There are good reasons why you might want to turn off WiFi on your Optimum router. The most common one? You bought your own router or mesh WiFi system and need the Optimum gateway’s wireless radio turned off so it won’t conflict with your new setup. When two WiFi networks run on the same frequencies in the same house, you get signal interference and connection problems. Your devices might bounce between the two networks or cling to the weaker one.
Other reasons are more straightforward. Maybe you’ve connected everything with Ethernet cables and just don’t need wireless anymore. Maybe you want WiFi off at night. Or maybe guests keep connecting to the Optimum WiFi instead of your personal network, and you’d rather remove that option completely.
How you do it depends on your gateway model. Optimum has shipped several different gateways over the years, including Ubee, Sagemcom, and newer Altice-branded units. The steps vary slightly between models. Some let you disable WiFi through the admin page at 192.168.1.1, while others work through the Optimum app. This guide walks through every method and every common gateway model.
How to Turn Off WiFi on Optimum Router Through the Admin Page
The most dependable way to disable WiFi on any Optimum gateway is through the router’s built-in admin page. This method works on every model, no matter how old.
- Open a web browser on any device connected to your Optimum network, either over WiFi or through an Ethernet cable. Type 192.168.1.1 into the address bar and hit Enter. That’s the default gateway address for most Optimum routers. If the page doesn’t load, try 10.0.0.1 instead. You should see a login screen.
- Log in with your router’s admin credentials. The default username is usually “admin” and the default password is printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of the router. Look for a label that says “Default Password” or “Admin Password.” If someone changed the password and you can’t remember it, you’ll need to factory reset the router by holding the reset button on the back for about 10 seconds. That brings back the original defaults.
- After logging in, find the section called Wireless Settings, WiFi Settings, or something along those lines. The exact name changes depending on your model. On Ubee gateways, it’s typically under Wireless in the top menu. On Sagemcom models, look under WiFi, or go to Advanced and then Wireless. On newer Altice gateways, check under Network Settings.
- You’ll see separate settings for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. You need to disable both to fully turn off WiFi. If you leave one band active, the router is still broadcasting a wireless signal, and devices can still connect.
- Most Optimum gateways have an “Enable Wireless” toggle or checkbox for each band. Set both to off or disabled. On some Ubee and Sagemcom models, this setting is under Advanced, then Wireless, then Basic Settings. You might see a toggle switch, a dropdown menu, or a checkbox depending on the firmware version.
- After turning off both bands, click Save or Apply. The change takes effect within seconds. The WiFi LED on the front of the router should go dark. If you were connected over WiFi, your device will disconnect right away. Make sure you have another way to reach the internet (like an Ethernet cable) before saving, or you’ll lock yourself out of the admin page.
How to Disable WiFi on Optimum Router Using the Optimum App
If you’d prefer to skip the admin page, the Optimum app gives you an easier way to manage WiFi settings, at least on newer gateways.
- Download the Optimum app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Sign in with your Optimum account credentials. These are the email and password you use to pay your bill and manage your account online. They’re not the same as the router admin credentials you use at 192.168.1.1. Those are two separate logins for two separate things.
- Once you’re signed in, go to the WiFi or Network section of the app. You should see your WiFi network name along with options to manage it. Depending on your gateway model and app version, you may see options to pause WiFi completely, disable the wireless radio, or manage individual device access.
The app also supports scheduled WiFi on/off times on compatible gateways. This is handy if you want WiFi to shut off automatically at midnight and come back at 6 AM. Look for scheduling or parental control options within the WiFi settings section.
Keep in mind that what the app can do depends heavily on your gateway model. Newer gateways, especially the Altice-branded models from recent years, give you full control through the app. You can enable, disable, and schedule WiFi without ever opening a browser.
Older gateways like the Ubee DVW32CB have limited or no app support. If you have an older model, the app might show basic network info but won’t let you toggle WiFi on or off. In that case, stick with the 192.168.1.1 admin page method described above.
Which Optimum Router Model Do I Have
Optimum doesn’t let you pick your gateway. When you sign up or upgrade service, they send whatever model they’re deploying in your area at the time. Over the years, that’s meant different devices from different manufacturers, each with its own admin interface.
To figure out which model you have, check the label on the bottom or back of the router. It shows the manufacturer, model number, default admin password, default WiFi name and password, and MAC address. That label has everything you need.
The Ubee DVW32CB is one of the older models Optimum used. It’s a DOCSIS 3.0 device with a straightforward admin interface. The menus are simple and text-based, but every setting you need is there. WiFi controls sit under the Wireless tab at the top of the admin page.
The Sagemcom F@ST 5260 and 5280 came along later. These have a more polished admin interface with graphical elements and toggle switches. WiFi settings are under the WiFi section in the left-side navigation menu. These models work better with the Optimum app compared to the older Ubee units.
We walk through modem router combo for optimum step by step in a separate post.
