How to Turn Off Just About Anything (Without Losing Your Mind)

Let’s be honest — figuring out how to turn off things isn’t as simple as it used to be. Whether it’s a phone, a setting, a notification, or even a smart fridge (yes, really), every device seems to have its own complicated way of shutting down. In this article, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process to turn off a variety of common devices and digital features. We’ll use everyday words, real-world examples, and a few funny moments along the way. Whether you’re tech-savvy or tech-shy, this guide is for you.

How to Turn Off Your Smartphone

Let’s start with the most used (and sometimes most stubborn) device in our daily lives — the smartphone.

How to Turn Off an iPhone

There are a few different iPhones, but here’s the general method:

1. Press and hold the Side button + either volume button.
2. You’ll see the “Slide to power off” screen.
3. Slide to power off.

For older models like the iPhone SE or iPhone 7:

1. Press and hold the top (or side) button until the power off slider appears.
2. Slide to power off.

Quick Tip: If you’re in a rush, you can also go to Settings > General > Shut Down.

Real-life anecdote:
One time, my uncle was convinced his iPhone was broken because the screen was frozen. He didn’t realize he could force it to shut off by holding the buttons for 10 seconds. Ten seconds later? Problem solved. Don’t underestimate the power of a simple shutdown.

How to Turn Off an Android Phone

Android phones vary by brand (Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.), but here’s the usual method:

1. Press and hold the Power button (sometimes called the Side button).
2. You’ll see “Power Off” or “Restart.”
3. Tap Power Off.

If your phone uses gestures or side keys for other things (like Bixby on Samsung):

1. Press Power + Volume Down together for a few seconds.
2. Choose Power Off.

How to Turn Off Your Computer (Windows & Mac)

Let’s face it — many people just close the lid and hope for the best. But shutting it down the right way keeps it running smoothly.

How to Turn Off a Windows PC

1. Click the Start button (Windows logo).
2. Click the Power icon.
3. Select Shut down.

Alternative: Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then choose the Power icon on the bottom-right corner.

How to Turn Off a Mac

1. Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner.
2. Select Shut Down.
3. Confirm you want to shut down.

Pro Tip: Press Control + Option + Command + Power to instantly shut down your Mac.

How to Turn Off Notifications

Notifications can be overwhelming — especially when your phone buzzes every two minutes. Here’s how to silence the noise.

On iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > Notifications.
2. Scroll through apps and tap the one you want.
3. Toggle Allow Notifications off.

On Android:

1. Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications.
2. Choose See all apps.
3. Tap the app and go to Notifications.
4. Turn them off or customize.

How to Turn Off a Gaming Console

You’d think this would be easy — but modern consoles are mini-computers!

How to Turn Off a PlayStation 5:

1. Press and hold the PS button on the controller.
2. Go to Power > Turn Off PS5.

Tip: Don’t unplug it directly! You could lose saved data.

How to Turn Off an Xbox:

1. Tap the Xbox button.
2. Go to Power > Turn console off.

How to Turn Off Voice Assistants (Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant)

Sometimes you just want your device to stop listening.

How to Turn Off Siri:

1. Go to Settings > Siri & Search.
2. Turn off Listen for “Hey Siri” and Press Side Button for Siri.

How to Turn Off Alexa:

1. Open the Alexa app.
2. Go to Devices > Echo & Alexa.
3. Select your device > Settings > Device Settings.
4. Disable Alexa features like Voice responses, Drop-in, etc.
   Or just say, “Alexa, stop listening.” (She won’t be offended.)

How to Turn Off Google Assistant:

1. Open the Google app.
2. Tap your profile > Settings > Google Assistant.
3. Choose General > toggle Google Assistant off.

How to Turn Off Location Services

Not everyone likes being tracked. Here’s how to reclaim your privacy.

On iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
2. Toggle Location Services off.

On Android:

1. Go to Settings > Location.
2. Toggle it off at the top.

How to Turn Off a Smart TV

Even TVs want to stay on these days — constantly listening for voice commands or updates.

How to Turn Off a Samsung Smart TV:

1. Press the Power button on the remote once.
2. To fully shut down (instead of sleep mode), press and hold the Power button.

How to Turn Off LG / Sony / Roku TV:

Usually, a single press on the Power button on the remote does it. For deeper shutdown:

• Go to Settings > System > Power and choose Shutdown.

How to Turn Off Your Brain (Sort of)

Okay, we’re not talking about literally turning it off — but sometimes, after a long day, your mind won’t stop racing.

Here are some ways to turn off your mind and relax:

• Meditation: Use an app like Headspace or Calm.
• Deep breathing: Try 4-7-8 breathing.
• Journaling: Write your thoughts out before bed.
• Read something light: Nothing heavy or work-related.
• Put your phone away 30 minutes before sleep.

Personal Story: I once stayed up until 3 AM because I kept checking emails. I finally put my phone in the kitchen overnight — life-changing. I slept like a baby.

How to Turn Off Emergency Alerts

Sometimes, the loud “test alert” can be annoying or unnecessary.

On iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > Notifications.
2. Scroll all the way down.
3. Toggle off AMBER Alerts and Emergency Alerts.

On Android:

1. Go to Settings > Safety & Emergency > Wireless Alerts.
2. Customize or turn off specific alerts.

Warning: Only do this if you’re sure. Some alerts could save lives.

How to Turn Off Auto-Updates

Ever had your phone update overnight and mess everything up?

On iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > App Store.
2. Turn off App Updates and iOS Updates.

On Android:

1. Open the Play Store > Profile Icon > Settings.
2. Go to Network Preferences > Auto-update apps.
3. Select Don’t auto-update apps.

How to Turn Off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Sometimes you just want to disconnect.

On iPhone:

1. Swipe down to open Control Center.
2. Tap the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth icon to turn them off.

Note: This only disconnects. For a full shutdown, go to Settings > Wi-Fi / Bluetooth and toggle them off.

On Android:

1. Swipe down for Quick Settings.
2. Tap the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth icon.

How to Turn Off Lights (Smart & Traditional)

Yes, this is real — people Google this!

Smart Lights (e.g., Philips Hue, Alexa Lights):

• Say “Alexa, turn off the living room lights.”
• Or use the app to manually turn off.

Traditional Lights:

• Flip the switch. (Sometimes it’s still that easy!)

Final Thoughts: Turning Things Off Is a Life Skill

In today’s hyper-connected world, knowing how to turn off is more than a technical trick — it’s an act of self-care. Whether it’s turning off a buzzing phone, a distracting notification, or just stepping away from screens, powering down helps us recharge. So don’t be afraid to hit that off switch now and then.