey Google, turn off Wi-Fi on TP-Link".

To do this, you first need to connect TP-Link ID with an assistant account in the app Tether.

6. Common mistakes and their solutions

Users often encounter problems when disabling Wi-Fi on their phones. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

If none of the above worked, try:

1. 🔄 Reboot the router (turn off the power for 10 seconds).
2. 📱 Update the Tether app to the latest version.
3. 🌐 Reset your router settings button Reset (hold for 5-10 seconds).

7. Security: What to do after Wi-Fi is disconnected

Disabling Wi-Fi is not only convenient but also an additional security measure. Here's what to do afterward:

• 🔒 Check connected devices — in the appendix Tether or web interface (DHCP → Client List) check if there are any suspicious gadgets left.
• 📡 Enable guest network (if needed) - it is isolated from the main one and is safer for temporary users.
• 🔄 Update the firmware - outdated versions may contain vulnerabilities (path: More → System Tools → Update).
• 📝 Save the settings - take screenshots or export the config (System Tools → Backup).

If you've turned off Wi-Fi to save power, keep in mind:

• ⚡ The router consumes a minimal amount of power in standby mode (usually 2-5 W).
• ⏱️ Frequent switching on/off may shorten the life of the device.
• 📶 Some smart devices (such as cameras or sensors) require a constant Wi-Fi connection.

For maximum security after turning off Wi-Fi:

1. Change the password for the router's web interface (if you are using the standard one) admin).
2. Turn it off WPS (vulnerable quick connect feature).
3. Enable MAC address filtering if you want to restrict access to only certain devices.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to disable Wi-Fi on a TP-Link router if I don't remember the router password?

Yes, but this will require resetting the router to factory settings. Press and hold the button Reset (usually located on the back panel) for 5-10 seconds until the indicators start flashing. After the reset, the login/password will become standard (admin/admin), but all settings (including the Wi-Fi name and password) will have to be configured again.

Why does Wi-Fi turn on again by itself after disabling it via Tether?

This can happen for several reasons:

1. Included schedule - check the settings in More → Schedule.
2. Activated power saving mode (On some models, the router automatically turns on Wi-Fi when activity is detected).
3. It worked parental control - if it is configured to allow access during certain hours.
4. Router firmware outdated - update it in the web interface.

How do I disable Wi-Fi for specific devices only, rather than completely?

To do this, use the function Access Control or Parental Control:

1. In the web interface, go to Advanced Settings → Access Control.
2. Add a rule to block by MAC address or IP.
3. Specify a schedule (for example, blocking with 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM).
4. Save the settings.

In the appendix Tether a similar function can be called Device management or Parental control.

Is it possible to disable Wi-Fi on TP-Link via SMS or call?

No, routers TP-Link do not support control via SMS or voice commands (except for systems Deco, which are integrated with voice assistants). For remote control, use:

• Application Tether with the function enabled Remote access (requires registration) TP-Link ID).
• VPN connection to your home network (configured in More → VPN Server).

What should I do if, after disabling Wi-Fi, the internet stops working on all my devices?

This means the problem isn't with Wi-Fi, but with your ISP connection. Check:

1. 🔌 Cable from the provider - it must be tightly connected to the port WAN (usually blue in color).
2. 💡 Indicators on the router — must burn WAN or InternetIf it flashes orange, there is no connection to the provider.
3. 📡 Provider settings — perhaps the parameters have gone wrong PPPoE or DHCP (check in Network → WAN).
4. 🔄 Rebooting the router — Sometimes it helps to simply turn the power off and on.

If the problem persists, please contact your internet service provider's technical support.