Turn off Wi-Fi when you leave: the trick that protects your cell phone and data

It was an ordinary day in Mexico City. Javier, 27, was walking to the store with his cell phone in his hand. As usual, he didn't think about the Wi-Fi: he had it turned on out of habit, expecting it to automatically connect to his network when he returned. What he didn't know was that, during that journey, his phone was sending signals to all nearby networks, including some created for malicious purposes.

That small oversight was enough for a cybercriminal to track his connection patterns. It wasn't long before Javier received suspicious charges on his bank account. His case is not an isolated one, and cybersecurity experts warn: leaving Wi-Fi on outside the home is one of the most common vulnerabilities in smartphones .

When Wi-Fi is on, your phone automatically searches for networks to connect to. This includes unsecured public networks like cafes, airports, or plazas, which are often hotspots where hackers can intercept data.

Additionally, networks stored on your device—such as those at work, school, or a friend's house—can be replicated by attackers to trick your phone into accessing your passwords and emails.

Therefore, turning off Wi-Fi when leaving home cuts this vulnerability at the root and protects both your personal information and your digital finances .

Experts recommend not only turning off Wi-Fi, but also deleting old networks you no longer use. On Android, this option is found in the Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi > Saved Networks menu.

Another important step is to review your location permissions. Many Android phones use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to track your location , and some apps take advantage of this feature to collect data without you even noticing. Limiting app permissions in the "Location" menu helps reduce this risk.

• Use your mobile data for messaging apps and digital banking.
• Download series, music, or movies before traveling so you don't have to rely on public networks.
• Review your installed apps and remove any you no longer use.
• Activate a reliable VPN , especially when traveling internationally.

By following these steps, your cell phone will be less vulnerable to attacks in public spaces.

Most users fear losing Wi-Fi when they go out, but the balance lies in combining caution with foresight. If you're only out for a few minutes, your mobile data will be enough for WhatsApp or urgent emails. And if you're planning a trip, pre-downloading content ensures you don't rely on unknown networks.

In Javier's case, he learned his lesson: today, whenever he leaves the house, he turns off Wi-Fi and uses a flexible data plan. Since then, he hasn't been a victim of cyberattacks again.