One of the best things you can do to keep your family safe from EMF is to turn off WiFi. I know that the thought of it feels a bit like losing an arm, but remember that the benefits far outweigh the convenience. Always go with a wired ethernet connection for anything that has the option and turn off the WiFi in each of those devices (i.e. printers, desktops, televisions, video game consoles, and anything else with an ethernet jack). You’ll drastically cut the EMF and enjoy faster, more reliable, and more secure wired Internet.
In this DIY guide you’ll find out how to turn off WiFi and the solution that’s going to work best to get wired Internet connections where you need them in your home.
PS: Cordless phones can often be as dangerous as WiFi. Learn all about the dangers of cordless phone radiation in our article: Cordless Phone Radiation vs Cell Phone Radiation
Steps to turn off WiFi
Whether or not your home is already wired with ethernet connections, your first step is to examine your modem and router and make sure it has the option to turn off wireless Internet. These are the two most common setups:
Setup 1: All-in-one (modem & router)
If you’re leasing it from the Internet provider then it’s likely you have one similar to this. Notice the back panel has options for ethernet, USB, and VOIP phone to go along with the WiFi.
Setup 2: Separate modem and router.
The ethernet Internet connection goes from the modem and into the router to broadcast the WiFi signal.
Setup 1: How to turn off Wifi with an all-in-one router:
Start by searching online: “how to turn off wifi on [insert your internet provider or router brand/model here] router” then follow the steps.
You’ll probably find instructions similar to these that I found when searching for our all-in-one router using this search term: “how to turn off wifi on xfinity router”
- Connect to the router and type in your web browser enter the router’s IP address (for Comcast Xfinity the default is 10.0. 0.1). FYI, the instruction manual will have the IP address as well.
- Enter your name and password on the login page (If you don’t know the name and password, look on the router or in the instruction manual).
- Once logged in, you’ll have access to turn setting on and off, including WiFi. Navigate to Gateway > WiFi and click on ‘Edit’ for both the 2.4 GHz and the 5 GHz and disable the WiFi.
- You’ll know it’s successful when the Wifi light(s) on the front of the router turns off.
Remember that every router is slightly different and has a different IP address, so be sure to follow the instructions for your specific model.
Setup 2: How to turn off Wifi with a modem and router:
For this setup the WiFi comes only from the router, so the simplest solution is to purchase an ethernet switch that is only meant for wired Internet and connect it directly to the modem. Be sure to buy one with enough ports for the maximum number of connections you could have at one time.
They will look similar to this one pictured below and typically have 4 or more ports.
>>Check out prices & available options on Amazon
TIP: If you have a wireless router with enough ethernet jacks for what you need (they usually have four), you can use use that as long as you disable the wireless by following the same steps outlined in setup 1.
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How to install ethernet cables/connections in your home
Now that you have enough Internet connections for all your devices and are able to turn off the WiFi, it’s time to run ethernet cables to your devices in the home. The easiest way is to hire a professional, but that can get pricey. So if you like to DIY and save money (like I do)… By all means, do it yourself!
Decide how you’re going to run it
There are 4 main ways of running ethernet connections to the areas of your home that need it. Find what works best for your situation:
- Inside wall hug: Conceal the cable along the edges of carpet or tape it to the wall. It’s the easiest way, but not always the prettiest.
- Outside wall hug: Run the ethernet cables out through a vent (or you could drill a hole out) and run the cable alongside the edges of the house to the room(s) where ethernet needs to be installed. Similar to how the cable companies get cable into your home. For this option you may want to install an ethernet port in the room.
- Powerline ethernet adapter: These handy adapters use the electrical wiring of your home to transmit Internet connection. These are a great choice if you only have one or two connections you need to make or if you have a hard-to-reach area with running your cable. >>Check it out on Amazon
- In-wall: Run the ethernet through the attic or crawl space and walls and drop it into each room that needs a connection. This is by far the best long-term solution, but is also the most work. This means drilling through the floor or ceiling if you have multiple levels in your home. This video gives a great overview on how to do this.
Once you decide how you’re going to run your cable, you need to measure and purchase the equipment. For ethernet cables be sure that it is shielded cat6 and a good color for what you’re planning to do.
TIP: When measuring be generous in your measurements, and include any extra length for running up and down walls.
Turn off WiFi, connect, and go
Once you’re connected, you’ll probably find that the hardest part is to stop using your cell phone for things you should now do on your wired devices (browsing, email, videos, social media). Remember that your cell phones data connection is also radiating EMF. So keep your phone in a specific place, away from the family, so you’re not tempted to use it. Before long, using wired connections will be second nature and it’s much safer for you and your family.
Even though it takes a little bit of technical skill and planning, it’s a small price to pay for protecting your family from the dangers of EMF radiation.
PS: If you still need WiFi in your home while you get your wired Internet setup follow tips to lower your EMF exposure:
- Move the router as far away from people as possible
- Put a router guard (Faraday cage) around it to neutralize most of the EMF
- Turn it off at night. An inexpensive electrical timer does the trick!
- Purchase an EMF meter to identify other EMF hotspots (i.e. microwaves, baby monitors, cordless phones, etc.)
