How to (Really) Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in IOS 11
iOS 11 is tricking you.
Sure, the operating system is packed full of new features, fixes, and an overall nicer look, but one change doesn’t hurt me (and other battery-conscious users). The updated Control Center’s actions on wireless disconnection are misleading, informing users that their Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections are disabled when they are not.
Why Control Center Doesn’t Help
In previous versions of Control Center, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth switches worked like simple on / off switches. When enabled, they will follow their standard connection protocol: Wi-Fi will try to connect to familiar networks, Bluetooth to familiar devices. In iOS 11, tapping the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons simply disconnects the phone from whatever Wi-Fi network or Bluetooth device it was using, leaving power-hungry radios on inside your iOS device.
Thus, the Control Center tricks iOS users into believing that the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios on their device are disabled when they are actually still working, providing services such as AirDrop, AirPlay, Apple Watch connectivity. and continuity, while spending what is left. your battery. Apple acknowledges the change in its support documents , but does not provide a way to customize the behavior of any connection icon.
How to actually disconnect your connections
Here’s what to do: In the settings, select the Wi-Fi (or Bluetooth) service and toggle the switch from there. Just like that. You can also select Airplane Mode in Control Center to disable connections, but this will also disable your cellular data connection.
I understand Apple’s concerns about connectivity and usability, but until it decides on the battery life of its iOS devices, I’d rather turn off the two radios entirely. Also, if I turn off Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, do you think it’s because I no longer want to use them? Come on guys.