The short answer
For most homes, there is no need to unplug the router every night. A router is designed to run around the clock, and the savings from switching it off are usually modest. There are still sensible reasons to do it in some situations, such as wanting a break from late-night screens or going away for a long stretch. This guide covers the trade-offs so you can decide for your own household.
What unplugging a router actually does
When you cut power, the router stops routing traffic, stops broadcasting Wi-Fi and, if it is a combined modem/router, also drops its connection to your internet provider. When power returns, the device boots up, re-establishes the connection and hands out addresses to your devices again. That usually takes a few minutes, though it varies by model and provider.
Switching off only the Wi-Fi radios (through a setting or a schedule) is different. The router keeps running and stays connected to the internet, so wired devices still work, but wireless devices lose their connection.
Reasons people turn it off at night
- Less late-night screen time. Cutting the connection can act as a nudge to put devices down. The effect comes from the change in behavior rather than anything about the Wi-Fi signal itself.
- Small energy savings. Routers commonly draw somewhere in the range of 5 to 20 watts, so the saving from an overnight switch-off is small. See how many watts a modem and router use for the arithmetic.
- Health concerns. Public health bodies such as the UK Health Security Agency have said there is no consistent evidence that exposure to Wi-Fi signals from normal home equipment harms health. If this worries you, a healthcare professional can discuss it with you.
Reasons to leave it on
- Smart devices and alerts. Security cameras (see how to connect a Wi-Fi camera to your router), doorbells, thermostats and smart speakers often rely on a constant connection. Without it, you may miss alerts or recordings.
- Updates and backups. Some devices and services download updates or run backups overnight. A router that is off can delay these.
- Provider-side tasks. Some internet providers push configuration or firmware changes to their equipment at quiet hours, which can be missed if the device is off.
- Slow reconnects. Some people find that a modem takes a while to reconnect each morning, or occasionally needs a second restart.
- Hardware wear. Routers are built for continuous use, and some sources suggest repeated power cycling could add stress to components. The evidence for this is not conclusive, so it is a minor consideration rather than a reason to avoid ever restarting.
Gentler alternatives to unplugging
- Use a Wi-Fi schedule. Many routers can turn the wireless radios off and on at set times. Our guide to setting a timer or schedule on your Wi-Fi router shows how, and what to do if your router has no such option.
- Pause or limit specific devices. Parental controls or device profiles can cut off a games console or a child’s tablet at bedtime without affecting everything else.
- Use device-level settings. Do Not Disturb and bedtime modes on phones and tablets address notifications and screen time directly.
- Put only non-essential gear on a timer. A smart plug or mechanical timer can switch power on a schedule, which is a fallback when the router lacks a schedule feature. Check that nothing important depends on the router overnight first.
Should you turn it off when you go away?
For a short trip, many people leave the router on, particularly if cameras, alarms or smart heating are in use. For a long absence with nothing relying on the connection, switching it off is reasonable. Before you go, consider whether any device needs to reach the internet, and check whether your provider or equipment manufacturer has guidance on extended power-offs.
Occasional restarts are different
Restarting a router now and then, for example when the connection is acting up, is a normal troubleshooting step and is not the same as a nightly habit. If you keep needing to restart your router to stay online, the underlying cause is worth investigating. Heat can be one factor, which we cover in whether a hot router slows your internet, and a slowdown that only happens in the evening may have a different cause, as explained in why Wi-Fi slows or drops at night.
A practical way to decide
- If nothing important runs overnight and you want screen-free evenings, try a Wi-Fi schedule first.
- If you have smart home gear or rely on remote access, leave the router on.
- If your main goal is to save money, compare the numbers. The saving is usually small, so it may not justify the inconvenience.
- If you do unplug it, wait a short while before plugging it back in, and allow a few minutes for it to restart fully.
Frequently asked questions
Is it bad to turn a router off every night? It is generally not harmful in an obvious way, but it offers little benefit for most people and may cause missed updates or alerts.
Is there a timer that can turn off Wi-Fi at night? Many routers have a built-in Wi-Fi schedule. If yours does not, a plug-in timer or smart plug is an alternative.
Can I switch my broadband off at night? Yes, in most cases you can, but the specifics depend on your provider and equipment. Some services, such as home phone over the internet (see VoIP router setup), will not work while the equipment is off.