At first glance, it’s a very simple and at the same time controversial question. Almost always, when I was asked about how to turn off the router, I had to enter how to turn off the Wi-Fi network. So that the router does not distribute Wi-Fi, and the Internet via cable on the connected devices continues to work. In this article, we'll cover both options. I will also show you how you can quickly turn off and, if necessary, turn on the Wi-Fi network using a special button on the router's case, or from a computer, phone, tablet - through the control panel. Consider the example of routers from popular manufacturers: TP-Link, ASUS, D-Link, ZyXEL. If you have a different router, this article may come in handy. Since all actions are almost the same on all devices.
You may need to turn off your router completely. For example, when you are leaving somewhere, or you do not need the Internet. In such a case, it is best to simply unplug the power adapter from the outlet. And it is also advisable to pull out the cable from the router through which the Internet comes. This is in case there is a thunderstorm. So that the router is not damaged. I wrote about this in a separate article: after a thunderstorm, the Wi-Fi router stopped working.
The power of the router can also be turned off with the "Power On / Off" button.
True, not all routers have such a button. As a rule, it is not available on budget models.
This is for a complete shutdown. But as I wrote above, most often you only need to turn off the distribution of Wi-Fi. So that the Internet on the computer and other devices via cable continues to work.
How to turn off the Wi-Fi network with the button and through the settings (remotely)
Most router models have a "Wi-Fi On / Off" button. Depending on the model and manufacturer, this button may be in different places and may be labeled differently. But finding her is not difficult. Just press this button (perhaps hold it for 3 seconds) and Wi-Fi will turn off completely. The Wi-Fi indicator should go out. The router will not distribute the wireless network until you turn it back on with the button.
If there is no such button on your router, then you can turn off the wireless network in the control panel, which can be accessed from a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
An important point! Do not disable the wireless network through the control panel if you have all devices connected via Wi-Fi and there is no way to enter the router settings via cable. If you turn off the Wi-Fi network, you will not be able to turn it on, since you will not be able to connect to the network and go to the web interface.
Disable Wi-Fi on TP-Link
Typically, this can be done with the "Wi-Fi On / Off" or "Wireless On / Off" button. To turn off Wi-Fi, you need to hold the button down for about 5 seconds.
The corresponding indicator should go out and the wireless network will be lost. To turn it back on, you also need to press and hold the button for a couple of seconds. There is no such button on budget models such as: TP-Link TL-WR740N, TL-WR841ND, TL-WR840N, etc.
You can also go to the router settings, in the "Wireless" section, uncheck the "Enable Wireless Router Radio" checkbox and save the settings.
And a screenshot from the new control panel.
Remember to save your settings.
Wi-Fi network management on ASUS routers
Only some ASUS routers have a button that can turn off the Wi-Fi network.
But, everything can be quickly disabled through the control panel. If you do not know how to enter it, then see this instruction. Then go to the tab "Wireless" - "Professional". Disconnect the radio.
Remember to save your settings.
Also on ASUS routers, you can configure the schedule for the wireless network. It will automatically turn off and on. Read more in the article: Wi-Fi schedule on an Asus router.
D-Link
Something I have not even seen D-Link routers, which would have a button to turn off the Wi-Fi network. See if your model has it. With an inscription, or an icon.
And in the control panel (which can be accessed using this instruction), you need to go to the "Wi-Fi" section, uncheck the "Broadcast wireless network" checkbox and save the settings.
To enable, just check the box and save the settings again.
ZyXEL
You can use the button.
This button activates WPS. But if you press it and hold it for about 3 seconds, then the Wi-Fi network is completely turned off. You can tell by the off wireless indicator.
And in the settings, this can be done in the "Wi-Fi" section.
On this topic, I wrote a separate article: how to turn off Wi-Fi on a Zyxel Keenetic router.
That's all. You can leave questions in the comments. I will definitely answer everyone. Good luck!