The newest devices are the Altice-branded gateways. They’re designed to be managed mainly through the Optimum app, though they still have a browser-based admin page at 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1. The admin interface on these gateways looks different from the older models and may expose fewer settings in the browser, steering you toward the app instead.
| Router Model | Default Admin URL | Default Username | Default Password | WiFi Settings Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ubee DVW32CB | 192.168.1.1 | admin | On router label | Wireless tab at top menu |
| Sagemcom F@ST 5260 | 192.168.1.1 | admin | On router label | WiFi section in left menu |
| Sagemcom F@ST 5280 | 192.168.1.1 | admin | On router label | WiFi section in left menu |
| Altice Gateway (newer) | 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1 | admin | On router label | Network Settings or via Optimum app |
If the label on your router has worn off or become unreadable, you can usually find the model number in the admin page itself. Log in at 192.168.1.1 and look for a section called Device Info, Status, or About. The model number and firmware version are typically listed there.
How to Turn Off Optimum WiFi to Use Your Own Router
This is far and away the most common reason people disable WiFi on their Optimum gateway. You picked up a better router, maybe a Netgear Nighthawk, a TP-Link Archer, an ASUS RT-AX series, a Google Nest WiFi, or an Eero mesh system, and you want to use that instead of the Optimum gateway’s built-in WiFi. Good call. Standalone routers and mesh systems almost always do a better job than ISP-issued gateways when it comes to range, speed, and features.
The issue is that if you plug in your own router without disabling the Optimum WiFi, you end up with two wireless networks broadcasting in the same space. Your phone might grab the Optimum network in the kitchen while your laptop connects to your personal router in the bedroom. Devices jump between them randomly. Smart home gadgets get confused and drop offline. It’s not a fun situation.
The proper setup is pretty simple. First, disable WiFi on the Optimum gateway using either the admin page or the Optimum app (both methods are covered above). Then connect your own router to one of the Optimum gateway’s Ethernet ports with a standard Ethernet cable. Plug one end into any LAN port on the Optimum gateway and the other end into the WAN or Internet port on your router. Your router now handles all WiFi. The Optimum gateway just acts as a modem, talking to Optimum’s network and passing your internet connection through.
Here’s how to think about it. The Optimum gateway is a two-in-one device: part modem, part router. You want to keep the modem part running because that’s your link to the internet. But you want the router and WiFi part shut off because your own equipment does that job better. Turning off the gateway’s WiFi basically makes it work like a modem-only device, even though its routing functions are technically still active.
Some people wonder about “bridge mode” on the Optimum gateway. True bridge mode would turn off all routing functions and make the gateway a pure modem. Most Optimum gateways don’t support true bridge mode. What you’re doing instead, disabling WiFi and connecting your own router behind the gateway, creates what’s known as a double-NAT setup. Both the Optimum gateway and your router are doing network address translation.
For most home users, double-NAT doesn’t cause any noticeable problems. Streaming, browsing, email, video calls, all of it works fine. Gamers and people running home servers might run into issues with port forwarding, NAT type restrictions, or VPN connections. If that sounds like you, placing your router’s IP address in the Optimum gateway’s DMZ settings can help. This passes all traffic straight through to your router. You could also skip the Optimum gateway entirely and buy your own DOCSIS-compatible modem, but Optimum’s support for third-party modems has been hit or miss. Check with them first.
| Setup | Using Optimum WiFi Only | Using Your Own Router with Optimum Gateway |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi source | Optimum gateway | Your own router or mesh system |
| Optimum gateway WiFi | Enabled | Disabled |
| Connection to your router | Not applicable | Ethernet cable from gateway LAN port to router WAN port |
| WiFi coverage | Limited to gateway range | Depends on your router, usually better |
| WiFi features | Basic | Full control (QoS, band steering, scheduling, guest networks) |
| Double-NAT | No | Yes, usually not an issue for home use |
| Monthly cost | No extra | One-time cost for your own router |
Can You Turn Off Optimum WiFi at Night on a Schedule
Yes, depending on your gateway model. Some Optimum gateways support WiFi scheduling, letting you set specific times for the wireless radio to turn off and back on automatically. Once you set it up, it runs by itself.
To configure this through the admin page, log in at 192.168.1.1 and look for a scheduling option under Wireless Settings. On some models it’s called WiFi Schedule or Access Schedule. On Sagemcom gateways, check under WiFi and then Advanced Settings or Parental Controls. Pick the days and times you want WiFi to be off (for example, every night from 11 PM to 6 AM) and save.
The Optimum app may also offer scheduling on newer gateways. Look for WiFi scheduling or WiFi pause options in the app’s network settings. Setting a schedule through the app is generally easier since you’re just picking times from a visual interface instead of typing them into form fields.
You might also want to read our WiFi router for gaming guide for the full picture.
If your gateway doesn’t support WiFi scheduling through the admin page or the app, there’s a low-tech workaround. Plug the gateway’s power adapter into an outlet timer, the same kind people use for lamps and holiday lights. Set the timer to cut power at night and restore it in the morning.
