If you've ever thought something like “I wish I could turn on my computer from my mobile phone Even if you're away from home, you're in the right place. These days, you don't need to leave your PC on all day to access your files, remote desktop, or games: with Wake on LAN, a few well-configured settings, and your Android phone, you can wake it up whenever you want with a simple tap or even with a Tasker automation.
The idea is to combine technology Wake on LAN (WoL) with Tasker and some Android apps To power on your PC both within your Wi-Fi network and from the internet (Wake on WAN), while maintaining strict security. You'll see how to configure the BIOS/UEFI, Windows 10 and Windows 11, the router, remote access applications, and, of course, several examples of integration with Tasker, Pushbullet, and specialized WoL apps.
What is Wake on LAN and how does the “magic pack” work?
Wake on LAN is a networking standard that allows wake up or turn on a computer remotely when it's logically powered off, in sleep mode, or hibernating. The trick lies in a special message called Magic Packet which is sent over the network and contains a specific sequence of data where the MAC address of the device you want to turn on is repeated.
That magic packet is basically a network frame that starts with 6 bytes with a value of 255 (0xFF) followed by 16 repetitions of the target team's MACIt is usually sent to the local network broadcast address, so that all devices "hear" it, but only the one with that specific MAC address reacts and turns on.
Even though the PC appears to be turned off, the network card remains active. very low power modePowered by the ATX power supply, it continuously listens for a valid Magic Packet signal. When it detects one, it sends a signal to the motherboard or the power supply, and the power-up process begins as if you had pressed the physical power button.
For all of this to work, several hardware and network conditions must be met: motherboard, network card, and power supply They must support WoL, the equipment must continue to receive power in standby mode, and the network infrastructure (router, switches, etc.) must allow the WoL packet to reach the correct interface.
Hardware requirements for using Wake on LAN
Before diving into Tasker or Android apps, it's a good idea to make sure your device is compatible with WoL. The good news is that practically all of them are. any PC from recent years It already meets the requirements.
First of all, you need a ATX power supplyOlder AT power supplies completely cut power when the computer was turned off, leaving no live circuits listening for network signals. In contrast, ATX power supplies maintain lines like the +5V standby rail and allow the motherboard to receive power-on commands via software, including Wake-on-LAN.
It is also essential to have a WoL compatible network cardIn most modern PCs, it's the Ethernet adapter integrated into the motherboard (PCIe), which usually includes Wake-on-LAN support without additional cables. Older PCI cards typically used a small 3-pin connector between the NIC and the motherboard for wake-up functions.
The motherboard must offer a type of power management ACPI with wake-up options via LAN or PCIeThey usually appear as Wake on LAN, Power On by PCI-E, Resume by LAN, Wake on PCI/PCIe, or similar in the BIOS/UEFI. If you have any doubts, it's best to check the manual or the manufacturer's website.
In laptops, the issue is a bit more complicated: many models reduce or disable Wake-on-LAN when running solely on battery power, and some don't allow power-on from a complete shutdown, only from a standstill. from suspension or hibernation and plugged into the mainsIf you want reliable power-up from any state, a desktop computer with Ethernet is usually the most reliable option.
ACPI power states: which mode to leave the PC in
To fully understand what WoL can and cannot do, it's helpful to review the ACPI energy states usual:
- S0The computer is turned on and working normally.
- S1: lightweight low power mode; the CPU stops, but the RAM and other components continue to be powered.
- S2: similar to S1, but the CPU is completely off.
- S3: classic suspension (Suspend to RAM); only the RAM and a few key circuits remain powered.
- S4Hibernation; the contents of RAM are saved to disk and the system appears to be off.
- S5: complete logical shutdown; the system is off, but the ATX power supply maintains the standby line.
In practice, most WoL configurations work well in S3 (suspension) and even in S5provided the motherboard and network adapter are configured to accept magic packets in those states. Many BIOSes allow you to adjust whether wake-up is available from S3 or also from S5.
Enable Wake on LAN in BIOS or UEFI
If you don't enable WoL in the BIOS or UEFI, it doesn't matter what you do in Windows, on the router, or on the mobile device: The PC will not react to the magic package.So this is the first serious step.
