Sometimes the Internet Needs to Stop
Pausing Wi-Fi isn’t just a parental control — it’s useful for enforcing screen-free dinners, focusing on work without distraction, or stopping a smart device that’s misbehaving. Most modern routers and mesh systems support pausing, but the feature is buried in different places depending on your hardware.
Google Nest Wi-Fi / Google Wi-Fi
- Open the Google Home app
- Tap Wi-Fi → Family Wi-Fi
- Create a group (e.g., “Kids’ devices”) and add devices
- Tap the group and select Pause
You can also set schedules — automatically pause a group from 8 PM to 7 AM, for example. Individual devices can be paused by tapping them in the device list.
TP-Link (Archer / Deco)
Deco mesh: Open the Deco app → tap a device → toggle Internet Access off. For scheduling: Deco app → Parental Controls → create a profile → add devices → set bedtime and time limits.
Archer routers: Open Tether app → Parental Controls → add a profile → set time limits and bedtime schedules.
ASUS Routers
Open the ASUS router app or web interface → Parental Control → Time Scheduling. You can block internet access per device on specific days and times. For an immediate pause: go to Network Map → Clients → select a device → Block.
Eero
Open the Eero app → Scheduled (under Profiles) → create a schedule for a group of devices. For immediate pause: Eero app → Profiles → select a profile → toggle Pause. Eero’s pause is instant — devices lose internet access within seconds.
Netgear (Nighthawk / Orbi)
Open the Nighthawk or Orbi app → Parental Controls → Time Limits. Create a profile, add devices, and set time limits or pause schedules. Netgear’s Circle integration provides more granular controls (pause by app, category, or device) but requires a Circle subscription for full features.
The Nuclear Option: Disable Wi-Fi Entirely
Most routers let you disable the Wi-Fi radio entirely — this kills wireless for all devices, including your own. Usually done through the router’s web interface: log in → Wireless settings → Disable wireless radio. Some routers have a physical button for this. It’s crude but effective when you need a complete internet break.
Important: disabling the Wi-Fi radio doesn’t affect wired (Ethernet) devices. If you need to cut all internet, you’ll need to disconnect the WAN cable or disable the WAN port in the router settings.