Prevent WiFi Auto-Activation on Android: Step-by-Step Guide and Tips

Understanding the Issue

If your Android device keeps turning on Wi-Fi automatically, it can be frustrating and drain your battery. This issue often arises due to specific settings or features enabled on your device. Here’s how you can address this problem effectively.

1. Modify Wi-Fi Preferences

To prevent your Android device from turning on Wi-Fi automatically, you need to adjust the Wi-Fi preferences. Here are the steps:

Open Settings: Navigate to the Settings app on your phone.
Go to Connections: Select the "Connections" or "Network & Internet" option, depending on your device.
Select Wi-Fi: Tap on the Wi-Fi option.
Access Advanced Settings: Tap the three-dot menu (kebab menu) in the top right corner and select "Advanced" or "Intelligent Wi-Fi."
Disable Automatic Wi-Fi: Toggle off the switch next to "Turn on Wi-Fi automatically" or "Turn Wi-Fi on/off automatically." This feature is designed to turn on Wi-Fi when you are in frequently visited places, so disabling it will prevent automatic Wi-Fi connections.

2. Disable Adaptive Connectivity (For Pixel Phones)

If you are using a Pixel phone, Adaptive Connectivity might be the culprit. This feature switches between mobile data and Wi-Fi based on your usage, which can sometimes turn on Wi-Fi automatically. Here’s how to disable it:

Open Settings: Go to the Settings app.
Navigate to Network & Internet: Select "Network & Internet."
Find Adaptive Connectivity: Go to "Adaptive connectivity."
Turn Off Adaptive Connectivity: Toggle off the switch next to "Adaptive connectivity".

3. Check and Disable Auto-Connect for Specific Networks

Sometimes, specific networks might be set to auto-connect, causing your Wi-Fi to turn on automatically. Here’s how to disable this:

Open Settings: Go to the Settings app.
Go to Connections: Select the "Connections" or "Network & Internet" option.
Select Wi-Fi: Tap on the Wi-Fi option.
Manage Saved Networks: Look for the saved networks list and find the network that might be causing the issue.
Disable Auto-Connect: Tap on the network and disable the "Auto-connect" option.

4. Review App Permissions

Some apps may have permissions to control your network settings, leading to automatic Wi-Fi connections. Here’s how to review and disable these permissions:

Open Settings: Go to the Settings app.
Navigate to Apps: Select "Apps" or "Application Manager."
Special Access: Search for "Special access" and select it.
Modify System Settings: Find the "Modify system settings" option and review the list of apps with this permission.
Disable Permissions: Disable the permissions for any apps that you do not trust or that are not necessary.

5. Disable Wi-Fi Calling

Wi-Fi calling can also cause your Wi-Fi to turn on automatically. Here’s how to disable it:

Open Settings: Go to the Settings app.
Navigate to Network & Internet: Select "Network & Internet."
Find Wi-Fi Calling: Go to "Wi-Fi Calling" or "Advanced Calling."
Turn Off Wi-Fi Calling: Toggle off the switch next to "Wi-Fi Calling".

6. Reset Network Settings

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, you might need to reset your network settings. This will restore all network configurations to their default settings.

Open Settings: Go to the Settings app.
Navigate to General Management: Select "General management."
Reset: Scroll down and select "Reset."
Reset Network Settings: Choose "Reset network settings" and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

By following these steps, you can effectively prevent your Android device from turning on Wi-Fi automatically, ensuring better control over your device's connectivity and battery life.