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Article Number: 000124366

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How to Turn the Wireless Devices on a Dell Notebook On and Off

Summary: Discover how to turn the wireless devices on a Dell notebook on and off, use airplane mode, as well as troubleshooting wireless network problems.

Article Content

Symptoms

When you need to disable all the wireless connections on your Dell notebook, 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.

Refer to the expanding section that applies to your Operating System for more information and troubleshooting tips for connecting to the Internet via Wi-Fi.

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  1. Locate the wireless icon either in the taskbar or in the hidden icons area (Figure 1). Both of these locations are in the lower right-hand corner of the screen.
SLN115331_en_US__1iC_Hidden_Icons_BD_V1
Figure 1: Hidden Icon Location
  1. Select the tab below that matches the icon on your computer.
    Notes:
    • Make sure to unplug any network (Ethernet) cable or undock before performing the steps, otherwise the wireless icon may not appear correctly.
    • When you cannot find the wireless icon, reboot the computer. When it still does not show, download and install the latest drivers. For more information, refer to the How to Download and Install the Latest Dell Wireless Network Adapter Driver section.
    • For information about how to turn Bluetooth or individual devices on or off, touch or click the Bluetooth and Other Devices tab.
 


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, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Windows 10 Wireless Networking Usage and Troubleshooting Guide for the Home, refer to the I am having issues with a slow connection, getting or staying on the Internet section.

To turn the wireless (Wi-Fi) antenna off:

  1. Touch or click the Network icon (SLN115331_en_US__3I_Win_10_Available_Connected_Wireless_Icon_BD_v1).
     
  2. Touch or click the panel that is labeled Wi-Fi. The panel should turn from blue to gray as shown in Figure 2.
    Note: When you need to turn off all the wireless devices, touch or click Airplane mode. The panel should turn from gray to blue as shown in Figure 3.
    SLN115331_en_US__10Ic_Wireless_Antenna_Off_Windows_10_BD_v3 SLN115331_en_US__11iC_Airplane_Mode_On_Windows_10_BD_v3
    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, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Wireless Networking for the Home for Windows 10.

To turn the Wi-Fi antenna off:

  1. Touch or click the Network icon (SLN115331_en_US__4I_Win_10_Not_Connected_Wireless_Icon_BD_v1).
     
  2. Touch or click the panel that is labeled Wi-Fi. The panel should turn from blue to gray as shown in Figure 2.
    Note: When you need to turn off all the wireless devices, touch or click Airplane mode. The panel should turn from gray to blue as shown in Figure 3.
    SLN115331_en_US__10Ic_Wireless_Antenna_Off_Windows_10_BD_v3 SLN115331_en_US__11iC_Airplane_Mode_On_Windows_10_BD_v3
    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:

  1. Touch or click the Network icon (SLN115331_en_US__5iC_Windows_10_wifi_off_BD_v1).
  2. Touch or click the panel that is labeled Wi-Fi. The panel should turn from gray to blue as shown in Figure 2.
    Notes:
    1. When you need help with connecting to a wireless network, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Wireless Networking for the Home for Windows 10.
    2. When you need to turn off all the wireless devices, touch or click Airplane mode. The panel should turn from gray to blue as shown in Figure 3.
    SLN115331_en_US__18Ic_Wireless_Antenna_On_Windows_10_BD_v3 SLN115331_en_US__11iC_Airplane_Mode_On_Windows_10_BD_v3
    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:

  1. Touch or click the Network icon (SLN115331_en_US__6iC_Windows_10_airplane_mode_BD_v1).
  2. Touch or click the panel that is labeled Airplane mode. The panel should turn from blue to gray.
    Note: When Airplane mode still cannot be turned off, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Resolving Not Being Able to Turn Off Airplane Mode.
  3. When the panel labeled Wi-Fi is still gray, touch or click the Wi-Fi panel and it should turn from gray to blue as shown in Figure 2.
    Note: When you need help with connecting to a wireless network, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Wireless Networking for the Home for Windows 10.
    SLN115331_en_US__18Ic_Wireless_Antenna_On_Windows_10_BD_v3
    Figure 2: Wireless Antenna On
 

 


This section provides information about how to access the settings for Bluetooth and other wireless and networking functions.