To enter the BIOS/UEFI, restart your computer and repeatedly press the corresponding key immediately after turning it on: it may be Delete, F1, F2, F10 or F12 According to the manufacturer. The home screen usually briefly indicates which key to use.
Once inside, look for the menu of power management or advanced settingsIn many cases, it appears as Power Management, Power Options, Advanced, or something similar. Within that section, you'll need to locate an option that mentions Wake-on-LAN (WoL) or power-on via network devices, for example:
- Wake on LAN / WoL
- Wake Up On LAN/Ring
- Resume by LAN
- Power On by PCI-E/PCI
- Wake from PCI-E
The name varies considerably between manufacturers, but the idea is always the same: allow a network device to turn on the computerChange the option from Disabled to Enabled, save the changes (Save & Exit) and let the system boot normally.
On modern motherboards with UEFI, you'll find a more user-friendly graphical interface. On many of them, within the advanced options (Advanced > APM Configuration, for example), it's advisable to leave the settings as they are. ErP/ErP Ready deactivated and enable something like Power On By PCI-E. The reason is that the ErP feature reduces idle power consumption so much that it can completely disable the ability to wake up via LAN, keyboard, or mouse.
Regarding the power mode, make sure the system uses ACPI S1/S3 or similar, and that there are no options that completely turn off the power to the network card when it goes into sleep mode.
Configure Wake on LAN in Windows 10 and Windows 11
With the BIOS prepared, it's time to configure the operating system. In Windows 10 and 11, the process is practically the same: you have to enable WoL at the boot level. network adapter and check power options.
Enable WoL and Magic Packet on the network adapter
The easiest way is to use Device Manager. From the Start menu, type "Device administrator" and open it. Then:
- Expand the Network Adapters section.
- Double-click on the network card you will use for WoL (ideally wired Ethernet).
- In the Properties window, go to the Advanced tab.
In the properties list, look for parameters related to WoL, which can be called Wake on Magic Packet, Wake on LAN, Wake on pattern matchWake Up on ARP Ping, etc. The name will depend a lot on the driver (Realtek, Intel, Broadcom…).
Activate at least the option Wake on Magic PacketIf there are more WoL-related settings, you can enable them according to your needs, although it is advisable to disable Wake on Link Change options if they cause accidental power-ups when reconnecting the network cable.
Next, go to the tab Power management of the same adapter and make sure to check:
- Allow this device to reactivate the equipment.
- Allow only one Magic Packet to wake the computer (highly recommended to prevent any traffic from waking the PC).
On some adapters, especially Realtek, it may be necessary to install the official drivers instead of the generic Windows options so that all these options appear.
In Windows 11 the menus are almost identical, so you can follow the same steps: enter Device Manager, locate the network adapter, go to Advanced Options and Power Management and enable WoL.
Disable Windows fast startup
One detail that many people overlook is the Windows Quick StartThis function may interfere with WoL when the device is "powered off" (S5). To avoid problems:
- Open Control Panel > Power Options.
- Click on “Choose the behavior of the power buttons”.
- Click on “Change settings that are currently unavailable”.
- Uncheck the box Activate fast startup.
- Save the changes.
This ensures that the shutdown does not leave the system in a strange state that blocks reactivation over the network.
Configure the network: static IP, ARP, and router
Once the PC responds correctly to WoL on the local network, it's time to put order in the network sectionEspecially if you want to turn on the device remotely (Wake on WAN). This involves the local IP address, MAC address, router, and, very importantly, security.
Assign static IP or DHCP reservation
WoL works by sending a packet to a specific IP and MAC address, so it's crucial that the PC has always the same private IPThere are two ways to achieve this:
- Manually configure a static IP address in Windows.
- Use a DHCP reservation (Static DHCP) on the router.
The cleanest option is usually DHCP reservation: you go into the router settings, go to the DHCP section and You reserve an IP address for the PC's MAC address. (for example, 192.168.1.50). This way, every time the computer connects, the router will assign it that same IP address without you having to change anything in Windows.
