How to Set Up Parental Controls on Your Network — Step-by-Step Guide

 

How to Set Up Parental Controls on Your Network — Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Protect your children online and manage screen time with router parental controls, DNS filters, and third-party apps. This guide walks you through setup, best practices, and troubleshooting for all major routers.

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🔒 Why Use Parental Controls?

Parental controls let you block inappropriate content, limit online time, and manage which devices can access the internet. Implemented correctly, they provide a safer online environment and reduce arguments about screen time.

Parental controls give parents tools to manage kids' online time and content.

📋 Overview — Methods to Control Access

• Router-level parental controls — built into many modern routers (best for device-wide control).
• DNS filtering — uses services like OpenDNS to block categories (easy and robust).
• Router apps / vendor ecosystems — TP-Link HomeCare, Asus AiProtection, Netgear Circle, etc.
• Device-level controls — built into iOS, Android, Windows, or via apps (applies per device).

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⚙️ Step 1 — Log Into Your Router

Open a browser and type your router’s IP (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Log in with the admin username and password. If you don’t know them, check the router label or the manual. For safety, change default admin credentials if you haven't already.

Router admin page — access it to configure parental controls.

🧩 Step 2 — Locate Parental Control Settings

Router menus differ by brand. Typical places to look:

• TP-Link: Parental Controls / HomeCare
• Asus: AiProtection → Parental Controls
• Netgear (Nighthawk): Circle with Disney → Parental Controls
• Linksys: Parental Controls or Access Restrictions

If your router UI is limited, check the vendor’s mobile app — many router apps have friendlier parental control pages.

🧾 Step 3 — Create Device Profiles

Identify the devices your children use (tablet, phone, gaming console). Create a profile for each device or user to apply rules individually.

1. Find Device List or Attached Devices in the router admin interface.
2. Note device names or MAC addresses.
3. Create a new profile (e.g., “John-Tablet”, “Anna-Phone”) and assign the device to it.

Assign devices to profiles so you can apply different rules per child.

⏱️ Step 4 — Set Time Limits and Schedules

Most routers allow scheduling internet access (e.g., weekdays 07:00–19:00; bedtime block 21:00–07:00). Use this to:

• Limit daily screen time
• Block internet during homework time
• Disable access at night to improve sleep

Example rule: “School days: allow 2 hours of internet (17:00–19:00); Weekends: allow 3 hours (10:00–13:00 and 16:00–19:00)”

🚫 Step 5 — Block Websites and Categories

You can block websites one by one or block entire categories (Adult, Gambling, Social Media, Streaming, etc.).

• Domain blacklist: add specific domains like examplebadsite.com
• Category blocking: use router-provided categories or use DNS filtering (recommended)

Block access to specific sites or categories from the router’s control panel.

🌐 Step 6 — Use DNS Filtering (OpenDNS FamilyShield / CleanBrowsing)

DNS filtering is a powerful and vendor-agnostic method. It blocks domains at DNS lookup time — requests to blocked categories never resolve.

OpenDNS FamilyShield (automatic adult content blocking):

• Primary DNS: 208.67.222.123
• Secondary DNS: 208.67.220.123

CleanBrowsing (Family Filter):

• Primary DNS: 185.228.168.168
• Secondary DNS: 185.228.169.168

How to apply: In your router admin → Network / WAN / Internet Settings → set DNS servers to the chosen values → Save and reboot router.

Set DNS servers in the router to enable network-wide filtering.

🔁 Step 7 — Use Vendor-Specific Solutions (TP-Link, Netgear, Asus)

Many vendors provide simplified parental controls with apps:

• TP-Link HomeCare: set profiles, time limits, and content filtering via mobile app.
• Netgear + Circle: per-user controls, bedtimes, pause internet, and usage reports.
• Asus AiProtection: includes malware blocking and parental control scheduling.

Open your router app → go to Parental Controls / Family → follow the wizard to create user profiles and rules.

📱 Step 8 — Device-Level Controls (iOS, Android, Windows)

For extra control, use built-in device features:

• iOS (Screen Time): set app limits, downtime, and content restrictions.
• Android (Family Link): manage apps, limit screen time, and set device bedtimes.
• Windows (Family Safety): manage websites, app usage, and screen time per account.

Combine router-level and device-level controls for the best results.

🔎 Step 9 — Monitor and Test

After setup:

• Open a blocked website on a child’s device to verify it’s blocked.
• Try scheduled times to confirm access windows work correctly.
• Use router logs (if available) to see blocked attempts and which sites were requested.

🛠️ Troubleshooting Common Problems

• Rules not applied: ensure devices use the router for DNS (not a manual DNS on the device) and clear device DNS cache.
• Child uses mobile data (4G/5G): parental controls don’t apply to cellular — use device-level restrictions or restrict installing mobile data apps.
• Smart TV or consoles bypass filters: set static IP + apply filtering on that IP, or mark the device profile in router UI.
• Performance issues: some routers slow down when heavy filtering is enabled — consider a modern router or dedicated DNS appliance.

✅ Best Practices & Tips

• Combine router-level controls, DNS filtering, and device-level limits for a layered approach.
• Explain rules to your children — transparency encourages better behavior.
• Regularly review access logs and adjust categories as kids age.
• Use strong admin credentials and disable remote management on the router.

❓ FAQ

Q: Can smart devices (IoT) be controlled by parental rules?
A: Yes — add IoT devices to the router, create a device profile and optionally block internet access hours. For fine control, isolate IoT on a guest network.

Q: Is DNS filtering enough?
A: DNS filtering is effective for category blocking, but tech-savvy users can bypass it (VPNs, alternate DNS). Combine with device-level controls and app restrictions.

