How to turn on a tablet via Wi-Fi: 5 working methods with instructions

Have you forgotten to turn off your tablet at home, and its battery is draining in standby mode? Or do you urgently need to access files on your device, but it's turned off? Turning on your tablet via Wi-Fi is a real challenge, although manufacturers rarely include this feature out of the box. In this article, we'll cover all possible methods: from standard Android/iOS tools to advanced methods like Wake-on-LAN and cloud services.

It's important to understand: most tablets don't support remote wake-up without prior configuration. However, if you prepare the device in advance (or if it's already configured to sync with your account), your chances of success increase. We'll cover options for different scenarios, from simple wake-up via Google Find My Device to complex solutions using ADB and specialized applications.

Spoiler: If your tablet is completely turned off (not in sleep mode), and not just “asleep” with active Wi-Fi, then turning it on remotely will only work on some models that support WoL (Wake-on-LAN) or through SmartThings (for devices Samsung). The other methods only work if the gadget is in standby mode with Wi-Fi connected.

1. Checking the prerequisites: When is power-on via Wi-Fi possible?

Before attempting to turn on your tablet remotely, make sure at least one of the following conditions is met:

• 🔋 The tablet is not turned off completely, but is in sleep mode (the screen goes out, but Wi-Fi remains active).
• 📶 The device is connected to charger - some functions (for example, Find My Device) work only when charging.
• 🤖 Synchronization is enabled on the tablet Google account (for Android) or iCloud (for iPad).
• 🔌 The tablet supports Wake-on-LAN (rare for mobile devices, but there are exceptions, for example, some models Samsung Tab S or Lenovo Yoga).
• 🔄 You have access to local network, where the tablet is connected (for methods like WoL or ADB).

If the tablet is completely turned off (for example, the battery is dead or you pressed "Power off"), then turn it on via Wi-Fi impossible without physical access to the power buttonIn this case, only charging or manual activation will help. All methods described below work with devices in standby mode.

⚠️ Attention: On tablets with MediaTek-processors (for example, Xiaomi Pad 5 or Realme Pad X) Remote wake-up functions are often disabled at the firmware level. Check your model's documentation for WoL support.

2. Method 1: Using Google Find My Device (for Android)

The easiest method for tablets on Android - service Find My Device from Google. It allows you to not only track the location of the device, but also awaken him, if it is in sleep mode with active internet.

How does this work:

1. The tablet must be linked to your Google account.
2. The following must be enabled in the device settings:
   • 📍 Geodata (Settings → Security & Location → Location).
   • 🔄 Search for a device (Settings → Google → Security → Find my device).

The tablet must be connected to Wi-Fi or a mobile network (if it supports a SIM card).

Awakening Instructions:

1. Go to the website Find My Device from another device (phone, PC).
2. Select your tablet from the list of devices.
3. Click Play SoundThis will cause the tablet to wake up from sleep mode and play a tone for 5 minutes.

⚠️ Attention: If the tablet is discharged to 0% or turned off by the power button, Find My Device won't work. Also, the function may not work on custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).

Enable geodata in settings

Enable the "Find my device" option in Google

Connect your tablet to Wi-Fi

Charge the battery to at least 10%

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3. Method 2: Wake-on-LAN (WoL) for advanced users

Wake-on-LAN — a technology that allows you to turn on a device over a local network. It is widely used for PCs, but some tablets (for example, Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ or Lenovo Tab P12 Pro) also support WoL through Ethernet adapter or special applications.

To use WoL on a tablet you will need:

• 🔌 Tablet with WoL support (check model specifications).
• 📡 Connect to a local network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet via USB adapter).
• 💻 Another device on the same network (PC, phone) for sending Magic Packet.
• 📱 An application for sending WoL packets (for example, Wake On Lan for Android or Depicus Wake On Lan for PC).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Find out MAC address tablet:
   • On Android: Settings → About phone → General information → Wi-Fi MAC address.
   • On iPad: Settings → General → About → Wi-Fi Address.

Connect your tablet to a charger (WoL often requires power).

Send from another device on the same network Magic Packet via the WoL application, specifying the MAC address of the tablet.

If your tablet does not support WoL out of the box, you can try to activate the function via ADB (See method 4). However, this requires root rights and may void the warranty.

What is Magic Packet?

A Magic Packet is a special network packet containing the device's MAC address and a byte sequence (six 0xFFs). When the network card receives such a packet, it sends a power-on signal. This method rarely works on tablets, as most mobile chips don't support WoL processing when the device is powered off.

4. Method 3: Remote startup via ADB (for Android)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — a debugging tool that allows you to send commands to the device via USB or Wi-Fi. If the tablet was previously configured to work with ADB over the network, it can be woken up remotely.

Conditions for this method:

• 🔧 It's enabled on the tablet USB debugging (Settings → Developer options → USB debugging).
• 📶 Enabled Wi-Fi debugging (adb tcpip 5555 was completed earlier).
• 💻 Installed on PC ADB drivers and tool platform-tools.

Instructions:

1. Connect your PC to the same Wi-Fi network as your tablet.
2. Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and run:

   adb connect [tablet IP address]:5555

   For example: adb connect 192.168.1.100:5555.

