Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you urgently need to turn off Wi-Fi on your phone, but the device itself is unavailable? For example, maybe your child is spending too much time online, the device is lost, or you want to limit internet traffic on someone else's smartphone without physically accessing it. Luckily, there are several legal ways to do this remotely—right from your computer.
In this article we will look at 5 working methodsHow to turn off Wi-Fi on Android or iPhone via PC: from standard functions like Google Find My Device to advanced tools like ADB (Android Debug Bridge). Important: Not all methods are universal—some require preliminary phone setup, while others only work on certain models. We'll describe them in detail. limitations of each method and we will provide checklists for preparation.
If you're looking for a way to bypass security or access someone else's device without permission, this article isn't for you. All the steps described here require prior consent from the phone owner or apply only to your personal devices. Breaching privacy can lead to legal consequences.
1. Disable Wi-Fi via Google Find My Device (for Android)
The easiest way to remotely control your smartphone on Android — use the service Google Find My Device (formerly "Android Device Manager"). It allows you to not only locate your device, but also lock it, erase data, or turn off the network (including Wi-Fi and mobile Internet).
✅ Pros: does not require root rights, works on most devices with Android 5.0+, for free.
❌ Cons: the phone must be linked to your account Google, connected to the Internet (at least at the time the command is sent), and the "Find my device" function must be enabled on it.
- 🔹 Step 1. Open a browser on your PC and go to the website Google Find My DeviceLog in using the same account. Google, as on the phone.
- 🔹 Step 2. Select the desired smartphone from the list of devices. If it's connected to the internet, you'll see its location on the map.
- 🔹 Step 3. Click
Safe mode(orLock(in the English version). In the window that appears, enter any password (for example,1234) and confirm. - 🔹 Step 4. After blocking your phone's Wi-Fi and mobile data will turn off automaticallyTo regain access to the network, the owner will have to enter the password.
The Find My Device feature is enabled on your phone (Settings → Google → Security → Find My Device)
The device is linked to a Google account
The phone has internet access (Wi-Fi or mobile data)
Remote blocking is enabled in security settings-->
⚠️ Attention: If the phone has Android 10+ If the "Lock Network in Safe Mode" feature is enabled, Wi-Fi will be disabled only until the first reboot. After the reboot, the network will be restored automatically unless the unlock password is entered.
2. Using TeamViewer or AnyDesk for remote control
If you have a remote access application installed on your phone (for example, TeamViewer QuickSupport or AnyDesk), you can connect to it from a computer and manually disable Wi-Fi through the settings. This method also works on Android, and on iPhone, but requires pre-setting.
🔧 How does this work: You install a client application on your phone (for example, TeamViewer Host), and the desktop version of the program on your PC. Once connected, you gain full control over your smartphone's screen and can change any settings, including network settings.
- 📱 For Android:
- Install on your phone TeamViewer QuickSupport from Google Play.
- Run the app and record
Device ID. - On your PC, open TeamViewer, enter your phone ID and connect.
- On your smartphone screen, go to
Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fiand turn off the switch.
- Install TeamViewer QuickSupport from App Store.
- On your PC, log in TeamViewer and request access to your iPhone (you will need confirmation on your phone).
- Open via PC interface
Settings → Wi-Fiand deactivate the network.
⚠️ Attention: On iPhone With iOS 14+ for remote control via TeamViewer Physical confirmation on the device (pressing the "Allow" button) is required. Without this, you won't be able to connect, even if you know your Apple ID.
| Method | Android | iPhone | Does it require pre-configuration? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Find My Device | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (enable "Find My Device") |
| TeamViewer/AnyDesk | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (install the app) |
| ADB (via USB/Wi-Fi) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (enable USB debugging) |
| iCloud (for iPhone) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (enable Find My iPhone) |
3. Disable Wi-Fi via ADB (Android only)
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a debugging tool for Android devices that allows you to send commands from your computer to your phone. With it, you can force disable Wi-Fi, even if the screen is locked. However, the method requires pre-activation of USB debugging and is only suitable for experienced users.
🛠️ What you will need:
- A computer with installed drivers ADB (you can download it as part of Android SDK Platform-Tools).
- Cable USB (or Wi-Fi connection if network debugging is enabled).
- Phone with the option enabled
USB debugging(Settings → About phone → Build number- tap 7 times, then return toSettings → System → Developer Options). - Connect your phone to your PC via USB (or Wi-Fi if network debugging is configured).
- Open Command Prompt (
Win + R → cmd) and check the connection:adb devicesThe device's serial number should appear.
- Send a command to disable Wi-Fi:
adb shell svc wifi disableTo turn it back on, use:
adb shell svc wifi enable
📌 Instructions:
What to do if ADB doesn't see the device?
If the team adb devices returns an empty list:
1. Check if USB debugging is enabled on your phone.
2. Install the drivers for your model (you can download them from the manufacturer’s website, for example, Samsung or Xiaomi).