Knowing the IP and MAC address of the device
For WoL apps to work on your mobile device, you need to know the PC's internal IP address. MAC address And, if you're going to use it from outside your home, the public IP or a dynamic domain.
You can obtain this data from the Windows console:
ipconfig /allOn the output, look for the Ethernet adapter (not the Wi-Fi adapter if you're using wired WoL). Note:
- IPv4 addressIt will be something like 192.168.1.xxx.
- Physical address: is the MAC, with 6 groups of two characters (example: 00-11-22-33-44-55).
You can see your public IP address (the one of your internet connection) from websites like “What is my IP address?” or from the router's interface, although the former is usually faster.
Wake on LAN on local network
Inside the home everything is more straightforward: all you need is your mobile phone and PC. on the same local networkMany Android WoL apps (e.g., Wake On Lan, WolOn – Wake on LAN Widgets, or Wake On Lan / Wan) allow you to scan the network, detect devices, save IP and MAC addresses, and then wake them up with a single tap.
Some advanced routers, such as certain models FRITZ!Box or ASUSThey also include the option to send WoL packets from their web panel, without using a mobile device. For example, in FRITZ!Box you can go to the list of devices on the network and use a "Activate computer" button to send the Magic Packet to the corresponding device.
Wake on WAN: turn on your PC from the Internet
The "pro" part comes when you want to turn on your PC from outside your Wi-Fi network, using mobile data or another network. Here you have to deal with... port forwarding, router ARP table, and security.
Simply put, when you send a Magic Packet from the internet, your router receives it first. It then forwards it to the local network, specifically to the PC's IP address. However, if the router's ARP table doesn't have that IP address associated with the PC, the packet won't be sent. MAC address of the computer (because it is turned off and not responding)the package may get lost.
That's why many tutorials recommend creating one Static ARP entry on the routerby associating the PC's static IP address with its MAC address. Depending on the model, this can be done from the web interface or via CLI/Telnet using commands such as:
ip arp add 192.168.1.50 ether 00:11:22:33:44:55 enif0On some routers, the ARP table is erased upon reboot, so if the configuration allows it, it's a good idea to save these commands in a file. firmware auto-boot (for example, autoexec.net on certain Zyxel routers) to run every time the router is turned on.
Ports, dynamic DNS, and security
Traditionally, it opened UDP port 7 or 9 The connection was routed through the router to the PC's IP address, allowing WoL apps to send the magic packet from outside the router. This was typically combined with a dynamic DNS service (DynDNS, No-IP, etc.) to maintain a static domain name pointing to your public IP address, even if it changed.
The problem is that leaving those ports permanently open it is not good security practiceAlthough a Magic Packet alone does not allow entry into the system, it does expose your network to scans and potential attacks combined with other poorly protected services.
The safest and most professional option is to use a VPN as an intermediate layer. Namely:
- You set up a VPN server (WireGuard, OpenVPN, etc.) on the router or on a device on your network (for example, a Raspberry Pi).
- From your mobile phone, you first connect to the VPN; this way you virtually "enter" your local network.
- Once inside the VPN tunnel, you send the WoL packet to the PC's internal IP address as if you were at home.
With this approach you don't have to open specific WoL ports facing the Internet, and You limit remote access to those who have VPN credentialswhich is exactly what matters.
Turn on your PC with Android: WoL apps and examples
With the BIOS, Windows, and router ready, the fun part begins: using your Android mobile to turn on the PCThere are many apps that make this easier, both free and paid, and some also integrate very well with Tasker to set up advanced automations.
Wake on LAN apps for Android
Among the most used Android apps for WoL you will find several very capable options:
- Wake On LanA simple app in Spanish that allows you to register multiple devices, save their MAC and IP addresses, and wake them up with a single button. It supports Wake-on-LAN (WoL) and is usually very stable.
- Wake On Lan / WanIn addition to enabling LAN power-on, it offers WAN functionality and widgets. You can create shortcuts for each device and have a button on the home screen to instantly turn on your PC.
- WolOn – Wake on LAN WidgetsDesigned to add widgets to your launcher; with a single tap on the widget, you send the magic package. The basic app is free; the premium options aren't necessary just to turn on your computer.
