Updated October 18, 2026: Corrected the electricity calculation and replaced vague rest-and-security claims with a practical departure checklist.
Leave your router on if you need internet-connected cameras, alarms, remote access or other devices while you are away. Turning it off is reasonable when nothing depends on that connection, but calculate the actual saving before making the decision.
Check what would stop working
List your cameras, smart doorbell, heating controls, NAS, remote desktop, internet-based telephone service and any other equipment that needs the home connection. Some devices can continue limited local functions without internet; that does not mean remote notifications and recordings will continue normally.
Test the feature you plan to rely on from a mobile-data connection before leaving. A camera that works while your phone is on home Wi-Fi may still be unavailable remotely; CGNAT or an upstream router may affect that connection.
Calculate the electricity cost correctly
Use measured power where possible. The maximum rating printed on a power adapter is not the router’s continuous real-world draw.
Cost = watts ÷ 1,000 × hours × electricity price per kWh.
| Illustrative router draw | Energy over 14 days | Cost at €0.30/kWh |
|---|---|---|
| 5 watts | 1.68 kWh | €0.50 |
| 10 watts | 3.36 kWh | €1.01 |
| 20 watts | 6.72 kWh | €2.02 |
These are calculated examples, not measurements of your equipment. Include a separate modem, optical-network terminal or mesh nodes if you intend to disconnect those too.
Turning off Wi-Fi is not turning off the router
Some models offer wireless schedules or an energy-saving mode. Disabling a wireless radio can leave wired internet devices working while disconnecting wireless ones. Check the exact model’s behavior before using a schedule with cameras or other devices you need overnight. A model-specific review, such as our ASUS TUF-AX5400 guide, can help you identify the relevant hardware and support information.
A router does not need a holiday simply because it has been running continuously. Give it ventilation, keep it away from heat and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions. Shutting it down is not a substitute for a strong administrator password and supported firmware.
Before you leave
- Install any planned firmware update early enough to test normal operation afterward.
- Check remote access from outside the home network.
- If shutting down, confirm which devices will lose service and how to restart the equipment.
- Do not use a remote smart plug to disconnect the only router it needs in order to receive a later power-on command.
On return, allow the modem/ONT and router to reconnect before troubleshooting. If the router will not power up, check the adapter and socket before considering a factory reset.
Images from the original article
These original illustrations are retained for reference. Product examples and software screens may show older versions; use the model-specific instructions above.
