How to Disconnect All Devices from a TP-Link Wi-Fi Router: Instructions for Archer, Deco, and TL-WR

Have you noticed your Wi-Fi has slowed down, or are you seeing unknown devices appearing in your list of connected devices? Or do you simply want to reboot your network by disconnecting all users at once? In routers TP-Link There are several ways to do this, from the standard method via the web interface to a quick reset via the mobile app. The main advantage of this approach is that you'll not only free up the channel for priority devices but also be able to identify unauthorized connections.

In this article we will look at Three official ways to disable all devices from Wi-Fi on routers TP-Link (including popular series Archer, Deco And TL-WR). You'll also learn how to permanently block individual devices, why devices sometimes reconnect automatically, and what to do if the router isn't responding to commands. All instructions are relevant for firmware versions. 2023–2026 years, but the interface may differ slightly depending on the model.

Before you begin, make sure you have access to your router's admin panel. If you've forgotten your password, you can reset it using the button. Reset on the back panel (hold for 10 seconds). After the reset, the login information will become default: login admin, password admin or an empty field (depending on the model).

1. Disconnect all devices via the TP-Link web interface

The most reliable way is to use the router's control panel. It works on all models, including TP-Link Archer C6, TL-WR841N And Deco M5You will need a computer, tablet, or smartphone connected to the router's network via cable or Wi-Fi.

To log in to the web interface:

1. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (the exact address is indicated on the router sticker).
2. Enter your login and password (default) admin/admin).
3. Go to the section Wireless mode → Wireless Statistics.

Here you will see a complete list of connected devices with their MAC addresses, IP, and connection time. To disconnect everyone at once:

• 🔄 Click the button Disconnect All or Block All (depending on the firmware version).
• ✅ Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

⚠️ Attention: Some devices (such as smart speakers or cameras) may automatically reconnect after a few seconds. To avoid this, change your Wi-Fi password immediately after disconnecting - this way you are guaranteed to break all connections.

If the buttons Disable all No, use an alternative method:

1. Go to DHCP → DHCP Client List.
2. Select all devices with checkboxes.
3. Click Remove.

Save important router settings (screenshot or configuration export)

Check if there are any unknown gadgets in the list

Prepare your new Wi-Fi password (if you plan to change it)

Make sure you have access to your router via cable (in case your Wi-Fi is blocked)-->

2. Quick disconnection via the Tether mobile app

If you have the official app installed TP-Link Tether (available for Android And iOS), the process takes less than a minute. This method is convenient when you urgently need to free up network space and don't have a computer nearby.

Instructions:

1. Open the app and connect to your router (it should appear in the list of devices).
2. Go to the section Devices or Wi-Fi Network.
3. Click on the icon ⋮ (three dots) in the upper right corner.
4. Select Disconnect All.

In some versions of the application this item may be called Block All Devices or hide behind an option Device ManagementIf you don't find the button, refresh it. Tether to the latest version in App Store or Google Play.

The advantage of this method is that you can turn off the devices. remotely, if the router supports cloud management (the function is available on models Deco and new ones Archer). However, keep in mind that after disabling, you will also lose access to Wi-Fi, so prepare an alternative connection method (for example, mobile internet) in advance.

3. Hard reset: WPS or Reset button

If the router doesn't respond to commands via the web interface or app (for example, due to overload or firmware failure), you can use the physical buttons on the case. This method radical - it will break all connections, but also reset some settings.

Option 1: Button WPS (if your model has it):

• 🔘 Hold the button WPS 5-10 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.
• 🔄 All devices will be disconnected from Wi-Fi, but the router settings will remain intact.

Option 2: Button Reset (full reset):

• ⚠️ This method will reset your router to factory settings, including your Wi-Fi password!
• 🔧 Press and hold the button Reset (usually it is recessed and requires a paperclip) for 10-15 seconds until the lights turn off and on again.

⚠️ Attention: After a full reset, you will have to configure the router again: specify the Internet connection parameters, network name (SSID) and a password. This method should only be used as a last resort if other methods fail.

If the button WPS Your model does not have this feature, please check if it is available. Wi-Fi Off/On - it is available on some routers TP-Link (For example, Archer C20). In this case, one short press is enough to disable the wireless network for 1-2 minutes, which will lead to the disconnection of all connections.

4. How to permanently block devices (blacklist)

Disabling all devices is a temporary measure. If you want block specific gadgets permanently, add them to the blacklist by MAC addressThis is useful if unknown devices (such as neighbors or bots) regularly appear on your network.