3. Send wake-up command:

   adb shell input keyevent KEYCODE_POWER

   or

   adb shell input keyevent 26

If the tablet is not responding, try waking it up first with the command:

adb shell dumpsys power set-screen-state 1

⚠️ Note: After restarting the tablet or disconnecting from Wi-Fi, the ADB connection is reset. To avoid this, use apps like ADB WiFi, which automatically restore the connection.

5. Method 4: Cloud services (TeamViewer, AnyDesk)

If you have a remote access application installed on your tablet (for example, TeamViewer or AnyDesk), it can be woken up via a cloud service. This method only works if:

• 🌥️ The app has permissions device administrator.
• 🔄 Enabled in settings wake-up on request.
• 📶 The tablet is connected to Wi-Fi and is not completely turned off.

How it works with an example TeamViewer:

1. Install TeamViewer Host on the tablet and set it up continuous access.
2. On another device, log in to your account TeamViewer.
3. Select your tablet from the list of devices and click "Awaken".

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Doesn't work on iPad (Apple blocks background app activity).
• ❌ Requires preliminary setup and a permanent internet connection.
• ❌ May drain battery due to background service activity.

6. Method 5: SmartThings (for Samsung tablets)

Tablet owners Samsung (series Galaxy Tab S, Tab A etc.) can use the application SmartThings for remote control. This function works if:

• 🤖 The tablet is linked to the account Samsung.
• 🔄 Option enabled Remote Control in SmartThings settings.
• 📶 The device is connected to Wi-Fi or a mobile network.

Instructions:

1. Install SmartThings to your phone or PC.
2. Log in using the same account Samsung, as on the tablet.
3. Select your tablet from the list of devices.
4. Click Control → Awaken.

If the Wake Up option is not available, try:

• 🔄 Reconnect your tablet to SmartThings (Settings → Cloud & Accounts → SmartThings).
• 📱 Update your tablet's firmware to the latest version.

⚠️ Note: On tablets Samsung With One UI 5.0 and newer, the remote wake feature may be disabled by default to save power. Enable it in Settings → Battery → Low Power Mode → Disable for SmartThings.

7. Alternative methods and life hacks

If none of the above methods worked, try these options:

• 🔌 Smart socket: Connect the tablet charger to a smart outlet (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Smart Plug). Some devices turn on automatically when power is supplied.
• 📡 Bluetooth alarm clock: Use apps like Wake On Bluetoothto wake up the tablet via a paired device (such as a smartphone).
• 🔊 Voice assistant: On some tablets (eg. Lenovo Smart Tab) you can turn on the screen with the command "Okay, Google, wake up the tablet.".
• ⚡ Automatic switching on according to schedule: In the settings of some tablets (for example, Huawei MatePad) there is an option Auto-on by time.

For owners iPad There are almost no options—Apple severely limits remote control functions. The only working method is:

1. Connect your iPad to Mac through USB and use Apple Configurator 2 to send the wake-up command.
2. Use Shortcuts (Shortcuts) with timed automation (for example, turning on music at a set hour will wake up the device).

8. Common mistakes and their solutions

If your tablet won't turn on via Wi-Fi, check these points:

If you use custom firmware (For example, LineageOS), some features (like WoL or SmartThings) may not work. In this case:

• Check for modules Magisk to support WoL.
• Use alternative apps such as Tasker with plugin AutoInput to simulate pressing the power button.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to turn on a completely turned off tablet via Wi-Fi?

No. If the tablet is turned off using the power button or is low on battery, it can only be turned on physically (by pressing the power button) or by connecting it to a charger (some models turn on automatically when charging). All methods in this article only work with devices in sleep mode.

Why isn't Wake-on-LAN working on my Xiaomi Pad 6?

Most tablets are powered by processors Qualcomm And MediaTek WoL is not supported at the hardware level. To activate this feature, you will need:

1. Get root rights.
2. Install a kernel with WoL support (for example, KernelSU).
3. Tune ethtool for the network interface.

Without root WoL on Xiaomi it won't work.

How to turn on iPad via Wi-Fi?

Apple doesn't provide official methods for turning on an iPad remotely. The only working options are:

• Use Apple Configurator 2 on Mac (USB connection required).
• Tune Shortcuts (Shortcuts) with automation that will wake the device at a set time (for example, playing music).
• Connect your iPad to a smart plug and power it remotely.

Do I need to pay for remote activation?

All methods described in the article are free, with the exception of:

• TeamViewer — free for personal use, but requires a subscription for commercial tasks.
• Some applications for WoL in Google Play may have paid features (eg Wake On Lan Pro).

Services Google Find My Device And Samsung SmartThings are completely free.

Is it possible to turn on the tablet via mobile Internet (4G/5G)?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• For Find My Device or SmartThings Mobile Internet is suitable if the tablet is not in airplane mode.
• For ADB or WoL A local network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) is required.
• If the tablet supports Always-On VPN, you can wake it up through the corporate network.

Please note that background activity on a mobile network drains your battery faster.