How to Turn On Your PC Remotely Without Wake-on-LAN: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

In today's digital landscape, remote access has become essential, whether you're a remote worker, a system administrator, or just someone who forgot to turn their computer on or off at home. Although Wake-on-LAN (WoL) It has been the traditional method to turn on computers remotely, it has several limitations: it needs BIOS support, it only works on a local network, it requires router configuration, among others.

So what if you want to turn on your PC from another location without relying on Wake-on-LAN?

Good news: it's totally possible. In this guide, we'll explore Alternative methods to turn on your PC remotely, even if WoL is disabled or not supported. These solutions are especially useful for users in Spain, where ISPs or routers often make it difficult to use Wake-on-LAN.

Why does Wake-on-LAN fail or is not ideal?

Before we talk about alternatives, let's understand why Wake-on-LAN may not be the best option:

• Requires support from BIOS and the network adapter
  
• Only works on local network (unless you configure ports manually)
  
• It does not turn on if the PC is completely turned off
  
• May be unstable with certain routers
  
• Not practical for mobile users
  

For these reasons, many users in Spain looking for more reliable and versatile solutions, especially for home servers, NAS systems or gaming PCs.

Is it really possible without WoL?

Yes, absolutely—with some planning. You can remotely turn on your PC without WoL using:

• Smart devices as Wi-Fi sockets
  
• Remote desktop software with power settings
  
• Mobile apps that interact with BIOS or home automation timers
  
• Automation from the cloud or IoT platforms
  
• Custom scripts or Raspberry Pi/Arduino
  

Let's look at each one in detail.

Use smart plugs to simulate power on

This is one of the easiest and cheapest methods.

How Does It Work?

Smart plugs like TP-Link Has become, meross o Amazon Smart Plug allow you to cut and restore power to a connected device — like your PC.

Steps:

1. Connect your PC to the smart plug.
   
2. Enter the BIOS and activate “Power on after power loss” or similar.
   
3. Turn the power plug off and back on again using the mobile app. The PC will turn on automatically.
   

Advantages:

• Works even if the PC is completely turned off
  
• You don't need WoL
  
• Compatible with mobile apps and voice assistants
  

Ideal for:

• Remote workers in Spain who need quick access to their setup
  
• Personal Server Automation
  

Scheduled power-on from the BIOS

Another simple and effective method is the boot timer in BIOS.

Steps:

1. Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI.
   
2. Look for options like “Resume by RTC Alarm”, “Auto Power On” o “Scheduled start”.
   
3. Set a fixed daily power-on time.
   

Ideal use:

If you know you will be using your PC at a certain time, you can have it turn on automatically and then access it with tools like TeamViewer o AnyDesk.

Raspberry Pi as a remote power button

An advanced but very powerful solution.

Summary:

Install a Raspberry Pi at home, connected to the same network or power supply as your PC. Configure a GPIO pin or relay to simulate the power button.

Requirements:

• Raspberry Pi (model 3 or higher)
  
• Relay module or GPIO cable connected to the PC power button
  
• SSH access or web server to control the Pi from outside
  

Cases in Spain:

Tech-savvy users in Madrid, Valencia or Barcelona, which have custom towers or servers.

TeamViewer or AnyDesk with PC always on

This is not a real ignition method, but it is useful.

How Does It Work?

1. Leave your PC on or in sleep mode with Fast Startup disabled.
   
2. Install TeamViewer, AnyDesk o Chrome Remote Desktop.
   
3. Access from mobile or browser.
   

Nota:

The PC must be on. This method works. combined with others such as BIOS or smart plug.

Cloud-based automation (IFTTT, Home Assistant)

If you already have a smart home, you can integrate it.

Configuration example:

• Create an automation with Home Assistant o Node-RED
  
• Link it with Google Assistant or Alexa
  
• Use voice commands or an app to turn on your PC via a power outlet or relay.
  

It works especially well in Spain with brands like Philips Hue, Tuya, tap o Aqara.

Mobile applications and remote scripts

Some Android apps can send signals to your router or microcontroller (Arduino/RPi) to simulate the power button.

You can even:

• Set up a python script on Raspberry Pi that presses the button via GPIO
  
• Run it from a telegram bot, HTTP request, mobile access
  

Remote access with cloud gaming platforms

If your goal is to play remotely, services like Parsec, Rainway o Moonlight allow you to access your PC while it is turned on.

To turn it on right from the start, you still need a smart plug or scheduled start.

Security when turning on the PC remotely

A major concern, especially in Europe, Is the Privacy & Security. Always:

• Use strong passwords and 2-step authentication
  
• Disable remote access over the open internet (use VPN or trusted IPs)
  
• Do not expose devices directly to the internet
  

If you use Raspberry Pi or SSH, change the default credentials and limits access by IP.

Turn on the PC from another WiFi network

Even if WoL is disabled, you can still turn on your PC from:

• Mobile data (4G/5G)
  
• Another WiFi network in another house or city
  
• Browser in another country
  

En Spain, brands like tap o Shelly They work well with local providers such as Movistar, Orange, Yoigo or Vodafone.

Common problems and solutions

Problem	A satisfactory solution
The plug does not turn on the PC	Enable “Power on after power failure” in BIOS
PC won't turn on with timer	Disable “Fast Startup” in Windows
Raspberry Pi does not activate the PC	Check GPIO connection and permissions
App does not control plug from outside	Use an account with cloud access

Real-life use cases in Spain

• Freelancers in Seville who access your PC from outside
  
• Gamers in Madrid who control their setup from mobile
  
• SMEs in Barcelona that automate office lighting
  
• Tech enthusiasts in Valencia that use Raspberry Pi
  

Recommended tools and devices (compatible with Spain)

Tools	Function	Notes
TP-Link Tapo P100	Smart plug	Compatible with Tapo app (Spain)
TeamViewer	Remote Control	Free for personal use
AnyDesk	Remote access	Very light
Raspberry Pi 4	DIY Ignition	Requires advanced configuration
Shelly Plug S	Smart plug	Compatible with European plugs
Home Assistant	Automation	Powerful open-source

FAQ

Can I turn on a completely turned off PC?
Yes, using a smart plug and configuring the BIOS.

Can it be done from another country?
Yes. As long as your app or device is connected to the cloud.

Does it work on laptops?
Not reliably. Most don't support automatic power-on after losing power.

What is the easiest method?
Smart Plug + BIOS. No programming required.

Conclusion

If Wake-on-LAN has failed you, you are not alone. Many users in Spain They face routers or ISPs that limit their use. But with smart devices, BIOS programming, Raspberry Pi, and remote access tools, you can achieve the same (or even better) — even with the PC completely off.

Whether you're traveling, working in another city, or just want to control your setup with a tap on your phone, this guide gives you everything you need to power on your PC remotely without Wake-on-LAN.