Learning how to automate the on/off cycle of your WiFi router will give you many advantages. This will allow you to optimize the performance of your home network and the best thing of all is that it is a simple process if you follow the right steps.
WiFi routers are a fundamental piece of equipment in any location, as they are responsible for distributing the Internet to various devices within a certain range. Whatever the scenario you find yourself in, the constant use of these devices can lead to unnecessary energy consumption.
Beyond wanting to save on the electricity bill , excessive use of the Internet by the youngest members of the household is also something that can lead to potential health problems related to prolonged exposure to electromagnetic waves.
No matter what the reason is that you are considering scheduling your Wi-Fi router to turn on and off , optimizing and minimizing its impact are things that you can achieve quickly and easily. If this is exactly what you need, in this article we explain everything you should know about it.
- How to schedule the WiFi router to turn on and off?
- What to do if my router does not have the scheduling option?
How to schedule the WiFi router to turn on and off?
This feature varies depending on the router model you have . Some of the more modern ones usually incorporate the Usage Schedule or Programming feature that is activated in practically minutes from the router’s administration interface.
Ideally, you should check your device’s instruction manual to see if it has this feature. However, you also have the option of checking from the model’s official website or by accessing the interface.
In this case, the steps to program the WiFi router vary depending on the internet provider. However, in general, the process consists of following these steps:
- Get the IP address of the router , you can find it in the specifications or search for it manually from the cmd with the code “ipconfig” (in Determined Gateway).
- Copy that IP and paste it into your web browser.
- Enter your username and password, which are usually “admin”. If not, you have the option to reset your username and password to create new data.
- Please note that you may be asked for the router’s PIN , which is located on the label.
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- Look in your router’s menu for the settings section related to scheduling or auto on/off. Specific names may vary, but some common terms include WiFi Scheduler, Time Control, Auto On/Off, or Power Management .
- Select the days and times you want the router to be on or off. You can create multiple schedules for different days or time slots.
- Save the changes made to the router settings to confirm.
If you don’t see any of these scheduling options, then your WiFi router is not capable of performing scheduling actions.
While these smart devices make the whole process easier for you, most of the ones that have this feature are expensive and switching to one of them may not be what you are looking for.
The good news is that this is not the only method to achieve automatic power on and off on your device. If you have an older router or one that does not have this feature, continue with the next process.
What to do if my router does not have the scheduling option?
If your router doesn’t have a built-in scheduling feature, there is an alternative to achieve similar control. The most effective way to determine active and inactive hours for this device is to connect it to a smart plug.
This accessory allows you to program its connection status to the power source, making your WiFi router disconnect at specific time intervals. However, it is best if it has a manual button to have greater control in case of any configuration issues.
There are many models that have their own app where you can adjust the parameters from your mobile phone whenever you want . Some of these are those from TP-Link and Meross, since almost all the smart plugs they offer have advanced features.
In short, these are the two most effective ways to configure your WiFi router to be used only during the hours you decide. Doing it manually is also an option, but considering the recommendations in this article will surely give you greater comfort.