How to block websites and set limits on your home router
Your router is the one place you can protect every device on the Wi-Fi at once — including devices without their own controls. Two approaches, best used together: use your router's built-in parental controls (most modern routers let you group your child's devices, schedule internet-off times, and block categories from the router app), and point your network at a family-filtering DNS such as AdGuard DNS, CleanBrowsing or OpenDNS Family Shield — a free change in the router settings that blocks adult sites network-wide. Add a schedule so the Wi-Fi to kids' devices switches off at bedtime.
Home Wi-Fi & router FAQs
Can I block websites on my router?
Yes — most routers have built-in category blocking and schedules, and pointing the router at a family DNS (AdGuard / CleanBrowsing / OpenDNS Family) filters adult sites across every device.
Does router filtering cover phones and tablets?
On your home Wi-Fi, yes — but it doesn't apply on mobile data, so keep device-level controls on too.
Lock it down — start tonight
Dad's free quick wins for Home Wi-Fi & router. Do step 1 tonight; the rest are in the members' guide.
- 1Switch your DNS to a family-safe resolver to block adult sites across every device
Not ready for the full guide? Grab the free age-by-age checklist
Six things that actually matter at each stage — by a mom of two. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
The rest of the Home Wi-Fi & router lockdown
3 more quick wins — plus the full screen-by-screen walkthrough.
The full screen-by-screen walkthrough for Home Wi-Fi & router lives in The Ultimate Parents Guide.
Device Scoreboard
Every device, scored head-to-head.
See alsoApp Scoreboard
App-by-app honest verdicts.
View ThenTalk to your kids
The conversation that makes the settings stick.
How to start