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🔚 Conclusion

Setting up parental controls on your network protects your family and gives you tools to manage screen time and online content. Start with router-level rules and DNS filtering, add vendor apps for convenience, and complement with device-level controls. Review policies regularly and adapt as children grow.

Written by Computeria ITS — practical IT guides & home tech tips.

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How to Clean Your Computer from Viruses

Is your computer running slower than usual, showing strange pop-ups, or behaving unpredictably? It might be infected with malware or viruses. Don’t panic — in this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to clean your PC, step by step, using both automatic and manual methods.

🦠 Common Signs of a Virus Infection

• Computer runs unusually slow
• Pop-up ads appear when you’re not browsing
• Unknown programs start automatically
• Browser homepage or search engine changes without permission
• System crashes or freezes frequently

Pop-ups and slow performance are common signs of malware infection.

⚙️ Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

Unplug your Ethernet cable or disable Wi-Fi. This prevents the virus from spreading or sending your data to remote servers while you’re cleaning the system.

🔍 Step 2: Enter Safe Mode

Restart your computer and press F8 (or Shift + Restart on Windows 10/11). Select Safe Mode with Networking. This mode loads only the essential system processes, making it easier to remove malware.

Safe Mode prevents most malware from running at startup.

🧰 Step 3: Scan with a Trusted Antivirus

If you already have an antivirus program installed, update it and perform a full system scan. If not, install one of these reliable free tools:

• Malwarebytes Free
• Bitdefender Free
• Kaspersky Security Cloud Free

Let the scan complete and remove all detected threats.

Use a reputable antivirus tool to detect and clean malware.

🧽 Step 4: Manually Check Suspicious Programs

Open Control Panel → Programs and Features and uninstall any unknown or suspicious software. Be cautious — if you’re unsure about a program, look it up online before removing it.

Remove unwanted programs that may reinstall malware.

🗑️ Step 5: Clear Temporary Files

Delete temporary and cache files to remove leftover traces of malware. Press Win + R → type cleanmgr → select your drive (usually C:) → choose all options and click OK.

🚫 Step 6: Check Startup Programs

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → open the Startup tab → disable any programs you don’t recognize. This prevents malicious software from launching automatically.

🔄 Step 7: Update Windows and Software

Once your system is clean, make sure Windows and all programs are up to date. Security updates patch known vulnerabilities that malware can exploit.

Regular updates help prevent future infections.

🧠 Prevention Tips

• Never open email attachments from unknown senders
• Download software only from official websites
• Regularly back up your important files
• Use a strong antivirus with real-time protection

✅ Conclusion

Cleaning your computer from viruses doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few careful steps and the right tools, you can restore your PC to peak performance and prevent future infections. Stay cautious — prevention is always easier than repair!

Written by Computeria ITS — Your source for smart and practical IT solutions.

See also:

Your data are stolen-RANSOMWARE

How to Turn an Old Router into a Wi-Fi Repeater - extend your WiFi network

How to Turn an Old Router into a Wi-Fi Repeater

Do you have an old router collecting dust in a drawer? Instead of throwing it away, you can turn it into a Wi-Fi repeater and extend your wireless network coverage for free! This simple guide will walk you through every step to repurpose your old router and boost your home Wi-Fi signal.

🔧 What You’ll Need

• Old Wi-Fi router (any brand — TP-Link, D-Link, ASUS, etc.)
• Main router with an active internet connection
• Ethernet cable
• Computer or laptop for configuration

⚙️ Step 1: Reset the Old Router

To start clean, hold the reset button on your old router for about 10–15 seconds. Wait for it to reboot — this will restore the factory settings and remove any previous configurations.

Use a pin or paperclip to press and hold the reset button.

🖥️ Step 2: Connect to the Old Router

Connect your PC or laptop to the old router using an Ethernet cable (LAN port). Open your browser and type one of these default addresses:

• 192.168.0.1
• 192.168.1.1

Login with the default credentials (usually admin / admin).

🌐 Step 3: Change the IP Address

To avoid conflicts with your main router, set a new local IP address. For example, if your main router is 192.168.1.1, change your old router’s IP to 192.168.1.2. Save and reboot.

Assign a unique IP to your old router within the same subnet.

📶 Step 4: Disable DHCP

Go to DHCP Settings and disable the DHCP server. This allows your main router to assign IP addresses for all devices on the network.

🔗 Step 5: Connect Both Routers

There are two ways to connect the routers:

Option 1: LAN-to-LAN (Recommended)

Connect an Ethernet cable from one of the LAN ports on your main router to a LAN port on the old router.

Option 2: Wireless Repeater Mode

If your old router supports “Repeater Mode” or “WDS Bridging,” enable it and connect it wirelessly to your main router’s SSID.

Use WDS or Repeater Mode if no Ethernet cable is available.

📡 Step 6: Match the Wi-Fi Settings

Set the same SSID and password as your main router if you want seamless roaming between the two signals. Alternatively, choose a different SSID (e.g., “Home_Extender”) to identify the repeater.

✅ Step 7: Test Your Network

Disconnect your Ethernet cable and walk around your home with your smartphone or laptop. You should notice stronger Wi-Fi coverage, especially in previous dead zones.

Check your Wi-Fi signal — you should see improved coverage in all rooms.

💡 Bonus Tip: Use DD-WRT or OpenWRT Firmware

If your old router supports it, you can install custom firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWRT for advanced repeater options and better performance.

🏁 Conclusion

Turning an old router into a Wi-Fi repeater is a cost-free and eco-friendly way to improve your home network coverage. With just a few settings, you can turn obsolete hardware into a powerful network extender.

Written by Computeria ITS — Smart IT solutions for your home and office.