Why is it important to know how to properly turn off Wi-Fi on iPhone?
Modern iPhone Automatically connect to saved Wi-Fi networks, saving mobile data and improving internet speed. But sometimes you need to do it manually. disconnect from Wi-Fi For example, when the connection is unstable, to test the mobile network speed, or to save battery life. Improper disconnection can result in the device constantly trying to reconnect, draining the battery.
In this article you will find 5 proven methods turning off Wi-Fi on iPhone (including models from iPhone 6s to iPhone 15 Pro Max), as well as tips on setting up automatic connections and troubleshooting. We'll pay special attention to hidden features. iOS, which many users do not know about.
⚠️ Important: some methods (for example, disabling through Airplane mode) also affect other wireless modules - Bluetooth, GPS or cellular data. If you only need to disable Wi-Fi, use the methods in the first two sections.
Method 1: Quick shutdown via Control Center
The fastest method is to use Control center (Control Center). It works on all models. iPhone With iOS 11 and newer. Procedure:
- For iPhone with Face ID (models X and newer): swipe down from the upper right corner of the screen.
- For iPhones with a Home button (models before 8 Plus): swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen.
- Find the icon Wi-Fi (antenna with radiating waves) and tap it. If the icon becomes gray — connection disconnected.
⚠️ Attention: V iOS 13 and this method is newer does not break the connection completely, but only temporarily disables data transfer. After 24 hours or when you reboot your device, Wi-Fi will automatically turn back on. To disable it permanently, use Method 2.
Swipe up/down (depending on model)|Tap the Wi-Fi icon|Make sure the icon turns gray|Check for no connection in the status bar-->
Method 2: Disable it completely in iPhone Settings
If you need deactivate completely Wi-Fi module (for example, to save battery or test the network), do the following:
- Open the app "Settings"** (Settings).
- Go to the section
Wi-Fi. - Move the slider
Wi-Fiin position Off (left) The slider will turn gray.
This method is guaranteed to disable the module until you manually re-enable it. You can also:
- 🔍 View list saved networks and delete unnecessary ones (click on
«i»next to the network name →Delete this network). - 🔄 Enable automatic connection to networks (optional)
Auto-connectionViOS 14+). - 🛡️ Set up private addresses to protect privacy (enabled by default in new versions)
iOS).
Method 3: Disabling via Siri (voice)
If you have your voice assistant enabled Siri, you can turn off Wi-Fi without touching the screenTo do this:
- Activate Siri, while holding the side button (on models with Face ID) or button Home (on older models).
- Say one of the commands:
- «Turn off Wi-Fi»;
- «Turn off Wi-Fi»;
- «Disable your wireless network».
⚠️ Attention: Siri may refuse to execute a command if the device is enabled restrictions (for example, in the settings Screen time). Also voice muting, as in Method 1, temporary - after 24 hours, Wi-Fi will turn on automatically.
Via Control Center|In Settings|Voice (Siri)|Other way-->
Method 4: Disabling via Airplane Mode (with reservations)
Activation Flight mode (Airplane Mode) turns off all wireless modules, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular communications and GPSThis method is convenient if you need to quickly isolate the device from networks, but it has significant limitations:
| Action | Result | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Enabling Airplane Mode | They are turning off All wireless modules | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular communications, GPS |
| Manually enable Wi-Fi in Airplane Mode | Only Wi-Fi will be active | Useful on a plane or to save battery |
| Disabling Airplane Mode | All modules are returned to their previous state. | Wi-Fi will turn on if it was active before. |
How to use:
- Open Control center (cm. Method 1).
- Click on the icon airplane (Airplane mode). He will become orange.
- If you want to leave only Wi-Fi, open Control Center again and tap on the icon Wi-Fi (it will turn blue).
What happens if I turn on Airplane Mode while downloading a file?
If Airplane Mode is activated while downloading file over Wi-Fi or a mobile network, the download will be interrupted. In some cases (for example, in App Store) the process will have to be started again. The exception is background downloads in iOS 15+, which may resume once communication is restored.
Method 5: Scheduled automatic shutdown (hidden function)
Few people know that in iOS 15 and newer there is a function automatic Wi-Fi shutdown by time or when leaving home/office. To set it up:
- Open
Settings → Wi-Fi. - Click on blue letter "i" next to the name of the current network.
- Scroll down and select
Turn off automatically. - Specify the conditions:
- 🕒 By time (for example, at night to save battery);
- 📍 When leaving (if the network is linked to geolocation).
This feature is useful if you want restrict Wi-Fi usage in certain situations, but don't want to remove the network from your saved list. For example, you could set it to automatically disconnect from your work network after 6:00 PM to avoid receiving notifications.
Common problems and their solutions
Sometimes Wi-Fi on iPhone The device behaves unexpectedly: it turns on by itself, doesn't turn off, or doesn't connect to the network. Let's look at typical situations and how to fix them.
Problem 1: Wi-Fi turns on by itself after being disconnected
If you have disabled Wi-Fi via Control center (Method 1), but after a while it was activated again, the reasons may be the following:
- 🔄 Automatic connection V
iOS 14+(turns off inSettings → Wi-Fi → Auto-connect); - 📱 Software update - some versions
iOSreset settings; - 🔋 Low power mode (may affect wireless modules).
Problem 2: Can't turn off Wi-Fi due to restrictions
If the slider Wi-Fi in Settings blocked and does not move, check:
Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → Allowed Apps;Settings → General → Restrictions(if a password is set).
Problem 3: Wi-Fi doesn't turn off completely
In rare cases, the Wi-Fi module may hang out in an active state. Try:
- 🔄 Restart your iPhone (hold side button + volume button);
- 📱 Reset network settings (
Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings); - 🛠️ Update iOS (This may be a software bug).
⚠️ Attention: resetting network settings will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords, VPN configurations and settings Bluetooth-devices.
FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to turn off Wi-Fi on iPhone permanently?
Yes, but only through Settings (Method 2). Disabling via Control Center or Siri Temporary - Wi-Fi will turn back on after 24 hours or after a reboot. To disable it permanently, move the slider to Settings → Wi-Fi.
Why doesn't my iPhone remember that Wi-Fi is turned off?
This is a feature iOS 13+The system considers a temporary shutdown via Control Center to be a request. suspend connection, not disable it permanently. To disable it completely, use Settings.
How to disable Wi-Fi for a specific app?
IN iOS There is no built-in feature to block Wi-Fi for individual apps. However, you can:
- Use Low power mode (limits background activity);
- Disable background update for the application (
Settings → General → Content Update); - Install third-party software to block traffic (for example, Firewall applications from App Store).
Will turning off Wi-Fi save battery life?
Yes, but the effect depends on the situation:
- 🔋 In a weak signal area Wi-Fi is consuming more energythan the mobile network. Disabling it will save battery;
- 📶 With a stable signal the difference in consumption is minimal;
- 🛌 At night Turning off Wi-Fi can extend battery life by 5-15%.
Is it possible to turn off Wi-Fi on an iPhone without accessing the screen (if it's broken)?
Yes, if the function is enabled on the device Voice control (Voice Control). Activate it through Siri or Settings → Accessibility → Voice Control, then say: "Turn off Wi-Fi" You can also use iTunes on your computer to reset your network settings (but this will delete all saved passwords).