Practical Android networking
How to Wake a PC from Android Using Wake-on-LAN
Enable Wake-on-LAN on the PC, record the wired adapter MAC address, and send a magic packet from the same reachable network.
Quick steps
- Enable wake support in BIOS or UEFI.
- Enable Wake-on-LAN for the operating-system network adapter.
- Record the adapter MAC address and local broadcast details.
- Send the packet from Network Toolkit and verify the PC power state.
What the result means
The packet contains the target network adapter MAC address and is normally broadcast on the local LAN. The receiving computer, firmware, adapter, and power state must all support wake behavior.
Wake-on-LAN sends a magic packet addressed to a network adapter that is prepared to wake its computer. It is useful for starting a home PC, workstation, or compatible server without leaving it running continuously.
Troubleshooting
Repeat the test from the same network and preserve one variable at a time. Check basic reachability first, then move to the protocol-specific test. A single timeout is not enough to identify the failing component.
- WiFi adapters often have different wake support than wired Ethernet.
- Router guest isolation can block local broadcasts.
- A PC disconnected from standby power cannot wake.
Common mistakes
- Testing a device on another guest network or VLAN without a route.
- Assuming one scan is a permanent inventory rather than a point-in-time observation.
- Changing several router or device settings before retesting each change.
Use Network Toolkit
Open Wake-on-LAN for Android for the detailed workflow, limitations, and related tools. Use diagnostics only on systems you own or administer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do this from Android?
Yes. Network Toolkit provides the relevant Wake-on-LAN workflow on Android, subject to the network and platform limitations described above.
Why might the result be incomplete?
Firewalls, sleeping devices, client isolation, permissions, caching, and rate limiting can all affect a network observation. Confirm important results with a second method.
Is it safe to test any network?
No. Limit scanning and diagnostics to networks and systems you own or are explicitly authorized to test.