How to use router parental controls

Most Wi-Fi routers have settings that can help you limit your child’s screen time and the content they can watch. It just takes a little digging around. Every router is different, so you should consult your model’s manual for specifics, but here’s a rundown of the features to look out for and how to make the most of them.

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Setting up parental controls on your Wi-Fi router

Before you can customize and manage your home internet connection, you need to access your router settings. Most of the latest models offer companion apps that let you connect to your router and customize settings to your liking.

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These apps are a good starting point, and many offer a basic level of parental controls that you can experiment with. However, if you really want to open the hood and see all of your router’s settings, you’ll need to connect using a computer.

To get started, open your preferred web browser on your computer and type your network’s IP address into the address bar. By default, most routers use the IP address 192.168.1.1. If that doesn’t work, you can check your IP address by right-clicking on the Internet icon and looking for details or settings.

Mac users can check the IP address by clicking on the Wi-Fi symbol, then scrolling down and clicking Open Network Preferences.

After entering the IP address in the address bar, you’ll need your credentials to edit the settings. Some routers have this information printed on the router itself, or in the manual or on the manufacturer’s website. You may also have chosen your own credentials when you first set up your router. If you’ve forgotten your login details, you’ll usually be able to find and change them in the router app.

Once you’ve logged in or gone into your settings, there are a few ways to customize your web browsing experience, depending on the features of your particular router.

1. Limit the time you spend on the internet

Most routers with parental controls include scheduling. This means you can schedule your network to turn off at a specific time each day.

Some include device-specific scheduling, so you can select your child’s laptop, tablet, or gaming console and disconnect it from the internet at, say, 8 p.m. every night of the week. Want to block everything? Look for options that let you group devices together.

2. Restrict specific sites

In addition to scheduling, some routers include parental controls for specific sites. You can choose which URLs to block on different devices in your home, so you can keep your children away from content you consider inappropriate or dangerous.

For example, Netgear does this with Nighthawk routers via the Nighthawk app’s parental controls, powered by Circle Smart Parental Controls. You can adjust the time and content for each device on your network from your mobile device.

3. Pause Wi-Fi

If you simply want to limit distractions during dinner but don’t want to set any specific schedules or restrictions, putting your call on hold is your best bet.

Mesh routers and networks like Nest Wifi come with companion apps that let you pause the internet connection on some or all of your devices and resume it when you’re ready. Google’s second-generation Nest Wifi system adds Google Assistant voice controls to every extender, so you can just say, “OK Google, pause kids’ Wi-Fi.”

Tip: This can also be useful if your children’s daily Wi-Fi usage conflicts with work-related video calls, for example.

Add router accessory

If you love the router you already have but want to add parental controls, there are add-on devices that can help. Plug-in devices like the Circle Home Plus connect to your router and manage internet access and rules for multiple connected devices.

Some devices and apps can even allocate a certain number of minutes to each device, and then let kids earn more time online by doing chores around the house. This is a great way to teach kids to manage and balance their screen time responsibly without a parent ripping the device out of their hands.

When you adjust your router settings or add a device to manage access, it’s important to take steps to keep everyone safe online. Parents looking for additional tips on browsing, screen time, and keeping their kids safe can use a number of online resources, including Connectsafely.org and the Family Online Safety Institute.