3. Try a different USB cable (not all cables support data transfer).
4. Restart your phone and PC.
5. If you are connecting via Wi-Fi, make sure that your phone and PC are on the same network and the port 5555 not blocked by firewall.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi or One UI from Samsung) team svc wifi disable This may not work due to manufacturer limitations. In this case, try an alternative command:
adb shell am start -a android.settings.WIFI_SETTINGS
This will open your phone's Wi-Fi settings, but it will still require physical interaction to turn it off.
4. Remotely disable Wi-Fi on iPhone via iCloud
For owners iPhone there is an analogue Google Find My Device - service iCloud with the Find My iPhone feature. Unfortunately, unlike Android, you can't turn off Wi-Fi directly here, but you can block the device, which will automatically disconnect all network connections (including Wi-Fi and mobile internet).
🔐 How to do it:
- On your PC, open your browser and go to iCloud Find My iPhone. Log in with your Apple ID.
- In the list of devices, select the desired one iPhone.
- Click
Lost Mode(Lost Mode). - Follow the instructions: enter your phone number (optional) and a message that will appear on your lock screen.
- After activating Lost Mode iPhone disconnect from Wi-Fi and will stop transmitting data (except GPS for determining location).
⚠️ Attention: Lost mode on iPhone requires the feature to be enabled on the device Find iPhone (Settings → [Your Name] → Find My → Find My iPhone). If it is disabled, you will not be able to lock your phone remotely.
Google Find My Device (Android)
TeamViewer/AnyDesk (remote access)
ADB (for advanced users)
iCloud (for iPhone)
Another way-->
5. Disabling Wi-Fi through parental controls (for children)
If you need to restrict Wi-Fi access on your child's phone without resorting to drastic measures like blocking the device, you can use apps parental controlThey allow you to remotely manage network settings, set time limits, and block specific websites.
👨👩👧👦 Popular apps:
- 📱 Google Family Link - a free solution for Android And iOSAllows you to set limits on device usage and pause its operation (including disabling Wi-Fi).
- 🔒 Kaspersky Safe Kids — a paid app with advanced features, including scheduled internet blocking.
- 🛡️ Norton Family - supports remote network shutdown and activity monitoring.
- Install Google Family Link on your phone and your child's phone.
- Create a family group and add your child's device to it.
- In the child's profile settings, select
Manage Apps → Usage Time. - Set a time limit or click
Lock the device- This will pause Wi-Fi. - Find out
MAC addressphone (Settings → About phone → General information → Wi-Fi MAC address). - Go to your router's control panel (usually at
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1). - Find the section
Wireless Mode → MAC Filter. - Add your phone's MAC address to the blacklist and save the settings.
- Log in to your personal account on the operator's website.
- Go to the "Service Management" or "Tariff Settings" section.
- Find the "Internet Limit" or "Data Block" option and activate it.
- Use command
adb shell am start -a android.settings.WIFI_SETTINGS(will open Wi-Fi settings). - Install alternative firmware (for example, LineageOS), if you have root rights.
- Try apps like Tasker to automate Wi-Fi shutdown according to a schedule.
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB and run:
adb tcpip 5555 - Disconnect USB and connect via Wi-Fi:
adb connect [phone IP address]:5555(You can find the IP in the Wi-Fi settings on your phone).
- You can now send ADB commands without a cable.
📝 How to set up Google Family Link:
6. Alternative methods: blocking via a router or operator
If none of the above methods are suitable, you can take a "workaround" - Disable Wi-Fi access at the router or mobile operator levelThis won't disable the phone's Wi-Fi module itself, but it will make it impossible to connect to the network.
📡 MAC address blocking in a router:
📶 Blocking mobile internet through your operator:
If your phone uses mobile data, you can disable it through your operator's personal account (for example, MTS, Beeline, Megaphone or Tele2). To do this:
⚠️ Attention: Blocking via your router will only affect your home network. Your phone will still be able to connect to other Wi-Fi hotspots. Similarly, blocking mobile data via your carrier won't affect Wi-Fi.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to turn off Wi-Fi on someone else's phone without them knowing?
No, all legal methods require preliminary setup on the phone itself (enabling USB debugging, installing apps, linking to a Google/iCloud account). Unauthorized interference with someone else's device breaks the law (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation "Unauthorized access to computer information").
Why won't ADB disable Wi-Fi on my Xiaomi?
Manufacturers like Xiaomi, Huawei or Samsung Firmware modifications are often used to block standard ADB commands. Try this:
How do I turn off Wi-Fi on my phone if it's turned off?
If the phone is turned off, it is impossible to turn off Wi-Fi remotely. The only option is to wait until the device turns on and connects to the internet (for example, via mobile data) to send the command via Google Find My Device or iCloudIf your phone is lost, it's best to block it immediately using these services.
Does the ADB over Wi-Fi method work without USB?
Yes, but for this you need set up Wi-Fi debugging in advance:
⚠️ After restarting your phone, the Wi-Fi connection will be reset, and you will have to repeat the procedure.
Is it possible to disable Wi-Fi on a phone via SMS?
No, standard protocols do not support sending SMS commands to control settings. However, some manufacturers (e.g., Samsung (in older models) had hidden service commands. Today this method does not work on modern smartphones due to security vulnerabilities.