How to Configure Parental Controls on Your Router

Parental controls on your router help you manage when and how your children access the internet. This guide will show you how to set up these controls on various router brands.

What Are Router Parental Controls?

Router-based parental controls allow you to manage internet access across all devices in your home from a single point. These controls typically include:

  • Content filtering: Block access to websites by category or specific URLs
  • Time restrictions: Set schedules for when internet access is available
  • Device management: Control internet access for specific devices
  • Usage monitoring: View browsing history and data usage
  • Safe search: Enforce safe search on major search engines

Before You Begin

Before setting up parental controls, make sure you have:

  • Administrator access to your router
  • Your router's login credentials
  • A list of devices you want to control
  • A clear idea of what restrictions you want to implement
Note: The parental control features available to you depend on your router model. Some older routers may have limited functionality, while newer models often include more comprehensive controls.

General Parental Control Setup Steps

Step 1: Access Your Router's Admin Panel

  1. Open a web browser
  2. Enter your router's IP address in the address bar (typically 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
  3. Enter your router's username and password when prompted

If you don't know your router's login credentials, check the router's manual or look for a sticker on the router itself.

Step 2: Find the Parental Control Settings

Parental control settings may be found under different sections depending on your router brand:

  • Parental Controls
  • Access Restrictions
  • Content Filtering
  • Security
  • Access Control

Navigate through your router's menu to find these settings.

Step 3: Enable Parental Controls

  1. Find the toggle/switch to enable parental controls
  2. Set it to "Enable," "On," or check the box to activate the feature
  3. Some routers may require you to create a separate password for parental controls

Step 4: Set Up Device Profiles

Many routers allow you to create profiles for different users or devices:

  1. Look for an option to add a new profile or device
  2. Give the profile a name (e.g., "Kids' Devices" or "John's Phone")
  3. Assign devices to the profile:
    • Select from a list of connected devices
    • Enter MAC addresses manually
    • Some routers let you select the device type (phone, tablet, computer, etc.)
Tip: To find a device's MAC address on most smartphones, go to Settings > About Phone > Status > MAC Address or Settings > Wi-Fi > tap the gear icon next to your network.

Step 5: Configure Content Filtering

Content filtering allows you to block access to certain types of websites:

  • Category-based filtering: Block entire categories of websites (e.g., adult content, gambling, social media)
    • Look for checkboxes for different content categories
    • Select the categories you want to block
  • Keyword filtering: Block websites containing specific keywords
    • Enter keywords you want to block
  • URL filtering: Block or allow specific websites
    • Create a blocklist of websites to restrict
    • Create an allowlist of websites to permit (everything else blocked)

Step 6: Set Time Restrictions

Time restrictions allow you to control when internet access is available:

  • Schedule-based restrictions:
    • Set specific days and times when internet access is allowed or blocked
    • Create different schedules for weekdays and weekends
    • Some routers use a calendar or grid interface for this
  • Time limits:
    • Set a maximum amount of internet time per day
    • Configure when this time can be used
  • Bedtime mode:
    • Block internet access during specified sleeping hours

Step 7: Save Settings and Test

  1. Click "Save," "Apply," or "OK" to apply your settings
  2. Wait for the router to process the changes
  3. Test the parental controls:
    • Try accessing a blocked website on a controlled device
    • Check if time restrictions work when scheduled

Brand-Specific Instructions

  1. Log in to your TP-Link router
  2. Go to Parental Controls
  3. Toggle Parental Controls to ON
  4. Click Add Device
  5. Select devices from the list or enter the MAC address manually
  6. Set time restrictions:
    • Select days of the week
    • Set start time and end time for internet access
  7. For content filtering (on some models):
    • Go to Access Control > Internet Access Control
    • Enable the feature
    • Create a rule for the devices
    • Add websites to block or allow
  8. Click Save

  1. Log in to your Netgear router
  2. Go to Parental Controls
  3. Click Enable to activate parental controls
  4. Newer Netgear routers use Circle:
    • Download the Circle app on your mobile device
    • Follow the app instructions to set up parental controls
    • Create profiles for each family member
    • Assign devices to profiles
    • Set filter levels (Pre-K, Kid, Teen, Adult)
    • Set time limits and bedtime
    • Block specific apps or websites
  5. For older Netgear models:
    • Create an OpenDNS account when prompted
    • Select filtering level
    • Customize blocked categories
    • Add specific websites to block or allow
  6. Click Apply

  1. Log in to your Linksys router
  2. Go to Security > Parental Controls or Access Restrictions
  3. Enable the feature
  4. For newer Linksys Smart Wi-Fi routers:
    • Click Parental Controls > Schedule
    • Select the devices to restrict
    • Set time restrictions by clicking on the grid
    • Go to Access Restrictions to block specific websites
    • Enter website addresses to block
  5. For older Linksys models:
    • Create a new policy
    • Enter the MAC addresses of devices to control
    • Set days and times to restrict access
    • Enter websites to block
  6. Click Save Settings or Apply

  1. Log in to your Asus router
  2. Go to AiProtection > Parental Controls
  3. Enable Parental Controls
  4. Click Add Profile or + to create a new profile
  5. Enter a name for the profile
  6. Add devices to the profile:
    • Select from the list of connected devices
    • Or click Add Devices and enter MAC addresses
  7. Set content filtering:
    • Select a preset filter level (Child, Teen, Adult) or create a custom filter
    • Choose categories to block
  8. Set time scheduling:
    • Select days of the week
    • Set time ranges when internet is allowed
    • Set time quotas if desired
  9. Click OK or Apply

Additional Parental Control Options

Router Limitations

While router-based parental controls are convenient, they may have limitations:

  • May not work when children use mobile data instead of Wi-Fi
  • Some routers have basic filtering that can be bypassed
  • May not provide detailed reporting or monitoring

Alternative Solutions

For more comprehensive parental controls, consider these options:

DNS-Based Filtering

Services like OpenDNS or CleanBrowsing let you filter content at the DNS level:

  • More comprehensive category filtering
  • Works across all devices on your network
  • Many offer free basic plans
Dedicated Parental Control Apps

Apps installed on children's devices provide more control:

  • Work regardless of network connection
  • Offer screen time management
  • Provide detailed activity reports
  • Some popular options include Google Family Link, Apple Screen Time, and Norton Family

Talking to Kids About Internet Safety

Technical controls work best when combined with ongoing conversations about internet safety:

  • Explain why you're setting up parental controls
  • Discuss appropriate online behavior and content
  • Teach children about privacy and not sharing personal information
  • Encourage them to talk to you if they encounter something concerning
  • Gradually increase freedom as children demonstrate responsibility

Need More Help?

For more specific instructions for your router model, refer to your router's manual or the manufacturer's website.

Related Guides

Common Router Login IPs