Ever wonder how to stop certain websites from being accessed on your home network? Maybe you want to keep kids safe from harmful content or help your family stay more focused online. The good news is, you can block websites directly on your router! This way, you don’t have to block each device separately. In this easy guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to do it.
What Is Website Blocking on a Router?
Blocking websites on your router means stopping certain sites from loading on all devices connected to your Wi-Fi. Whether it’s a smartphone, laptop, or tablet, once a site is blocked on your router, no one using your Wi-Fi will be able to visit that site.
Steps to Block Websites on Your Router
Here’s how you can block websites on most routers, even if you’re not tech-savvy. These steps are written in simple terms, so anyone can follow along.
1. Log In to Your Router
- First, you need to access your router’s admin page. Open a web browser (like Chrome or Safari) and type in your router’s IP address. It’s usually something like
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1. You can find this information on your router or in the manual. - You’ll be asked to log in. Enter your username and password. If you haven’t changed these, the default might be something like “admin” for both fields.
2. Find the Website Block Settings
- Once logged in, look for sections labeled “Parental Controls,” “Access Restrictions,” or “Firewall.” These settings vary depending on the router brand.
- Common brands like Netgear, TP-Link, and Asus have easy-to-find menus for website blocking.
3. Enter the Website URL
- In the blocking section, there’s usually a box where you can type the website you want to block. For example, if you want to block YouTube, you would type
www.youtube.com. - You can block an entire website or just specific pages. Some routers even let you block by keyword, so any website with certain words will be restricted.
4. Set Time Restrictions (Optional)
- Do you want to block websites only during certain hours? For example, maybe you want to allow social media during the day but block it after 8 PM. Many routers let you set up time-based rules. Just choose when you want the blocking to start and end.
5. Block Websites for Specific Devices
- Some routers allow you to block sites for certain devices only. If you want to restrict access for your child’s tablet but leave your phone unrestricted, look for an option to block by device. This is often done by adding the device’s MAC address (a unique code for each device) to the rule.
6. Save and Test
- Once you’ve added the websites you want to block, don’t forget to save your settings! Some routers may ask you to reboot (restart) to apply the changes.
- To check if it worked, try opening the blocked website on one of your devices. You should see an error message, and the page won’t load.
Extra Tips for Advanced Users
If you want more control, here are some extra tricks:
- Use OpenDNS: You can change your router’s DNS settings to use services like OpenDNS, which allows you to block harmful websites across your entire network easily.
- Custom Router Firmware: If your router doesn’t have great blocking options, you can install third-party firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWRT for more advanced features.
Troubleshooting: What to Do If It Doesn’t Work
- Clear your browser’s cache if the blocked site still opens.
- Make sure HTTPS (secure website versions) are blocked too.
- Double-check your router settings or reboot it if changes aren’t applied right away.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Home Internet
Blocking websites on your router is a smart and simple way to manage internet access. Whether it’s for safety, productivity, or peace of mind, this method works across all devices connected to your network.
Want more tech tips like this? Share this article with friends or leave a comment below! Keep your family safe and focused online with just a few clicks.