The setup process is very similar across all of them: you create a new device, you enter name, MAC, internal or external IP and port (usually 9), and that's it. Some apps can scan the network and automatically fill in the details when they detect the PC.
Tools for iOS, Windows, and other systems
If you also want to turn on your PC from an iPhone or another computer, there are equivalent utilities:
- iNet WOL – Wake on LAN y Wake Me Up – Wake-on-LAN On iOS: they allow you to register one or more devices and send the magic package from iPhone or iPad.
- DepicusIt offers a web tool, Android and iOS apps, and desktop clients. It is widely used due to its simplicity.
- SolarWinds Wake-on-LAN and utilities such as Wake Me On Lan (Nirsoft)Designed for Windows, useful if you want to turn on PC A from another PC B.
- In Linux, the command wakeonlan It greatly simplifies the process: you install the package and launch something like
wakeonlan -i IP -p PUERTO MAC.
Integrate Wake on LAN with Tasker and Android
Tasker allows you to go a step further and turn all of this into a system fully automated: check if the PC is on, turn it on only if necessary, trigger the action from a widget, a notification or even by voice using assistants and, if you wish, you can also Link PC RGB lighting to mobile alerts.
Check if the PC is turned on with Tasker
The most direct way to know if a team is up and running is to do a ping from mobileIn Tasker you can:
- Create a new task.
- Add a “Run Shell” action.
- Use a command similar to
ping -c 3 192.168.1.50, saving the output in a variable, for example %pingresult. - Allow it to continue even if there is an error (so as not to interrupt the task if the ping fails).
Next, you add an If condition checking if something like the variable appears in it. “100% packet loss” to determine if the computer is turned off. If it doesn't appear, you assume the PC is on.
With this you can display quick messages on screen (Flash) such as "PC on" or "PC off" and make decisions: if it is off, you send WoL; if it is on, you do nothing.
Wake up your PC from Tasker using WoL apps
To send the Magic Packet from Tasker, the easiest way is to use a compatible plugin, such as that offered by the "Wol Wake on Lan Wan" app or similar ones. The typical workflow would be:
- Install the WoL app on your Android device and register your PC with its MAC address, IP address, and port.
- In Tasker, create a task and add an action Plugin > .
- Go to Settings, select the previously created device and save.
When you perform that task, the mobile device will send the magic packet and, if everything is configured correctly in BIOS, Windows and router, The computer will turn on in a few seconds.By combining this with the ping task, you can build logic like: "if it doesn't respond, wake it up; if it responds, do nothing."
Advanced example: using two mobile phones with Tasker and Pushbullet
A very curious scenario is using a second mobile phone as a “receiver” inside the house to bypass certain network limitations. For example:
- Mobile receiver (old Android phone on your WiFi):
- Install Pushbullet and Tasker.
- Configure a Tasker task to perform Wake on LAN (using your chosen WoL plugin) on your PC. Name the task “Wake on LAN”.
- Create a Tasker profile of type Event > Plugin > Receive a Push (Pushbullet), filter by the text “WOL” and thus, when a push with that word arrives, the power-on task will be executed.
- Mobile transmitter (your usual mobile phone outside the home):
- Install Pushbullet and Tasker.
- Create a “Push WOL” task with the action of sending a Pushbullet notification to the receiving mobile phone, with the message “WOL”.
- Optionally, create a Tasker 1x1 widget on your home screen that triggers "Push WOL" so you have a quick button to turn on your PC from anywhere.
With this setup, your home mobile receives the push notification, Tasker detects it, and launches the WoL packet from within the local networkwhich is usually more robust and avoids touching ARP or ports on the router.
Tiles, notifications, and voice assistants
Tasker doesn't stop there. You can create:
- Un custom tile in the Android quick settings panel (in recent versions) that, when tapped, executes the ping + WoL task.
- An persistent notification (for example with AutoNotification) that includes a “Turn On PC” button that is always visible and that can turn on screen when receiving notification.
- Integration with voice assistants such as Google Assistant or Alexa via AutoVoice or other connectors, so you can say phrases like "Turn on the computer" and have Tasker take care of everything in the background.
