How to Turn Off Internet Without Unplugging Ethernet?

Are you looking for ways how to turn off internet without unplugging ethernet? This is the guide with all the solutions you need!

We have the answers right here if you’re looking for quick ways to disable your internet connection but don’t want to mess around with your cables.

The good news is there are a ton of ways to do this, and we’ve got all the bases covered.

The quickest way to disconnect your internet without removing your network cables is to set your device to airplane mode. This setting should block all the networking features of your machine. You can also release your IP address using your machine’s command line interface. Turning off your router is a more direct alternative.

Let’s look at the different reasons you want to disconnect from the internet without unplugging your network cables.

How to Disconnect Ethernet Without Removing Cable

Of course, we know that the easiest way to disconnect your internet would be to remove your ethernet cable.

However, there are instances when you simply want to cut it off via your computer’s software.

Here are the primary reasons why you want to disconnect your internet:

1. Temporary Disconnection

Whether installing new software or configuring an existing one. There are instances when you want to disconnect your connection quickly. Knowing some of these steps will make your life a lot easier.

2. Troubleshooting Network Issues

If you’re looking for network faults, some troubleshooting steps will require disconnecting your internet.

3. Configuring Your Network

Sometimes, you’ll need to turn off the internet to set up your internet connection. Knowing how to do this will make your life a lot easier.

4. Isolating Computer Malware

Malware and viruses are spread via the internet and your network. Turning your connection off to the internet quickly can save you a lot of headaches.

Let’s now proceed to the steps you can take to turn off your internet quickly without reaching over to disconnect your ethernet cables.

How to Turn Off Internet Without Unplugging Ethernet – Easy Options

The easiest way to disconnect from the internet would be to unplug your ethernet cables.

However, that’s not always the case since if you’re checking your network, you’re also unplugging from your other devices.

There are a lot of approaches you can take here, and here are some of the best ones to try so you don’t have to yank out the network cables physically:

Option #1: Set Your Device to Airplane Mode

Setting your device to airplane mode is often the quickest option if you want to disconnect from the internet.

Although it may not apply to all scenarios, if it’s available for your device, it’s certainly worth a shot.

Here’s how to turn on airplane mode for your computer:

1. Go to your computer’s settings menu.
2. Select Network & Internet.
3. Look for Airplane Mode from the list of options.
4. Toggle the first switch to the ON position.
5. Set your WiFi switch to the OFF position.

Note: This option does not apply to computers without wireless networking. Make sure that your motherboard has WiFi capabilities if you have a PC.

Option #2: Disable Your Network Adapter

If airplane mode is not available for your machine, this one certainly is.

Whether you’re connecting to the internet via WiFi or an ethernet cable, disabling your network adapter will cut off your access to the internet.

Here’s how to disable your network adapter:

1. Open Windows Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet.
3. Select the Status option on the left menu.
4. Click on Change adapter options.
5. Right click on the active adapter, then select Disable.

Tip: You can right click on the same adapter, then click on Enable to connect to the internet.

Option #3: Disable the Internet Using Your Firewall

This particular option is useful if you want to block a specific app from accessing the internet.

Your Windows computer will come with a built-in firewall that you can configure so you can stop certain apps from connecting to the internet.

If you want to improve parental controls or stop automatic updates on your computer, this is the step that you want to take as it isolates the connection.

Here’s how to disable the internet using Windows Firewall:

1. Go to your computer’s Control Panel.
2. Select Windows Firewall.
3. Click on Advanced Settings, then Outbound Rules.
4. Create a New Rule.
5. Select programs you want to block access to the internet.

Pro Tip: You can also block all programs to disconnect the internet from your entire system. The effect would be equivalent to disconnecting your ethernet cables.

Option #4: Blacklist Your Device from the Router

Another option to block your device’s internet access would be to configure your router.

You want to add your computer to your router’s MAC filter specifically so it blocks the internet.

Here are the steps to blacklist your computer on your router:

1. Login to your router’s dashboard using a web browser.
2. Go to Network or Advanced.
3. Select Security.
4. Click on MAC Filtering.
5. Select the MAC address of the device you want to block.

Tip: You don’t even need to look for the MAC address, as your router will usually have a list of active connections. Choose the one for your computer.

Option #5: Release Your IP Address

A fast and easy way to disconnect from the internet without unplugging the ethernet cable is to release your IP address.

Releasing it means freeing up that particular address making it available for new devices.

Since you’re making it available again, your device is essentially going to give it up. Not having an IP address means that you’re not part of the network and will not have internet.

Here’s how to release your IP address:

1. Press the Win button + R to open the Run window.
2. Type in cmd to open your computer’s command line.
3. Type ipconfig /release, then hit Enter.
4. Check if you are disconnected from the internet.

Tip: To reconnect, all you need to do is type ipconfig /renew and press Enter.

Option #6: Turn Off Your Router or Modem

Finally, if you don’t want to use the other steps but still need a quick solution, you can always turn off your router or modem.

Now, this will disconnect your computer from your entire network. As long as you’re not doing something that involves the network, doing this should be fine.

It’s a quick and easy step that will instantly disconnect your device from the internet.

Just make sure that no one uses the internet on other devices as this will also affect them.

Here’s how to turn off your router or modem:

1. Look for your router or modem’s power button.
2. Press it once to power your device down.
3. You can unplug it from the wall outlet.
4. Press the power switch again if you want to turn it on.

Note: Powering up your router or modem can take a few minutes as it will need to re-establish a connection to the internet.

It’s not always that you’re going to look for a way to turn off your internet without unplugging the cables.

However, if you need a different solution, you can always contact a network professional to help you out.

Read Next: How to Watch TV Without Cable or Internet?

Bottom Line

Now that you know how to turn off internet without unplugging ethernet, you’ll be able to perform these without any issues.

There are several easy options to choose from, and each one will have a perfect scenario to use them.