For most people, WiFi installation is a one-time thing. They install the connection in their homes and forget about it. But sometimes people also wonder if turning off the WiFi is a good option. Running a WiFi all the time is not a technical issue. People think that turning off the WiFi router may keep it in good condition. But is it true? Does this have any factual evidence that turning it off can improve the lifespan?
But there seems to be no common consensus about if the WiFi should be off. It is very common to leave the router on at all times. But many people believe turning it off at night is a better practice. Let us find out more about this issue in the detailed article below.
Developers make routers so that they can be on all the time
Keeping the router on at all times is a convenience factor. Router developers made it in a way that it can work non-stop. Additionally, many home devices now work on the WiFi network. If you need your devices to work throughout the day, it can be hard to turn them off.
There are many cloud-based backup systems that work on WiFi. Like backup of your Google phones, iCloud, and WhatsApp chats happen at midnight. Most bulky data is auto-backed up at the night. Once you turn off your WiFi at night these things will not be back up in time.
So, keeping the WiFi on is a matter of convenience. Also, there is no concrete proof that switching it off has any lifespan benefits for the router. But WiFi network providers always suggest turning it off when you are away for a long time. If you go on vacation or leave your home for many days, turn the WiFi off. Most of us are constantly dependent on the internet, so turning it off may be difficult. It is normal to try and maintain an uninterrupted connection.
Turning off the router may disable other devices
The WiFi router and modem can provide a connection to multiple devices. In case you switch off the router for some time, it may disrupt other devices. Any device that works on IoT can go off. Devices like,
- Cell phone
- Tablet
- Laptop
- Doorbell
- Security camera
- Thermostat
- Smoke detector
- Vacuum cleaners
- Smart outlet (Wemo)
- Light bulbs
- Door lock
- Television
- Google Nest, Amazon Alexa, Apple Hub
- Swimming pool equipment
- Refrigerator
- Oven
All of these can be adversely affected. In case you have tasks scheduled on these devices, they may not function. Wireless internet emits EMF radiation through the wireless internet. That is what makes all IoT devices in the house work smoothly. If you turn off the WiFi everything will stop working.
Why turning off your router at night is a good idea
There are also some advantages to switching off the WiFi during the night.
- Security issues
There are many incidents of fraud and scams on an open WiFi network. If tech-savvy people get hold of your credentials it increases the risk of identity theft by cyber crooks. From monetary scams to data loss, a lot can happen.
- Conserving energy
If you have no need for the WiFi at night, you can switch it off to save power. This helps bring down your energy bills and makes your home more energy-efficient.
- Surge problem
If your WiFi has a usage limit then you can switch it off when not in use. At night some devices may keep using the internet and create a surge issue. That is why turning it off at night can be a good idea.
Parting Thoughts
It is always a good idea to turn off your router once every few months to avoid issues. You do not have to do this regularly or every night. There is no proven expansion of longevity due to this practice. But if you worry about security issues you can turn it off. Or if you have a data usage limit then you can turn it off. But if you like to stay connected at all times, keep it on. You will face no major issues if you keep it on all the time. In case the WiFi starts acting up, turn it off a few times. This process helps the router work smoothly.
Want to get reliable WiFi and wireless internet for yourself, no matter where you are? Talk to us at Wireless Solutions today!