To turn Bluetooth on or off, perform the following steps:
  1. Press and hold the Windows key (SLN115331_en_US__24iC_Windows_Key_BD_v4), and then press the i key.
  2. Touch or click Devices.
  3. Touch or click Bluetooth.
  4. Touch or click the slider under Bluetooth to toggle Bluetooth on and off.
  5. Touch or click More Bluetooth options to allow other Bluetooth-enabled devices to discover your computer.
To control other wireless devices individually, perform the following steps:
  1. Press and hold the Windows key (SLN115331_en_US__24iC_Windows_Key_BD_v4), and then press the i key.
  2. Touch or click Network & Internet.
  3. Select the appropriate option:
    • Check the status of your Internet connection
    • Turn the wireless antenna on and off
    • Turn on Airplane mode on and off
    • Make your computer a Mobile Hotspot
    • Change the settings for VPN, Data Usage, and Proxy servers

  1. Locate the wireless icon either in the taskbar or in the hidden icons area (Figure 1). Both of these locations are in the lower right-hand corner of the screen.
SLN115331_en_US__26iC_Hidden_Icon_Winodws_8_BD_v2
Figure 1: Hidden Icon Location
  1. Select the tab below that matches the icon on your computer.
    Notes:
    • Make sure to unplug any network (Ethernet) cable or undock before performing the steps, otherwise the wireless icon may not appear correctly.
    • When you cannot find the wireless icon, reboot the computer. When it still does not show, download and install the latest drivers. For more information, refer to the How to Download and Install the Latest Dell Wireless Network Adapter Driver section.
    • For information about how to turn Bluetooth on or off or change the settings, touch or click the Bluetooth Options and Settings tab.
 


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, refer to 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:

  1. Touch or click the Network icon (SLN115331_en_US__30iC_Wireless_Conected_Windows_8_BD_v2).
     
  2. Touch or click the slider under Wi-Fi. The slider should move to the left and change Wi-Fi from On to Off, as shown in Figure 2.
    Note: When you need to turn off all wireless devices, touch or click the slider under Airplane mode. The slider should move to the right and change Airplane Mode from Off to On, as shown in Figure 3.
    SLN115331_en_US__38I_Wireless_Antenna_Off_Windows_8_BD_v3 SLN115331_en_US__39I_Wireless_Airplane_Mode_On_Windows_8_BD_v1
    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, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Wireless Networking for the Home for Windows 8(8.1).

To turn the wireless (Wi-Fi) antenna off:

  1. Touch or click the Network icon (SLN115331_en_US__31iC_Wireless_Not_Connected_Windows_8_BD_v1).
     
  2. Touch or click the slider under Wi-Fi. The slider should move to the left and change Wi-Fi from On to Off, as shown in Figure 2.
    Note: When you need to turn off all wireless devices, touch or click the slider under Airplane mode. The slider should move to the right and change Airplane Mode from Off to On, as shown in Figure 3.
    SLN115331_en_US__38I_Wireless_Antenna_Off_Windows_8_BD_v3 SLN115331_en_US__39I_Wireless_Airplane_Mode_On_Windows_8_BD_v1
    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:

  1. Touch or click the Network icon (SLN115331_en_US__32iC_Wireless_Antenna_Off_Windows_8_BD_v1).
  2. Touch or click the slider under Wi-Fi. The slider should move to the right and change Wi-Fi from Off to On, as shown in Figure 2.
    Notes:
    1. When you need help with connecting to a wireless network, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Wireless Networking for the Home for Windows 8(8.1).
    2. When you need to turn off all wireless devices, touch or click the slider under Airplane mode. The slider should move to the right and change Airplane Mode from Off to On, as shown in Figure 3.
    SLN115331_en_US__48I_Wireless_Antenna_On_Windows_8_BD_v2 SLN115331_en_US__39I_Wireless_Airplane_Mode_On_Windows_8_BD_v1
    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:

  1. Touch or click the Network icon (SLN115331_en_US__33iC_Wireless_Airplane_Mode_On_Windows_8_BD_v1).
  2. Touch or click the slider to the right of Airplane mode, the slider should move to to the left and the listing under Airplane mode will change from On to Off, and should look like Figure 2.
  3. When the listing under Wi-Fi is still showing as Off. Touch or click the slider to the right of Wi-Fi, the slider should move to to the right and the listing under Wi-Fi will change from Off to On, and should look like Figure 2.
    Note: When you need help with connecting to a wireless network, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Wireless Networking for the Home for Windows 8(8.1).
    SLN115331_en_US__52I_Wireless_Antenna_On_Windows_8_BD_v1
    Figure 2: Wireless Antenna On
 

 


This section provides information about how to access the Bluetooth settings.

