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To turn off Wi-Fi on one phone or computer, switch off Wi-Fi in that device’s settings. To turn it off for devices across your home, disable the wireless function in the router or modem/router settings. Choose the scope first: a router change can disconnect everyone using its Wi-Fi, while Airplane Mode may also affect cellular, Bluetooth, and other radios.
Choose the right way to turn Wi-Fi off
| Method | What it affects | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Device Wi-Fi control | Wi-Fi on the selected phone, computer, or other device | Access to that device’s settings or quick controls |
| Airplane Mode | Wi-Fi and potentially other wireless radios; exact behavior varies by platform and remembered settings | Access to the device’s Airplane Mode control |
| Router wireless setting | Devices connected to that router’s Wi-Fi | Access to the router’s settings, usually with administrator access |
If your goal is simply to disconnect one device, use that device’s Wi-Fi control rather than changing the router. If your home has a modem/router combo plus a separate router or mesh system, check which equipment is broadcasting Wi-Fi; turning it off on only one unit may not disable every network.
Turn off Wi-Fi on a phone or computer
iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro
Use the device’s Wi-Fi control when you want to change Wi-Fi specifically. Airplane Mode is broader. Apple says that turning it on for iPhone, iPad, or Vision Pro “will turn off all radios except for Bluetooth.” Apple also notes that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth may be used in Airplane Mode if the airline permits it. During travel, follow the airline’s instructions and check the Wi-Fi state after changing Airplane Mode. Apple’s Airplane Mode guidance describes that behavior.
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On Pixel, open Settings > Network & internet and use the Airplane Mode control, or swipe down to access Quick Settings. Google says Pixel initially turns Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off when Airplane Mode is activated, but you can turn them back on; the phone remembers your previous Wi-Fi and Bluetooth choices for later activations. Some steps on Google’s Pixel instructions apply only to Android 11 and later. Other Android manufacturers may use different menu names or layouts.
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- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
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Windows 10 and Windows 11
Open the taskbar’s Quick Settings and select Airplane Mode, or go to Settings > Network & internet > Airplane mode. Microsoft says Airplane Mode can turn off Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth, and NFC. Windows remembers previous Wi-Fi and Bluetooth states; if you want those connections to stay off when Airplane Mode is active, switch them off while Airplane Mode is on. See Microsoft’s Windows network settings guidance.
Turn off Wi-Fi for the home
To stop a router from broadcasting Wi-Fi, open its settings and turn off its wireless option. The exact menu and access method depend on the router and internet provider; some equipment uses a browser opened to the router’s IP address, and some requires a computer connected to the router. Consult the equipment maker or ISP for the correct instructions rather than relying on a universal menu path.
Rank #2
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- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
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Before changing the setting, identify every device that may be creating a wireless network. Google notes that a modem/router combo can continue broadcasting its own Wi-Fi even when a separate Nest Wifi or Google Wifi network is in use. Its guidance recommends disabling the combo’s Wi-Fi in that setup. See Google’s guidance on devices connected to another router’s Wi-Fi and its troubleshooting guidance for Nest Wifi or Google Wifi.
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- Expect devices using the disabled network to lose their Wi-Fi connection.
- Use the router’s wireless setting for an ordinary change; a factory reset is not the general way to turn Wi-Fi off and erases the device’s current configuration.
- If only one person or device needs to disconnect, change Wi-Fi on that device instead of interrupting the household network.
Does Airplane Mode turn Wi-Fi off?
Often initially, but Airplane Mode is not the same as a Wi-Fi-only switch. Apple describes it as turning off all radios except Bluetooth on the covered devices, while allowing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth use in Airplane Mode where permitted. Google says Pixel remembers whether Wi-Fi and Bluetooth were on or off for later Airplane Mode activations, and Microsoft documents remembered Wi-Fi and Bluetooth states in Windows. Check the individual Wi-Fi control if you need to confirm its current state.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
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- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
Rank #4
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Rank #3
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- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
If Wi-Fi comes back on
- On Pixel or Windows: Airplane Mode may restore remembered Wi-Fi or Bluetooth choices. Turn Wi-Fi off separately while Airplane Mode is active if you want it to remain off.
- On Apple devices during travel: Wi-Fi may be used in Airplane Mode if allowed by the airline. Verify the Wi-Fi control rather than assuming Airplane Mode means Wi-Fi is off.
- At home: another router, mesh unit, or modem/router combo may still be broadcasting. Check each piece of equipment before concluding that the whole home’s Wi-Fi is disabled.
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