The downside of the outlet timer approach is that it kills the entire gateway, not just WiFi. Wired devices lose internet access too, and anything that needs a constant connection (security cameras, smart home hubs, NAS drives) goes offline. The gateway also takes a couple of minutes to boot back up when power returns, so there’s a brief gap before everything reconnects.
A better long-term solution: use your own router with built-in WiFi scheduling and disable the Optimum gateway’s WiFi for good. Most standalone routers and mesh systems, even budget ones, have WiFi scheduling features. Set the schedule on your router and leave the Optimum gateway running around the clock for wired internet access. You get the best of both worlds.
What Happens When You Turn Off WiFi on the Optimum Router
Disabling WiFi on the Optimum router does not cancel your internet service. It doesn’t affect your Optimum account, and it doesn’t notify Optimum that you’ve changed anything. All it does is stop the router from sending out a wireless signal.
Devices connected through an Ethernet cable will keep working normally. Desktop computers, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and anything else plugged in with a cable won’t notice any difference. The wired connection has nothing to do with whether WiFi is on or off.
Every device that was connected wirelessly will lose its internet connection immediately. Phones, tablets, laptops, smart speakers, smart thermostats, security cameras, robot vacuums, everything that relies on WiFi goes offline. If you have smart home devices that need a constant WiFi connection to work (Ring doorbells, Nest thermostats, Alexa speakers, smart plugs), those will stop functioning until WiFi comes back or they’re connected to a different network.
If you’re turning off Optimum WiFi to use your own router, this is expected. Your devices will connect to your new router’s WiFi network once it’s set up. You’ll just need to go through each device and enter the new network name and password.
When you turn WiFi back on, your devices should reconnect automatically, as long as the network name (SSID) and password haven’t changed. The router broadcasts the same network name it had before, and devices that previously saved those credentials will rejoin on their own. The WiFi LED on the front of the router will light up again once the wireless radio is active.
A note about the indicator lights: when WiFi is disabled, the WiFi LED on the front panel goes dark. This is completely normal. It doesn’t mean the router is broken or offline. The power LED and internet LED should still be on, showing that the gateway is connected to Optimum’s network and passing internet through its Ethernet ports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will turning off WiFi on my Optimum router cancel my internet service?
No. Disabling WiFi only turns off the wireless radio on the router. Your Optimum internet service stays active. Devices connected through Ethernet cables will still have full internet access. Only wireless connections are affected. Phones, tablets, laptops, and other WiFi devices will lose their connection until WiFi is turned back on or they connect to a different network.
What is the default login for an Optimum router?
The default username for most Optimum routers is “admin.” The default password is unique to each unit and printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of the router. Look for a label that says “Default Password,” “Admin Password,” or “Login Info.” If the sticker is missing or worn off, try common defaults like “password” or “admin.” If nothing works and you’ve forgotten a custom password, hold the reset button on the back of the router for about 10 seconds to restore factory defaults.
Can I use my own router with Optimum instead of their gateway?
Yes. Turn off WiFi on the Optimum gateway, then connect your own router to one of the gateway’s LAN ports with an Ethernet cable. Your router takes over WiFi duties and the Optimum gateway works as a modem. This setup is compatible with any standard router or mesh system, including Netgear, TP-Link, ASUS, Google Nest WiFi, Eero, and others. The Optimum gateway stays plugged in and powered on because it’s still your connection to Optimum’s network.
How do I turn WiFi back on after disabling it on my Optimum router?
Log back into the admin page at 192.168.1.1 using a device connected through Ethernet. Go to the same Wireless Settings or WiFi section where you disabled it and switch the “Enable Wireless” option back on for both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Click Save or Apply. The WiFi LED on the router will light up within a few seconds, and your devices should reconnect automatically if the network name and password haven’t changed. You can also re-enable WiFi through the Optimum app on newer gateway models.
Does Optimum charge extra if I use my own router?
Optimum doesn’t charge an extra fee for using your own router alongside their gateway. You’re still using the Optimum-issued gateway as a modem, so the standard equipment fee (if there is one) still applies. You won’t get a bill discount for disabling the gateway’s WiFi. But you do avoid paying for a separate Optimum WiFi extender if you would have needed one, since your own mesh system or better router takes care of that.
Why is my Optimum router WiFi turning back on by itself?
Getting the most out of your WiFi also depends on your internet plan. Check which providers and speeds are available at your address.
For a clear breakdown, see our modem vs router guide.
This usually happens after a firmware update. Optimum pushes automatic firmware updates to its gateways, and some updates reset WiFi settings to their defaults, which turns the wireless radio back on. If your WiFi keeps coming back on its own, log in and disable it again after the update finishes. On some models, Optimum also activates a secondary “Optimum WiFi” hotspot for public use that runs separately from your personal WiFi. Check for an option called “Optimum WiFi Hotspot” or “Community WiFi” in the admin settings and disable that too.
