Router Setup

What Can My Router Actually Do?

It varies wildly! Some routers, especially newer ones or those from ISPs who promote parental controls (like BT, Sky), have quite sophisticated options. Others might be very basic. Common features include:

  • Website Filtering/Blocking: Allowing or blocking specific websites or categories.
  • Time Scheduling: Setting specific times when Wi-Fi is available for certain devices (e.g., turning off Wi-Fi for kids’ tablets after bedtime).
  • Device Management: Seeing a list of devices connected to your network and potentially pausing internet access for specific ones.
  • Basic Activity Logs: Some might show basic connection logs (less common or user-friendly).

What You’ll Need:

  • Your Home Wi-Fi Router: Still the star of the show!
  • Router Login Details: That username and password to get into its settings (normally found on the bottom/back of the router).
  • A Device Connected to Your Wi-Fi: To access the settings page.
  • Your Router’s IP Address: Usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (again normally found on the bottom/back of the router, or in the setup guide).
  • Patience & Exploration: You might need to poke around the settings menus!

Step 1: Re-Enter the Router’s Lair

Just like before:

  1. Open a web browser on a connected device.
  2. Type your router’s IP address into the address bar and press Enter.
  3. Log in with your router’s username and password.

Step 2: Hunt for the “Parental Controls” Section

Now the treasure hunt begins! Look for menu options with names like:

  • Parental Controls (The most obvious!)
  • Access Control
  • Time Scheduling
  • Security
  • Firewall
  • Device Management
  • Connected Devices

Sometimes these settings are under an “Advanced Settings” section. Click around until you find something that looks promising. Tip: Your ISP’s website (BT, Sky, Virgin etc.) often has specific guides for their routers – searching “[Your ISP Name] router parental controls” can save you time!

Step 3: Explore the Available Tools (What You Might Find)

Once you find the relevant section(s), here’s what you might be able to configure:

  • Website Filtering/Blocking:
    • How it might work: You might see options to block sites by keyword, specific URL (website address), or sometimes pre-defined categories (like Gambling, Social Media, Games – though this is often less reliable than dedicated DNS filtering).
    • Setup: Look for fields to add website addresses you want to block or allow. You might need to apply these rules to specific devices on your network (see Device Management below).
  • Time Scheduling / Access Control:
    • How it might work: This is often one of the most useful router features. You can usually create schedules that define when specific devices are allowed to access the internet via Wi-Fi.
    • Setup: You’ll typically need to:
      1. Identify the device you want to limit (often by its name or MAC address – a unique hardware ID found in the device’s network settings). You might see a list of currently connected devices to choose from.
      2. Create a schedule: Select days of the week and specific time blocks (e.g., Block internet from 9 PM to 7 AM on weekdays).
      3. Apply the schedule to the chosen device(s).
  • Device Management / Pausing Wi-Fi:
    • How it might work: Many modern routers (especially those with companion apps from ISPs) show you a list of all devices currently connected to your Wi-Fi.
    • Setup: Look for a “Connected Devices,” “Device List,” or similar section. You might see an option next to each device to “Pause,” “Block,” or “Disconnect” its internet access instantly. This is great for impromptu “dinner time means no devices!” moments. You might also assign devices to specific users or profiles here to apply time/filtering rules.

Step 4: Identify Your Devices (Finding MAC Addresses)

To apply rules to specific devices (like your child’s tablet but not your work laptop), the router needs to identify them uniquely. It usually does this using the MAC Address.

  • Finding the MAC Address:
    • On Android: Settings > About phone/tablet > Status (or Hardware information) > Wi-Fi MAC address.
    • On iPhone/iPad: Settings > General > About > Wi-Fi Address.
    • On Windows: Command Prompt > ipconfig /all > Look for “Physical Address” under your Wi-Fi adapter.
    • On Mac: System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Details… > Hardware > MAC Address.
    • On Game Consoles: Check the network settings menu.
  • In the Router: The router’s “Connected Devices” list often shows the MAC address alongside a device name (which might be generic like “android-123abc”). You can match the MAC address you found on the device to the list in the router to be sure you’re applying rules to the right gadget. Some routers let you rename devices in the list to make it easier (e.g., “Liam’s Tablet”).

Step 5: Apply, Save, and Test!

  1. Once you’ve configured filters or schedules, always look for an “Apply” or “Save” button within that section of the router settings.
  2. Test it out! Try accessing a blocked site from the restricted device, or check if the Wi-Fi cuts off at the scheduled time.

Important Router Realities:

  • Varies Hugely: We can’t stress this enough – features differ massively between routers. Yours might have lots of options, or almost none.
  • Wi-Fi Only: Router controls generally only affect devices connected via your home Wi-Fi. They won’t affect a phone using its mobile data plan.
  • Can Be Basic: Router-based website filtering might be less sophisticated or up-to-date than dedicated services like OpenDNS.
  • MAC Spoofing (Advanced Bypass): Very tech-savvy users might be able to change their device’s MAC address to bypass device-specific rules, but this is uncommon.
  • VPN Bypass: If a device uses a VPN (Virtual Private Network), it can often bypass the router’s filtering and time rules entirely.

Command Center Configured!

Exploring your router’s settings can unlock some useful tools for managing your family’s internet access right at the source. Combine these router settings with device-specific tools (like Family Link or Screen Time) and open communication for the best results. Good luck navigating the settings!