Article Number: 000124366
When you want to disable all the wireless connections on your Dell laptop, such as when you are on an airplane, you can enable Airplane Mode (Flight Mode). You can also disable individual wireless devices (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Mobile Broadband) while leaving the others enabled.
See the expanding section that applies to your Operating System for more information and troubleshooting tips for connecting to the Internet over Wi-Fi.
This icon means that your wireless antenna is on and your computer is connected to a wireless network. When you cannot get to the Internet, see the Dell Knowledge Base article Connect Laptop to Wifi and Troubleshoot Network Issues, see the I am having issues with a slow connection, getting or staying on the Internet section.
To turn the wireless (Wi-Fi) antenna off:
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Figure 2: Wi-Fi Antenna Off | Figure 3: Airplane Mode On |
This icon means that you are not connected to a wireless network, and the antenna is turned off or is disabled. For information about setting up and connecting to your wireless network, see the Dell Knowledge Base article Connect Laptop to Wifi and Troubleshoot Network Issues.
Touch or click the Network icon ().
Perform the steps according to the situation that you have.
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Figure 2: Wi-Fi Antenna Off | Figure 3: Airplane Mode On |
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Figure 4: Airplane Mode On |
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Figure 5: Wi-Fi Disabled |
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Figure 6: Airplane Mode On |
This icon means that the computer is in Airplane mode and that all wireless communication devices - including Wi-Fi, Mobile Broadband, Bluetooth, GPS, and near-field communication (NFC) are turned off.
To turn the communication devices and the wireless (Wi-Fi) antenna back on:
This section provides information about how to access the settings for Bluetooth and other wireless and networking functions.
This icon means that your wireless antenna is on and your computer is connected to a wireless network. When you cannot get to the Internet, see the Dell Knowledge Base article Connect Laptop to Wifi and Troubleshoot Network Issues, see the I am having issues with a slow connection, getting or staying on the Internet section.
To turn the wireless (Wi-Fi) antenna off:
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Figure 2: Wi-Fi Antenna Off | Figure 3: Airplane Mode On |
This icon means that the wireless (Wi-Fi) antenna is on, but you are not connected to a wireless network. For information about setting up and connecting to your wireless network, see the Dell Knowledge Base article Connect Laptop to Wifi and Troubleshoot Network Issues.
To turn the Wi-Fi antenna off:
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Figure 2: Wi-Fi Antenna Off | Figure 3: Airplane Mode On |
This icon means that the wireless (Wi-Fi) antenna is off.
To turn the Wi-Fi antenna on:
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Figure 2: Wi-Fi Antenna On | Figure 3: Airplane Mode On |
This icon means that the computer is in Airplane mode and that all wireless communication devices - including Wi-Fi, Mobile Broadband, Bluetooth, GPS, and near field communication (NFC) -are turned off.
To turn the communication devices and the wireless (Wi-Fi) antenna back on:
This section provides information about how to access the settings for Bluetooth and other wireless and networking functions.
This icon means that your wireless antenna is on and your computer is connected to a wireless network. When you cannot get to the Internet, see the Dell Knowledge Base article Resolving Connection Issues on Your Wi-Fi Network for Windows 8(8.1).
To turn the wireless (Wi-Fi) antenna off:
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Figure 2: Wi-Fi Antenna Off | Figure 3: Airplane Mode On |
This icon means that the wireless antenna is on, but you are not connected to a wireless network. For information about setting up and connecting to your wireless network, see the Dell Knowledge Base article Wireless Networking for the Home for Windows 8(8.1).
To turn the wireless (Wi-Fi) antenna off:
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Figure 2: Wi-Fi Antenna Off | Figure 3: Airplane Mode On |
This icon means that the wireless (Wi-Fi) antenna is off.
To turn the wireless (Wi-Fi) antenna on:
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Figure 2: Wi-Fi Antenna On | Figure 3: Airplane Mode On |
This icon means that the computer is in Airplane Mode and that all the wireless communication devices including Wireless (Wi-Fi), Mobile Broadband, Bluetooth, GPS, near field communication (NFC) and any other type of wireless communication are turned off.
To turn the communication devices and the wireless (Wi-Fi) antenna back on:
This section provides information about how to access the Bluetooth settings.
The Windows Mobility Center provides quick access to the most common mobile features.
To access the Windows Mobility Center, perform the following steps:
Possible Key Combinations and Wireless Switch Location |
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Press and hold the ![]() ![]() |
Press and hold the ![]() ![]() |
Press and hold the ![]() ![]() |
Press the ![]() |
Slider switch that is on right or left side of the computer (applies to older models of Latitude and Precision.) |
For more information, see the Quick Start Guide for your laptop, as this is the best place to find that information.
For information about Linux issues such as Connect to a wireless network and hidden wireless network, Connect to a VPN and Mobile Broadband network, Create a wireless hotspot, I cannot see my wireless network in the list, manually set network settings, Turn off wireless (airplane) and Wireless network troubleshooter, see the Linux Wireless Networking site.
See the Dell Knowledge Base article Drivers and Downloads FAQs, and see the How do I download and install a device driver? section. This article provides information about how to download drivers for the wireless network adapter installed in your computer.
Out of warranty? No problem. Browse the Dell.com/support website and enter your Dell Service Tag and view our offers.
05 Jan 2023
15
Solution