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Disable the Wireless Card in Your Device

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A wireless card is a card inside of your device that allows you to connect to wireless internet networks. By disabling the wireless card, wireless interference with other devices can be prevented, and you can improve the battery life of your device when a wireless connection is not needed. In order to disable the wireless card in your device, you have three different options.

First, if your device is a laptop, there may be a switch or button located on the exterior of the laptop to enable the wireless card.

Second, you can use the function keys to enable the wireless card. However, these are brand-specific for laptops, and the keys are listed below for some brands.

  • Dell: fn + f2
  • Lenovo: fn + f5
  • Asus: fn + f2
  • Laptops with touch bars above the function keys: If you touch the WiFi symbol, it should turn either blue or orange. To disable the wireless card, turn the light orange by touching the symbol if it is blue. If it is orange, the wireless card is already disabled.

Third, you can enable your wireless card in your operating system. The steps for various operating systems are listed below.

Windows 10

  1. Right-click on the Windows Logo on the bottom left.
  2. Click on "Network Connections"
  3. Right-click on "WiFi"
  4. Select "Disable"

Windows 8

  1. Open "Network and Sharing Center"
  2. Choose "Change Adapter Settings" on the Task Panel
  3. Right-click on "Wi-Fi"
  4. Select "Disable"

Windows 7

  1. Click on "Start"
  2. Click on "Control Panel"
  3. Click on "Network and Internet"
  4. Click on "Network and Sharing Center"
  5. Choose "Change Adapter Settings" on the Task Panel
  6. Right-click on "Wireless Network Connection"
  7. Select "Disable"

Mac OS X

  1. From the menu bar, click the AirPort icon
  2. From the drop down menu, choose "Turn AirPort Off"

Android

  1. Open "Settings"
  2. Select "Wireless and Networks"
  3. Select "Wi-Fi"

iOS

  1. Open "Settings"
  2. Select "Wi-Fi"
  3. Swipe the toggle from "ON" to "OFF"

If you would like directions for enabling the wireless card in your device, please check out this article.

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