If you also combine this with remote desktop solutions such as TeamViewer, AnyDesk, Splashtop or Windows Remote DesktopYou have a seamless workflow: first you wake up the PC with Tasker or the WoL app, and when it's online, you connect remotely to work.
Remote access and WoL with TeamViewer, Splashtop, and others
Many professional remote access solutions include Built-in Wake on LANso you don't have to deal with the magic packages yourself.
Services like Splashtop They allow you to wake up Windows and Mac computers from their console or app, provided the BIOS, network, and power are configured. The interface displays your devices, and if one is offline, you can try to activate it with a simple button.
TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and even Chrome Remote Desktop also offer options to power on a computer via Wake-on-LAN (WoL), sometimes relying on other powered-on computers on the same network or compatible routers. This is especially useful in teleworking or technical support environmentswhere you don't want to leave all the PCs on overnight.
Practical uses of Wake on LAN at home and in business
Beyond the "geeky" factor, WoL has very real uses. At home, it allows you to have a Powerful PC turned off most of the time And turn it on only when you're going to watch a movie, start a virtual machine, access documents, or play a game. You can wake it up from the sofa with your phone, or even when you're arriving home so it's ready when you walk in.
In a professional environment, the IT department can schedule maintenance, installations and upgrades Outside of working hours, we use Wake-on-LAN (WoL) to power on computers, run scripts, and then shut them down again. This reduces energy consumption and wear and tear on the equipment, which would otherwise be left on "just in case."
It is also very useful in situations where physical access is difficult, for example, critical servers or PCs at remote locationsAs long as there is power and connectivity, they can be turned on and managed remotely without moving.
From an economic and environmental point of view, ceasing to have equipment switched on 24/7 and only switching it on when needed means lower electricity bills and a smaller carbon footprintIf you manage multiple PCs or a small computer network, it makes a difference.
Risks and best security practices with WoL
WoL by itself does not log you into the computer or grant access to the desktop, but a careless configuration can leave you with no other option. half-open doors in your networkespecially if you start opening ports to the outside without control.
The main problem is exposing it directly UDP 7 or 9 to the internet, redirecting traffic without any restrictions. Although this only serves to send Magic Packets, automated scanners can detect these open ports and combine them with other vulnerable services to attempt attacks.
Some good practices to play it safe would be:
- Limit WoL to the local network or VPN connections.
- Avoid port forwarding of WoL ports open to the world without filters.
- Use routers that integrate WoL within their secure interface, such as FRITZ!Box or certain ASUS devices, instead of manually opening ports.
- In corporate environments, segment the network (VLANs) and apply strict firewall policies.
- Monitor router and network logs to detect suspicious activation attempts.
With these precautions, WoL is a fairly harmless tool in terms of security, especially if the actual remote access (VNC, RDP, TeamViewer…) is properly protected with strong passwords, 2FA and up-to-date updates.
Alternatives and add-ons when WoL is unavailable
It's possible that your motherboard or network adapter doesn't support WoL, or that your ISP's router is so limited you don't want to deal with it. In these situations, there are several options. curious alternatives and accessories to achieve something similar.
A simple option is to acquire one modern PCIe network card with WoL supportIt's relatively inexpensive. There are even USB adapters that offer similar functions, although compatibility for powering on from a complete shutdown is less certain.
Another alternative are the so-called WiFi “push-button robots”These are small actuators that stick onto a button (like the PC power button) and physically press it when you command them from an app or via Alexa/Google Home. It's not as elegant as Wake-on-LAN, but it's a valid solution if you don't want to open your computer or mess with the BIOS.
Finally, you can complement WoL with connected home with Matter 2.0 They're used to control smart plugs and other devices. They're not a replacement for Wake-on-LAN (suddenly cutting the power to a running PC is a bad idea), but they are useful for restarting a frozen router or completely shutting down some devices when not in use.
With all of this, you can set up a very convenient and flexible system where your Android phone, Tasker, and some Wake on LAN apps become the "remote control" of your PC: from a widget on the home screen, a notification, a voice command, or even a push sent from another phone. Your computer can go from sleep to operating state without you having to touch a single physical button..