  • To turn Bluetooth on or off, perform the following steps:
    1. Touch or click the Bluetooth icon (SLN115331_en_US__34iC_Windows_8_Bluetooth_BD_v1).
    2. Touch or click Show Bluetooth Devices.
    3. Touch or click the slider under Bluetooth to toggle the Bluetooth radio on and off.
 
  • To make your computer discoverable to other Bluetooth devices, perform the following steps:
    1. Touch or click the Bluetooth icon (SLN115331_en_US__34iC_Windows_8_Bluetooth_BD_v1).
    2. Touch or click Open Settings.
    3. Touch or click to check or uncheck Allow Bluetooth devices to find this PC.
    4. Touch or click OK.


The Windows Mobility Center provides quick access to the most common mobile features.

To access the Windows Mobility Center perform the following steps:

  1. Click Start.
  2. In the search box, type Mobility Center.
  3. Click Windows Mobility Center, in the search results.
  4. Click Turn wireless off or Turn wireless on as needed.
    Note: When you cannot click Turn wireless off or Turn wireless on (grayed out), it means that the wireless hardware switch has turned the wireless radio(s) off.
    You will have to manually toggle the wireless hardware switch to turn the wireless on before you can use the Windows Mobility Center.
    Refer to Table 1 for possible key combinations and wireless hardware switch locations from most to least common.
     
    Possible Key Combinations and Wireless Switch Location
    Press and hold the SLN115331_en_US__56iC_Fn_Key_BD_v1 key and press the SLN115331_en_US__57iC_PrnScr_Key_BD_v1 key.
    Press and hold the SLN115331_en_US__56iC_Fn_Key_BD_v1 key and press the SLN115331_en_US__59iC_F2_Key_BD_v1 key.
    Press and hold the SLN115331_en_US__56iC_Fn_Key_BD_v1 key and press the SLN115331_en_US__61iC_F3_Key_BD_v1 key.
    Press the SLN115331_en_US__62iC_Single_Wireless_Key_BD_v1(1) key.
    Slider switch located on right or left-hand side of the computer
    (applies to older models of Latitude and Precision).

For more information, refer to the Quick Start Guide for your notebook, 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 can’t see my wireless network in the list, Manually set network settings, Turn off wireless (airplane) and Wireless network troubleshooter, refer to the Linux Wireless Networking site.

Refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Drivers and Downloads FAQs, and refer to 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.

Notes:
  • When the affected device has no wireless connectivity, to download a driver, you will need to do one of the following to get the driver on the affected device:
    • Connect the affected device to your router using a network cable (when that is an option).
    • Use another device that does have Internet connectivity to download the driver and use a USB Flash drive to transfer the driver to the affected device.
    • For tablets, use the USB cable that came with the tablet to transfer the driver to the tablet, which was downloaded to another device that does have Internet connectivity.
  • The network adapter drivers are located in the Network subsection.
  • For help figuring out which wireless network adapter is installed in your computer, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Drivers and Downloads FAQs, refer to the How do I determine the hardware devices that are installed in my Dell PC? section
  • After updating your wireless network adapter driver, it may be necessary to reconnect to your Wireless network. For information about connecting to your wireless network, visit our Networking and Wireless Support Center and select the Set up and Manage Wireless Networking for the Home article for your Operating System, in the Wireless Networking section.
 
Note: For additional information about Bluetooth connection issues, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Bluetooth Troubleshooting and Usage Guide
Cause
SLN115331_en_US__65Networking  SLN115331_en_US__66WiFi Our Network and Wireless support page provides additional information and resources.
Resolution

Out of Warranty support Out of warranty? No problem. Visit the Dell.com/support website and enter your Dell Service Tag and view our offers.

NOTE: Currently, offers are only available for US, Canada, UK, and France PC customers. Server and Storage not applicable.

Article Properties

Affected Product

Chromebook

Last Published Date

02 Mar 2021

Version

8

Article Type

Solution

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