Disabling your router's wireless network can be necessary for a variety of reasons, from saving energy to protecting against unauthorized access. Perhaps you've noticed that Wi-Fi radiation is interfering with your sleep at night, or you want to temporarily restrict your children's internet access. Or perhaps your router is overheating, and disabling the radio module This will help reduce the workload. In any case, the procedure takes no more than 2-3 minutes if you know the correct procedure.
In this article, we'll cover all possible methods for disabling Wi-Fi—from standard methods (via the web interface) to more exotic ones (via SMS or Telnet). You'll learn how to do this on popular models. TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, Zyxel and universal firmware like OpenWRTWe'll also explain why Wi-Fi sometimes turns on by itself after shutdown and how to fix it.
A word of warning: disabling your network to save data is pointless—the router consumes power in standby mode, not data. However, it can be very helpful if you suspect that neighbors or bots have connected to your network. In this case, after disabling Wi-Fi, check for any unknown devices left in the device list—this is a sure sign of a hack.
1. How to turn off Wi-Fi via the router's web interface
The most reliable and universal method is to access your router's control panel. The interface may vary slightly depending on the model, but the general principle is the same. You'll need any device with a browser (computer, smartphone, or tablet) connected to the router. via cable or via Wi-Fi (if the network is still working).
First, open your browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar. This is usually:
- 🔹
192.168.0.1- For TP-Link, D-Link, Tenda - 🔹
192.168.1.1- For ASUS, Zyxel, Mercusys - 🔹
192.168.8.1- for some models Huawei - 🔹
my.keenetic.net— for routers Keenetic
If none of the addresses work, look for the sticker on the back of your router—it's where the correct IP address is listed. After entering the address, you'll be asked to enter your username and password. By default, this is often admin/admin, but if you changed the data, use your own. If you forgot the password, you will have to reset the router to factory settings using the button Reset (hold it for 10-15 seconds).
Find your router's IP address|Connect to it via cable or Wi-Fi|Enter your login and password|Find the wireless network settings section-->
2. Step-by-step instructions for popular brands
Let's look at how to disable Wi-Fi on routers from the most common manufacturers. If your model isn't listed, use the universal method from the previous section—the logic is the same.
🔧 TP-Link (Archer, TL-WR, Deco)
1. Go to the control panel at 192.168.0.1 or tplinkwifi.net.
2. Go to the section Wireless → Wireless Settings.
3. Uncheck the box Enable Wireless Radio.
4. Click Save.
🔧 ASUS (RT-AX, RT-AC, ZenWiFi)
1. Open 192.168.1.1 and log in.
2. In the menu on the left, select Wireless network.
3. At the top of the screen, toggle the switch Enable Radio in position Off.
4. Apply the settings using the button Apply.
🔧 Keenetic (Giga, Hero, Viva)
1. Go to my.keenetic.net or 192.168.1.1.
2. In the main menu, select Wi-Fi network.
3. Click the ⚙️ icon next to your network name.
4. Move the slider Turn on the hotspot to the left.
🔧 Zyxel (Keenetic, NBG, VRB)
1. Enter in your browser 192.168.1.1 and log in.
2. Go to Wi-Fi Network → Access Point.
3. Uncheck the box Turn on the hotspot.
4. Save the changes.
What should I do if Wi-Fi doesn't turn off after saving?
Sometimes the router doesn't apply the settings due to a glitch. Try this:
1. Refresh the browser page (F5) and repeat the steps.
2. Reboot the router using the button Power or through the menu System → Restart.
3. Reset to factory settings (button Reset).
If the problem persists, the firmware may be broken. In this case, the only solution is to reflash the firmware or replace the device.
3. Disabling Wi-Fi using the button on the router body
Many modern routers are equipped with a physical button for controlling the wireless network. This is convenient if you need to quickly turn off Wi-Fi without accessing settings. The button may be:
- 🔘 Separate with the inscription
Wi-Fior the antenna icon 📶 - 🔘 Combined with a button
WPS(in this case, hold it for 3-5 seconds) - 🔘 Touch (on some models) Huawei And Xiaomi)
To turn off the network:
- Find the button on the back or side of the router.
- Press it once (if the button is separate) or hold it for 3-5 seconds (if combined with WPS).
- Wait until the Wi-Fi light (usually green or blue) turns off.
Attention! On some routers (for example, TP-Link Archer C6) The Wi-Fi button only works when the power is on. If the indicator light doesn't respond, check if the light is on. Power. Also note that after turning off the button, the network may automatically turn on after rebooting the router - This is normal behavior for most models.
