On Android, turn off Wi-Fi scanning in Location settings. On Android 12 and later, go to Settings > Location > Location Services; on Android 11 and earlier, go to Settings > Location > Wi-Fi scanning. This disables the named scanning feature, but it does not guarantee that every app or system function has stopped using the Wi-Fi radio to look for networks.
Turn off Wi-Fi scanning on Android
- Android 12 and later: Open Settings > Location > Location Services > Wi-Fi scanning, then switch Wi-Fi scanning off.
- Android 11 and earlier: Open Settings > Location > Wi-Fi scanning, then switch it off.
Google says this setting allows the device to scan for nearby Wi-Fi access points to help apps obtain better location information. Menu names and locations can vary by manufacturer. If the listed path does not match your phone, search Settings for “Wi-Fi scanning.”
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What the setting does—and does not—stop
The Wi-Fi scanning toggle is specifically for the location-related scanning feature. It is not a universal off switch for all Wi-Fi activity. Android apps can also request scans through the WifiManager.startScan() API, subject to permissions and system limits. Android 10 and later limit background apps collectively to one scan request per 30 minutes and foreground apps to four requests in two minutes. Those are limits on app requests, not proof that the device radio never scans for other system functions.
Google’s Android vitals documentation classifies a background app as scanning excessively when it performs more than four scans per hour. That is Google’s diagnostic threshold for background app behavior, not a general hardware or legal limit. Google notes that background scans wake the CPU and excessive scanning can noticeably shorten battery life.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Choose broader location controls only if needed
| Control | Scope | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi scanning | The named Wi-Fi scanning feature used to help apps get location information. | Start here if your goal is to disable that feature while leaving broader location settings unchanged. |
| Location Accuracy | Google Location Services can use Wi-Fi access points, cellular networks, GPS and device sensors to estimate location. | Turning it off stops that service from collecting wireless signals and sensor data, but may reduce the availability or accuracy of services such as Maps or finding a lost device. |
| Device Location | A broader device setting that controls whether apps receive the device’s location. | Location-based features may not work properly. Emergency location behavior and carrier handling can still apply. |
These are separate controls: disabling Location Accuracy or all device Location is not required just to turn off Wi-Fi scanning. Use the broader options only if their additional privacy scope is worth the effect on location-dependent features.
If battery drain continues
- Check your phone’s battery-usage screen for apps using substantial power, and consider whether the issue began after installing or updating an app.
- Review location permissions and the settings of apps that rely on nearby-network discovery or location. Change only the permissions or features you do not need.
- If you are developing or diagnosing an app, Android’s Battery Historian can help inspect scan activity by app. The cited Android documentation does not establish a universal consumer-facing screen that lists every app’s Wi-Fi scans.
Do not assume a particular app is responsible without device-specific evidence; battery use alone does not prove that an app is repeatedly scanning.
Rank #2
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
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- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
Windows 11: limit location access, not every Wi-Fi scan
In Windows 11, open Settings > Privacy & security > Location to turn location services off or manage location access for apps. Microsoft explains that Windows location can use nearby wireless access points, and access to nearby networks or BSSIDs through Wi-Fi APIs is gated by location consent.
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This is a location-privacy control, not a dedicated setting guaranteed to stop all Wi-Fi scanning. Microsoft cautions that some third-party applications may use radio-based technologies even when device location is off. Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, so these steps are for Windows 11 rather than current mainstream Windows 10 support guidance.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Identify your device before following other instructions
Android’s dedicated toggle and its menu path depend on Android version, while Windows exposes location and app-access controls rather than the same Android switch. If you use another platform, identify the operating system and version before applying platform-specific instructions; the controls described here should not be assumed to exist there.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- ACTIVATION Promotion: Includes 1500 min, 1500 texts & 1500 MB Data + add more as you need it
- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- PERFORMANCE: Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
Rank #4
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
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