Disabling Wifi in Control Center

Why I couldn't disable my WIFI in the Control Center after updating to iOS 11? What's the point of only disconnecting from current network while the wifi is still on, consuming power & yet you can't choose the next network to connect to? It's a big hassle having to go to the Settings to turn off the WIFI every time.

Please bring back the good old quick way of disabling WIFI in Control Center.

iPhone 6, iOS 11.0.1

Posted on Sep 30, 2017 7:57 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 11, 2017 12:03 PM

Here is what happened:


  • Apple added a feature to disconnect from the current network without turning off Wi-Fi (likewise, Bluetooth)
  • They implemented this using the redundant button on the Control Center
  • They did not remove the ability to turn off Wi-Fi (Bluetooth) - you can still do it 3 different ways:
    • Settings/Wi-Fi - OFF
    • "Hey Siri, turn off Wi-Fi"
    • Hold the HOME button and say "Turn off Wi-Fi"
  • The only change is instead of 4 ways to turn off Wi-Fi, now there are only 3, but there is a very valuable new feature that no other phone offers.


Considering that there is practically no valid reason to ever turn off Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and several reasons to leave them on all the time, this was a very smart move on Apple's part.

7 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 11, 2017 12:03 PM in response to svaardt

Here is what happened:


  • Apple added a feature to disconnect from the current network without turning off Wi-Fi (likewise, Bluetooth)
  • They implemented this using the redundant button on the Control Center
  • They did not remove the ability to turn off Wi-Fi (Bluetooth) - you can still do it 3 different ways:
    • Settings/Wi-Fi - OFF
    • "Hey Siri, turn off Wi-Fi"
    • Hold the HOME button and say "Turn off Wi-Fi"
  • The only change is instead of 4 ways to turn off Wi-Fi, now there are only 3, but there is a very valuable new feature that no other phone offers.


Considering that there is practically no valid reason to ever turn off Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and several reasons to leave them on all the time, this was a very smart move on Apple's part.

Nov 12, 2017 1:16 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

It is odd, that the Control Center's buttons for Mobile Data & Bluetooth when selected toggle on/off each respective service yet the WiFi button does not. I find that breaks the consistency of the user interface and in fact is pointless to disconnect from an Access point only.


Turning WiFi on/off is purposeful, in that it reduces battery drain, and additionally increases security when out and about.

Likewise, if you don't have a Bluetooth earphone, then why have that service switched on.


Unfortunately, the Settings toggle for WiFi doesn't respond very well, taking up to 4 seconds to do something after you press it.... which can leave you wondering if you hit the right area on the screen, and pressing it again... thus undoing whatever you had intended.

Nov 12, 2017 6:49 AM in response to svaardt

svaardt wrote:


It is odd, that the Control Center's buttons for Mobile Data & Bluetooth when selected toggle on/off each respective service yet the WiFi button does not.

As noted above, you're incorrect about BT. It also makes sense that the Cellular data button works differently. Unlike WiFi an BT, leaving cellular data on can use lots of battery. But, more significantly, a phone can only connect to one cellular data network. Even if you could simply disconnect from the cellular network without turning off cellular data, there would be no benefit or purpose. You would still be using power, you wouldn't switch over to WiFi.


I don't know that it's impossible create a setting that disconnects a phone from its cellular data network but leaves the feature on. I do know that I've never seen such a setting on any model of phone.

Nov 12, 2017 1:51 AM in response to svaardt

the Control Center's buttons for Mobile Data & Bluetooth when selected toggle on/off each respective service yet the WiFi button does not.


No, they don't. Both Wifi and Bluetooth merely disconnect from the current connection. They do not turn off from Control Centre.


Use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in Control Center with iOS 11 - Apple Support

User uploaded file


in that it reduces battery drain, and additionally increases security when out and about.

No, it doesn't. It has been proven that connecting/disconnecting uses less power than turning off and on. This is why Apple relocated those settings. This is an urban myth along with security concerns. You can't be joined to networks without your knowledge or consent.



Having said that, let Apple know what you believe.


Feedback for Apple goes here >>> http://www.apple.com/feedback/

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Disabling Wifi in Control Center

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