Why does my Wi-Fi router keep turning off?

If you are experiencing issues on your connected device that results from your Wi-Fi router turning off repeatedly, it could be because of multiple reasons. Let us take a look at some common issues and ways to fix them.

Wi-Fi routers have become increasingly popular over the years. They allow people to connect to the internet without having to plug into a wall socket or modem of any kind. As a result, life has become much easier as people can conveniently move about to various locations with their connected devices without being constricted to one tethered spot.

However, the internet can be finicky. We have all experienced it when the Wi-Fi bar on our devices goes blank in the middle of our favorite show on Netflix or right before pressing on ‘send’ on an important email. It is extremely frustrating when you experience these sudden drops in signal strength, which could be caused by poor quality Wi-Fi signal range, overheating or overloading of the router, or even interference of its radio waves. As a result, it disrupts streaming and pauses or stops downloads, making it nearly impossible to access the internet. Here are some reasons why your Wi-Fi router keeps turning off randomly.

Why does my Wi-Fi router keep turning off?

Insufficient Wi-Fi signal range and power

Typically, the range of your Wi-Fi network can only reach so far. When you access the internet outside this range limit, you will likely experience drops in connectivity more frequently. As you move further and further away, the connection will stop permanently. As a result, your router may turn off due to its Power Mode Setting.

The Power Mode Setting on many routers is responsible for preserving the battery by turning off the device when not in use. Similarly, some anti-virus software comes with this setting as a means of protecting your device.

The solution to this issue is to place the router in the most central spot in the room or move it closer to you. As you minimize the distance between your device and your router, you increase the chances of good connectivity. You may also want to consider purchasing an antennae upgrade for your router or computer. Range extenders and mesh networks are instant problem solvers to a variety of Wi-Fi range problems.

You may also want to check your router’s settings in case it is a Power Mode Setting. Likewise, check if you installed any new applications before this issue. Make sure your device also has the appropriate settings when it comes to Wi-Fi connectivity. Most Mobile Network Settings have a setting called Smart Wi-Fi or Connection Optimizer that will automatically turn the Wi-Fi on and off. Also, check on your Network Switch setting and the option to keep your Wi-Fi on during sleep.

Overheating

Generally, a Wi-Fi router is the heartbeat of a home network. In other words, it is the ‘magic box’ that supplies Wi-Fi throughout your home. However, the truth of the matter is that it is a complex computer with many varied components, including a RAM, Operating System, and CPU. It also consists of in-built fans to keep it from overheating.

It is common for routers to overheat, especially during summer, as the temperatures rise and drop, adding to the heat from the device. Most Wi-Fi router manufacturers design their hardware to function efficiently to withstand temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius, but temperatures can quickly move beyond that into critical levels.

If your Wi-Fi router is experiencing some overheating problems, it is best to move it from an enclosed space, like your closet, or behind the couch, to a more spacious area, like on top of a table or shelf, where it will get enough supply of fresh air. As a result, your router will stop turning off randomly, and you will receive improved signal quality. It is advisable to place your router in an open area at the center of the home to ensure the signal can reach every room.

Likewise, proper ventilation of your Wi-Fi router is vital in prolonging its life and improving its performance. Make sure the vents on your router are clean and free from accumulated dirt or dust as it ensures the proper circulation of air. Store your router in an upright or vertical position to achieve a cooler device that dissipates heat better.

Furthermore, you can prevent your router from overheating by giving it time to cool down when you switch it off every once in a while. Hence, when you turn it on, it will have cooled down and rested, ready to offer you its full performance. You may also disable features on your router that you do not use, like connection logs, to reduce the functions it has to perform. However, only fiddle with such non-critical router services when you know exactly what you are doing, lest you do more harm than good to your router.

Interference and congestion

Just like radios, Wi-Fi routers work by transmitting signals through airwave frequencies, meaning some channels will connect more clearly than others. Specifically, routers are likely to face interference from other consumer electronic devices when on, like Bluetooth devices, garage door openers, microwave ovens, or cordless phones, among many others. Such electronics reduce the quality of your connection and cause your router to turn off in some cases. The router may also suffer from congestion as these consumer electronic devices fight for airwaves; thus, reducing the bandwidth available on each device and overworking the router.

If this is the case, you may want to change some Wi-Fi radio settings or simply change the channel used since it is the way the router transmits its wireless signal that affects the functioning of other devices within your vicinity. It is advisable to use channels within the 5GHz frequency as they will outperform those in the older 2.4GHz frequency. Figure out which channel has the least congestion compared to other Wi-Fi networks and switch to that ’empty’ channel.

On Mac devices, you check for available channels using its in-built Wireless Diagnostics tool, while on Windows, you have to download a third-party application, like NirSoft. Another possible solution is to avoid using your connected device when close to such electronics that drain your router of its airwaves.

Conclusion

Once you understand why your router keeps turning off, it is easy to find a solution and continue surfing the net at incredible speed. However, if your issue seems far more severe than those mentioned above, you may want to contact your Internet Service Provider. It could be a network or wiring issue that only the Internet Provider can solve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Wi-Fi signal disappear during night time?

You likely have more wireless connected devices to your router at night that degrades the quality of your signal due to interference.

Why does my router keep restarting?

There are various reasons why a router keeps restarting, including overheating, overloading, or maybe your Internet Provider keeps changing the IP address, but your router does not respond accordingly.