How to Set a Wi-Fi Schedule on Your Wireless Router


There are many reasons why you may want to toggle your Wi-Fi on and off according to a predefined schedule. Perhaps you are trying to discourage your kids from spending too much time on their devices, or perhaps you are trying to reduce unnecessary EMF radiation in your home.

In any case, not all wireless routers are made the same, and only some of them allow you to set an automated Wi-Fi schedule. In this guide I will describe two ways to toggle your Wi-Fi on and off according to a schedule you set.

Method 1: Get a Wireless Router with Wi-Fi Scheduling Capabilities (Recommended)

What you’ll need. In order to use this method, you’ll need a wireless router that allows you to set a Wi-Fi schedule in the settings menu of the router. Unfortunately, not many wireless routers have this functionality.

While some wireless routers allow you to set usage limits for your wireless network, few allow you to disable the Wi-Fi signal entirely. For example, the Google Wi-Fi router allows you to set time limits for individual devices on your network. It does not, however, allow you to shut the Wi-Fi off according to a schedule you set.

You’ll need to research your own device to see if it has Wi-Fi scheduling functionality. Netgear is a popular and high-quality brand that manufactures wireless routers. They have two lines of routers, the Wi-Fi 6 (AX) Nighthawk and the AC Nighthawk, which offer this capability.

I recommend the Wi-Fi 6 (AX) Nighthawk Router. Not only does it allow you to set a schedule for your Wi-Fi signal, but it’s also blazing fast and easy to set up.

Setting it up. The process for setting a schedule on your wireless router will vary by the exact model of wireless router you own. In general, though, the process is roughly the same. You’ll need to access your router’s settings menu from a computer and navigate to the Wi-Fi settings panel. From the Wi-Fi settings, you’ll be able to set a schedule for your router’s wireless signal.

In the following steps, I will walk you through the process of setting a Wi-Fi schedule for the Wi-Fi 6 (AX) Nighthawk Router.

  • Step 1. Open up an internet browser, such as Google Chrome or Safari, from your computer.
  • Step 2. Go to http://www.routerlogin.net in your browser. If this site does not work, try the following:
    • http://192.168.0.1
    • http://10.0.0.1
  • Step 3. At this point, you should see a login screen. You’ll need to enter the username and password for your router. If you have never set custom login credentials, then try using the default credentials (Username: admin and Password: password).
  • Step 4. Once logged in, click Advanced >> Advanced Setup >> Wireless Settings >> Add a New Period. Now you should see the “Wireless Signal by Schedule” screen appear.
  • Step 5. Under the heading, “When to turn off wireless signal,” select a Start and End time. This will be the time of day your wireless signal will toggle off and on.
  • Step 6. Under “Recurrence Pattern,” select Daily or Select Days. Choosing daily will toggle your wireless signal on and off at the designated times every day.
  • Step 7. Click “Apply.” You’ll notice that the “Wireless Settings” screen is now showing.
  • Step 8. Click “Turn off Wireless Signal by Schedule.”
  • Step 9. Click Apply.

For more information on how to set a Wi-Fi schedule on Netgear Nighthawk routers, visit the in-depth guide.

Method 2: Use a Physical Switch for your Wireless Router (Works for All Routers)

Note: Using a physical outlet timer will power off your entire router, not just the Wi-Fi signal. If you need a continuous internet connection for the wired devices in your home, then I recommend getting a router that allows you to set a Wi-Fi schedule, such as the Nighthawk Router by Netgear.

What you’ll need. For the second method, we’ll be using a physical outlet timer to set a schedule for your wireless router. If you don’t already own an outlet timer, then you’ll need to get one. I like this outlet timer available on Amazon. It’s durable, digital, and very easy to set.

Setting it up. Once you have everything you need, you’re ready to setup your new outlet timer and program it according to your needs.

Follow these steps to set a schedule for your wireless router using this method.

  • Step 1. Unplug your wireless router and set it aside, we won’t need it for the next couple of steps.
  • Step 2. In the outlet you typically use for your wireless router, go ahead and plug in the digital outlet timer.
  • Step 3. Follow the instructions provided by your timer to set a schedule for your wireless router to follow.
  • Step 4. Once you have set the correct schedule for your wireless router, plug it back in. You’re good to go!

Recommended Products and Conclusion

If you are concerned about your exposure to EMF radiation, then you have to check out these products below:

I hope you’ve found my guide to setting a Wi-Fi schedule helpful. If you’re interested in learning more about using Wi-Fi safely, consider checking out this article on the dangers of sleeping too close to a Wi-Fi router.

As always, I wish inner peace, strength, and the power to make changes.

In good health—cheers, friend.

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