Router Parental Controls: Phones & Devices

TL;DR

Yes, you can control access from your children’s phones and other devices using your router’s settings. Most modern routers have parental controls built-in. This guide shows you how to set them up.

Setting Up Parental Controls on Your Router

1. Find Your Router’s IP Address: This is the address you type into your web browser to access its settings.
   • Windows: Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig. Look for “Default Gateway”.
   • macOS: Open System Preferences > Network, select your connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), then click Advanced > TCP/IP. Look for “Router”.
2. Log In to Your Router: Type the IP address into a web browser’s address bar and press Enter.
   You’ll need your router’s username and password. If you haven’t changed them, check the router itself (often on a sticker) or consult the manufacturer’s website. Common defaults are admin/password or admin/admin.
3. Locate Parental Controls: The location varies by router brand.
   • Look for sections named “Parental Controls”, “Access Control”, “Guest Access”, or similar.
   • Check the router’s manual if you can’t find it. You can usually download this from the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Netgear, TP-Link, ASUS).
4. Add Devices: Most routers let you add devices by their MAC address.
   • Find a Device’s MAC Address:
     • Phone (Android): Settings > About Phone > Status > Wi-Fi MAC address.
     • iPhone: Settings > General > About > Wi-Fi Address.
     • Computer: Open Command Prompt/Terminal and type ipconfig /all (Windows) or ifconfig (macOS). Look for “Physical Address”.
   • Enter the MAC address into your router’s device list. You may also be able to select devices from a list of connected devices.
5. Set Access Restrictions: This is where you control what each device can do.
   • Time Limits: Set specific times when the device can access the internet (e.g., no internet after bedtime).
   • Website Blocking: Block specific websites or categories of websites (e.g., social media, gaming).

     Example: To block facebook.com, enter it in the website blocking list.

   • Content Filtering: Some routers offer pre-defined content filters based on age groups.
6. Save Your Settings: Make sure to save your changes after configuring each device. The router may restart.

Advanced Features (Optional)

1. Guest Network: Create a separate guest network for visitors or children’s devices with limited access and its own password. This isolates their traffic from your main network.
2. Device Prioritization (QoS): Some routers allow you to prioritize bandwidth for certain devices, ensuring important devices have faster internet speeds.

Troubleshooting

• Settings Not Saving: Double-check your username and password. Try restarting the router after saving changes.
• Device Still Accessing Blocked Content: Ensure you’ve entered the correct MAC address. Some devices can spoof their MAC address; check for this possibility (more advanced).
• Router Firmware Update: Keeping your router’s firmware up-to-date improves security and often adds new features, including better parental controls. Check your router manufacturer’s website for updates.