4. Wi-Fi control via a mobile app
Manufacturers like TP-Link (application Tether), ASUS (ASUS Router), Keenetic (Keenetic Start) And Xiaomi (Mi Wi-Fi) offer official utilities for managing your router from your smartphone. This is convenient if you frequently turn your network on and off or want to do so remotely.
Algorithm of actions:
- Download the app for your router from App Store or Google Play.
- Connect to the router's network (via Wi-Fi or mobile Internet, if remote access is supported).
- Log in to the application (you may need your router login/password).
- Find the section
Wi-Fi,Wireless networkorNetwork management. - Turn off the switch next to your network name.
The advantage of this method is that you can schedule a shutdown on a schedule (for example, turning off Wi-Fi at night) or managing multiple routers simultaneously. In the app Keenetic Start There's even a "Guest Access" feature where you can turn off Wi-Fi for guests while leaving your main network active.
5. Alternative methods: Telnet, SSH, and SMS commands
These methods are suitable for experienced users or those whose router supports advanced features. They are useful if the web interface is unavailable (for example, due to a crash) or if you need to automate the process.
🖥️ Disconnect via Telnet/SSH
If your router supports remote management via protocols Telnet or SSH (for example, models with firmware OpenWRT or DD-WRT), run:
telnet 192.168.1.1Login: admin
password:
wifi down
To turn it back on, use the command wifi up.
📱 Disabling via SMS (for routers with a SIM card)
Some 3G/4G routers (eg. Huawei B525 or ZTE MF286) support SMS control. Send a text message to the router's number:
wifioffTo turn it back on, send:
wifionAttention! These methods require preliminary configuration (enabling Telnet/SSH or enabling SMS control in the web interface). Incorrect commands may disrupt the router's operation. If unsure, use standard methods.
6. Why does Wi-Fi turn on by itself and how to fix it?
Sometimes users encounter the problem that the wireless network turns on automatically after shutdown. This can happen for several reasons:
| Cause | How to fix |
|---|---|
| Automatic router reboot (on schedule) | Disable the feature Auto-reboot in the system settings. |
| Firmware update | After the update, reset the router to factory settings and configure it again. |
| Firmware failure | Reflash the router manually (download the firmware from the official website). |
| External management (e.g. via the manufacturer's cloud) | Disable remote access in security settings. |
If the problem persists, check if there are any devices with the function connected to the router. Wake-on-LAN (for example, some computers or NAS). They can "wake up" the network on a schedule. It's also worth making sure that the function is not enabled on the router. Guest network - sometimes it turns on separately from the main one.
7. Security: What to do before turning off Wi-Fi
Before turning off your wireless network, there are a few checks you can make to avoid any problems:
- 🔍 Make sure important devices (such as surveillance cameras or smart plugs) are not connected to the router. This could disrupt their operation.
- 🔍 Check if anyone at home is using the Internet for work or study.
- 🔍 If you turn off Wi-Fi for a long time, write down or take a photo of your current settings (network name, password, channel).
- 🔍 For dual-band routers (2.4GHz and 5GHz), disable both networks if necessary.
Attention! If you're disabling Wi-Fi because you suspect hacking, first change the network and router admin passwords. Use a strong password (at least 12 characters long, including numbers and special characters). We also recommend enabling MAC address filteringso that only authorized devices can connect to the network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to turn off Wi-Fi without going into the router settings?
Yes, if your router has a physical Wi-Fi button. Some models also support control via a mobile app or SMS commands (for routers with a SIM card).
Will my router use less power if I turn off Wi-Fi?
Yes, but only slightly—the main power consumption is spent on the processor and Ethernet ports. The savings will amount to about 10-15% of the total power consumption (for an average router, this is 1-2 watts).
Why does the indicator on my router stay on after I turn off Wi-Fi?
You may have disabled only one of the networks (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz), while the other remains active. Also, on some models, the indicator lights up when the mode is enabled. WPS or Guest access.
Is it possible to turn off Wi-Fi on a schedule?
Yes, many routers (for example, ASUS or Keenetic) support the function Wi-Fi scheduleYou can set the network to turn off automatically at night or at certain hours.
What should I do if I forgot my router password and can't turn off Wi-Fi?
You'll need to reset your device to factory settings. To do this, press and hold the button. Reset on the back of the router for 10-15 seconds. After the reset, the login and password will become default (usually admin/admin).