iOS 11: Switching off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth from control centre doesn’t actually turn them off

The Control Center offers quick access to the iPhone or iPad’s tools with a swipe up from the bottom.

The iOS 11 was released days after Apple inveiled the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X. (AFP Photo)

Apple has rolled out its latest software update, the iOS 11, and is being praised for its revamped Control Center among other features. Many users, however, are still not aware that toggling off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth from the redesigned Control Center doesn't actually switch off the services.

The new Control Center offers quick access to the iPhone or iPad's tools with a swipe up from the bottom. It was split into multiple screens last year to increase the number of tools being displayed. With the latest update, the iOS has moved back to the single-screen display, while retaining the extra options.

The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features have remained the most used buttons in the Control Center.

"In iOS 11 and later, when you toggle the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth buttons in Control Center, your device will immediately disconnect from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth accessories. Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth will continue to be available, so you can use these important features: AirDrop; AirPlay; Apple Pencil; Apple Watch; Continuity features, like Handoff and Instant Hotspot; Instant Hotspot; Location Services," Apple says on its support webpage.

The wireless radio remains available and scans for nearby access points.

According to Apple, when you open the Control Center and tap on the Wi-Fi button, the icon dims and the device gets disconnected from all networks. "While Wi-Fi is disabled, auto-join for any nearby Wi-Fi networks will also be disabled until: You turn on Wi-Fi in Control Center; You connect to a Wi-Fi network in Settings > Wi-Fi; You walk or drive to a new location; It's 5 AM local time; You restart your device."

Similarly, tapping the Bluetooth button disconnects the device from any accessory it's connected to, except for Apple Watch, Instant Hotspot, Apple Pencil, and Continuity features, like Handoff.

"If Bluetooth is turned off, you won't be able to connect your iOS device to your Bluetooth accessories until: You turn on Bluetooth in Control Center; You connect to a Bluetooth accessory in Settings > Bluetooth; It's 5am local time; You restart your device."

To completely turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, follow these steps:

To turn off Wi-Fi, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and turn off Wi-Fi.

To turn off Bluetooth, go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn off Bluetooth.

Apple says: "For the best experience on your iOS device, try to keep Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on."

Security experts have pointed out that the latest feature introduce risks and leave the Apple devices vulnerable to threats by hackers.

Several users on twitter have express resentment over the latest change in the iOS:

Please fix #ios11 so that turning off Bluetooth & WiFi actually turns them off! Worst change in iOS 11. @pschiller #ios #apple #iphone

— Adrian Hawkins (@adrianhawkins) September 20, 2017

This is really dumb @Apple. Why does turning off wifi in control center not actually turn off wifi? #itsafeaturenotabug #iOS11 pic.twitter.com/l7c69P5hIY

— Eric Hauser (@ehausnj) September 20, 2017

Super DUUUUUUPER #annoyed with how @apple changed the functions of the Bluetooth and WiFi icons in mission control on #iOS11.

— B R E X (@itsBREX) September 23, 2017