Instructions for the web interface:

1. Go to Wireless → MAC Filtering.
2. Enable filtering by selecting the mode Deny (to prohibit).
3. Add MAC addresses devices that need to be blocked (they can be copied from the section Wireless statistics).
4. Save the settings.

In the mobile app Tether the path is this:

• 📱 Open the section Devices.
• 🔍 Find the gadget you need and click on it.
• 🚫 Choose Block.

If you block a device by mistake, you can always remove it from the blocklist in the same section. Please note: some smart devices (e.g., Xiaomi or Amazon Echo) can change MAC address on each connection - in this case, blocking will be ineffective.

What should I do if my device's MAC address changes?

Some gadgets (especially on Android 10+) use MAC address randomization To protect privacy. In this case:

1. Disable randomization in the device settings (section Wi-Fi → Additional).

2. Or customize white list (mode Allow) and add only your devices to it.

3. Use guest network For untrusted gadgets, it is isolated from the main network.

5. Why do devices reconnect automatically?

Have you unplugged all your gadgets, but they're back online after a few minutes? This is normal behavior for most modern devices. Here are the main causes:

If you need guaranteed to break the connection, combine shutdown with changing the Wi-Fi passwordTo do this:

1. Go to Wireless → Wireless Security.
2. In the field Password Enter a new key (we recommend using at least 12 characters with numbers and special characters).
3. Save your settings - all devices will be disabled until you enter a new password.

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When disabling devices, users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

• 🔌 The router does not respond to commands → Check if it is connected to the power supply or reset it with the button Reset.
• 📵 The "Disable All" button is not visible. → Update your router firmware or use the mobile app.
• 🔄 The devices are connected back → Change your Wi-Fi password or set up MAC address filtering.
• 🛑 Blocked myself → Connect to the router via cable or reset the settings using the button Reset.

Another common mistake is using outdated firmwareIf your router was released before 2020, some features (such as mass shutdown via the app) may be missing. Check the firmware version in the section System Tools → Firmware Upgrade and update it if necessary.

⚠️ Attention: If after disconnecting the devices the internet speed has not increased, the problem may not be in the network overload, but in Wi-Fi channel or external interference. Try changing the channel in the router settings (section Wireless Mode → Settings) or reduce the transmit power if using 2.4 GHz.

7. Alternative methods: guest network and schedule

If you need to not just turn off devices, but limit their access by time or isolate it from the main network, use the additional features of the router:

Guest network:

• 🌐 Create a separate network for guests or untrusted devices in the section Wireless Mode → Guest Network.
• ⏰ Set a time or speed limit for this network.
• 🔒 Disable access to local resources (printers, network drives).

Access schedule:

• ⏰ In the section Access Control or Parental Controls Set up a Wi-Fi schedule.
• 📅 For example, you can turn off the Internet on all devices from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

These methods are useful if you want automate network management Without manual shutdown. For example, a guest network can help isolate smart devices (lamps, outlets) that could be vulnerable to hacker attacks, and a schedule can be used to limit children's online time.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to turn off all devices except one?

Yes, but not directly. You need to:

1. Block all devices by MAC address (see section 4).
2. Add the desired gadget to white list (mode Allow in MAC filtering settings).

Or use guest network for all devices except one.

Why do some devices remain online after being disconnected?

This can happen for several reasons:

• The devices are connected via cable (Ethernet), and not via Wi-Fi.
• The router supports dual band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz), and you only disabled one network.
• Function Fast Roaming (on Mesh systems) automatically restores the connection.

Check both networks (2.4G And 5G) and turn off the devices in each of them.

How do I disable devices on a TP-Link router without admin access?

If you have forgotten your Control Panel password, you have two options:

1. Reset button Reset (10 seconds) - will return to factory settings, including login/password admin/admin.
2. Using the button WPS (if present) - hold it for 5-10 seconds to turn off Wi-Fi.

If the buttons WPS No, the only option left is a full reset.

Will my Smart TV or smart speaker work after changing my Wi-Fi password?

No, all devices, including Smart TV, Amazon Echo, Google Nest and others will lose connection. You'll have to:

1. Re-enter the password in the settings of each gadget.
2. For some devices (eg. Xiaomi) a reboot may be required.

To avoid problems, prepare a list of devices that will need to be reconnected in advance.

Can I turn off devices remotely if I'm not at home?

Yes, but this requires one of the following features:

• Cloud management in the app TP-Link Tether (available on models Deco and new ones Archer).
• Connecting via VPN to your home network (requires prior configuration).
• Smart socket, which turns off the router's power on a schedule.

Without these options, remote shutdown is not possible.