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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →To turn off Wi-Fi on one phone or computer, use that device’s Wi-Fi control. To stop Wi-Fi throughout your home, disable wireless in the router’s settings. Airplane Mode is a broader option that can affect other wireless connections, and router changes disconnect everyone using that network.
Choose what you want to disconnect
Start with the scope. Turning off Wi-Fi on a phone or computer changes that device’s connection; turning off a router’s wireless function affects devices connected through that router. If you only want one device offline, use its own Wi-Fi control rather than changing the router.
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Airplane Mode is not always the same as switching off Wi-Fi: it can affect other radios, and some devices remember whether Wi-Fi or Bluetooth was enabled the last time Airplane Mode was used.
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Turn off Wi-Fi on a phone or computer
iPhone, iPad, or Apple Vision Pro
Use the device’s Wi-Fi control when you want to manage Wi-Fi specifically. Apple’s documented Airplane Mode instructions describe a broader option: open Control Centre and tap Airplane Mode. Apple says this turns off all radios except Bluetooth, while noting that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth may be used in Airplane Mode if the airline permits it. Follow the airline’s instructions and check the Wi-Fi state after changing the setting. Apple Support: Use Airplane Mode on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Apple Vision Pro.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Android, including Pixel
On Pixel, open Settings > Network & internet and use the Airplane mode control; you can also access it from Quick Settings by swiping down. Google says the first activation turns Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off, but you can turn them back on while Airplane Mode remains active. The phone remembers those choices for later Airplane Mode activations. Some instructions on Google’s page apply only to Android 11 and later, and menu names can differ on other Android devices. Google Pixel Phone Help: Keep your Android’s wireless connections on in Airplane mode.
Windows 10 or Windows 11
To switch off Wi-Fi specifically, use the Wi-Fi control in taskbar quick settings or the network settings for your Windows version. For the broader Airplane Mode control, open taskbar quick settings 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 to stay off during Airplane Mode, switch them off while Airplane Mode is active. Microsoft Support: Essential Network Settings and Tasks in Windows.
Rank #2
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
Turn off Wi-Fi for the whole home
Use the router’s settings to disable its wireless network. The exact menu and access steps depend on the router and internet provider; there is no universal click path. You may need to connect a computer to the router and open its settings page using the router’s IP address. Consult the router maker or ISP for the correct instructions. Google Home and Nest Help: Devices are connected to another router’s Wi-Fi network.
Check for more than one wireless broadcaster. If a separate mesh system or router is connected to a modem/router combo, the combo may continue broadcasting Wi-Fi after you change the separate router. Google specifically advises disabling the combo’s Wi-Fi when using a separate Nest Wifi or Google Wifi network. Google Home and Nest Help: Troubleshoot slow internet on Google Nest Wifi or Google Wifi.
Rank #3
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- 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.
Disabling a router’s wireless function disconnects devices relying on that Wi-Fi network. Don’t use a factory reset for this ordinary change: a reset erases the router’s configuration rather than simply switching off wireless.
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
- Full Gigabit Ports - Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
- Boosted Coverage - Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology extend and concentrate the Wi-Fi signals
- MU-MIMO technology - (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
Rank #4
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 - Designed with the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, featuring Multi-Link Operation (MLO), Multi-RUs, and 4K-QAM. Achieve optimized performance on latest WiFi 7 laptops and devices, like the iPhone 16 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
- 𝟔-𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦, 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝟔.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐭𝐡 - Achieve full speeds of up to 5764 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 688 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band with 6 streams. Enjoy seamless 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming, and incredibly fast downloads/uploads.
- 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Get up to 2,400 sq. ft. max coverage for up to 90 devices at a time. 6x high performance antennas and Beamforming technology, ensures reliable connections for remote workers, gamers, students, and more.
- 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚-𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 - 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port, 1x 2.5 Gbps LAN port and 3x 1 Gbps LAN ports offer high-speed data transmissions.³ Integrate with a multi-gig modem for gigplus internet.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Which method fits?
| Method | Scope | What it affects | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Device Wi-Fi control | One phone or computer | Wi-Fi on that device | Access to the device’s settings or quick controls |
| Airplane Mode | One phone or computer | Wi-Fi and potentially other radios; exact behavior varies by platform and remembered settings | Access to the device’s Airplane Mode control |
| Router wireless setting | Devices using that router’s Wi-Fi | The router’s wireless network | Access to the router’s administrator settings; additional routers or combos may need separate changes |
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