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How to stop constant Wi-Fi scanning on Android 4.3

nexus 7 android 4 3 update teaser
© nextpit

As many still wait for Android 4.4 KitKat. You might be one of those happy smartphone users who already have the latest version of Android Jelly Bean, but did you know that in this update, Google added a feature where your device is constantly searching for Wi-Fi networks even if you have Wi-Fi off? Here’s how to disable the feature, which Google tucked away safely making it difficult to find.

nexus 7 android 4 3 update teaser
© NextPit

1. First, go into the Settings of your smartphone running Android 4.3 and select Wi-Fi which you will find under the ‘Wireless and Networks’ category.

androidpit android 4 3 wifi
Even with Wi-Fi turned off, it's still scanning for Wi-Fi networks. © NextPit

2. At the bottom right corner tap on the expandable menu (action overflow) and select ‘Advanced’.

3. Then, uncheck the box which says ‘Scanning always available’. This will then ensure that your handset isn’t always on the look out for Wi-Fi networks. This will do wonders for your battery life, however, it will reduce the quality of location information provided.

Though many might not been too keen on this Android 4.3 feature, which luckily you can turn off and on at will, there are still many perks that many are anxiously waiting for, like low-energy Bluetooth (v.4.0), multi-user profiles, open GL ES3.0 and the surprise physical camera button that we didn’t find out about till much later.

Do you know of any other tips and tricks for Android 4.3?

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Loie Favre

Loie Favre
Editor

Loie Favre found her way to her present passion for Android and smartphone technology after experiencing an epiphany when she held her Galaxy Note 2. From that point onwards, you can find her with her nose buried in countless Android apps and different smartphone models, and thanking her lucky stars that she gets to work at something she loves.

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4 comments
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  • 1
    Daniel Staggers May 8, 2015 Link to comment

    You're wrong as are all of you idiots on the net. Changing that setting does absolutely nothing. It just scans along anyway.


  • 3
    Owen Lednor Nov 7, 2013 Link to comment

    * just after update... not because of Wi-Fi settings :)


  • 3
    Owen Lednor Nov 7, 2013 Link to comment

    hmm interesting that you get better battery life... My device runs out quite a bit quicker now.


  • 11
    Mark R. Nov 4, 2013 Link to comment

    my box was already unchecked, not sure if this is the default. I also spotted 'Wi-Fi optimisation' was checked. I've been really impressed with my battery life in 4.3. I think it's good that Android offers this level if flexibility.

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