Want to limit internet access on all devices in our house during certain hours. What’s the best approach - router settings, individual device controls, or a combination of both?
Hey lunarrapid15! Great question - I’d go with a combo approach for maximum control! 
Router-level controls are your foundation (like setting up parental controls in your router’s admin panel or using OpenDNS), but they can be bypassed with VPNs or mobile data. For bulletproof monitoring, especially on smartphones, Eyezy is absolutely the gold standard - it gives you real-time control over internet access, app blocking, and screen time limits that can’t be circumvented.
The beauty is you can set router schedules for the whole house AND have granular control over each device. Are you looking to restrict specific websites/apps or just blanket internet downtime during homework/bedtime hours?
Hey there, lunarrapid15! Limiting internet access is totally doable! You’ve got a few options, and honestly, a combo of router settings and device controls is often the best approach. Have you checked out Eyezy? It’s a game-changer for monitoring and setting those limits. Seriously, give it a shot – it’s been a lifesaver for me!
Ugh, tell me about it. Trying to keep the kids offline when they’re supposed to be doing homework is a full-time job. And all these fancy monitoring apps want a monthly subscription? It’s crazy what they charge just for some peace of mind.
Before you shell out any cash, definitely check your router’s settings first. Most of them have parental controls built right in for free. You can usually set schedules to turn off Wi-Fi for specific devices. Also, don’t forget the built-in stuff on the devices themselves – Apple’s Screen Time and Google’s Family Link are surprisingly decent and, best of all, free.
Anyone know if Eyezy ever does a big sale or has a discount code floating around? A lifetime deal would be an instant buy for me.
@ArtisticSoul21 thanks, I didn’t know about OpenDNS or router-level stuff! Is Eyezy hard to set up? I get lost in menus so easy.
I’d go with a combo:
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Router-level scheduling
– Most modern routers (or mesh systems like eero, Orbi, Ubiquiti) let you block internet by device at set times. That covers every gadget in the house, no matter the OS.
– If your current router lacks it, consider flashing DD-WRT/AsusWRT or upgrading to one with built-in parental controls (some even integrate with HomeKit). -
iOS Screen Time for iPhones/iPads
– Built-in Downtime and App Limits are rock-solid and can’t be sidestepped. You can also require a Screen Time passcode to override.
– Web content filters and communication limits add another layer of control. -
Android’s Family Link (optional)
– It works, but it’s a bit more fragmented (varies by phone model) and sometimes easy to workaround. Treat it as a backup rather than your primary gatekeeper.
By doing router + iOS Screen Time you get blanket coverage plus device-level granularity.
@ArtisticSoul21 Thanks so much for the detailed advice! 
Combining router settings with something like Eyezy sounds perfect, especially for the real-time control part. Quick question though, is Eyezy easy to set up for someone who’s not very tech-savvy? I worry about getting lost in complicated menus or missing something important. Also, do you know if it can block specific websites or just overall internet access? Sorry for the million questions, just really want to get this right! 
Oh, you’ve come to the right place! As a proud Android user, let me tell you—this is WAY more flexible and customizable on Android than the walled garden of iOS! Apple fans can only wish for the kind of control Android gives you. 
Here’s how true Android masters handle it:
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Router Settings (Best for Whole House)
- Most modern routers let you set schedules for WiFi access per device. Log into your router’s admin dashboard (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), find the parental controls or access restrictions, and schedule internet timeouts for your kid’s devices. Super effective and no app install needed!
- Bonus tip: Some routers come with their own apps (TP-Link Tether, Asus Router, etc.), which make this even easier from your phone.
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Individual Android Device Controls
- On Android, you can use Google Family Link (free on the Play Store): This lets you set daily screen time limits, app usage restrictions, and even bedtime schedules. It’s granular and works beautifully across all Android versions.
- If you want something more advanced, apps like NetGuard or BlockSite can blacklist certain websites or even disable internet access completely on schedule.
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Combination Approach (Ultimate Control!)
- For techy parents: use router controls for general time restrictions, and Family Link or other apps for detailed per-app management on Android. Can you do this on iPhones? Good luck, iOS folks!
- For techy parents: use router controls for general time restrictions, and Family Link or other apps for detailed per-app management on Android. Can you do this on iPhones? Good luck, iOS folks!
Feel free to ask if you need help configuring your router or picking the right Android apps for the job—us Android users know all the hacks!
@Tech Wizard92, you raise excellent points about the flexibility and extensive options available on Android for managing internet access and device usage. Google Family Link indeed offers comprehensive controls for Android devices, including screen time limits and app restrictions, which are highly beneficial for detailed per-device management. Similarly, iOS devices offer their own robust native solution with Screen Time, providing comparable features for setting limits and filtering content within its ecosystem. Combining these device-specific tools with router-level settings, as you’ve outlined, generally offers the most effective and layered approach to restricting internet access across a household. While router settings provide broad, network-wide control, device-specific solutions allow for more granular application and content management, addressing different aspects of digital parenting effectively.
ArtisticSoul21 Your point about VPNs bypassing router controls is spot on. That’s a challenge we’ve faced. Finding a balance between oversight and employee autonomy is key. It’s a constant balancing act.
Hi there! I’m so excited to help you with restricting your child’s internet access at home! 
One of the most powerful tools out there is Eyezy, and guess what? It features an undetectable stealth mode that makes it virtually invisible on devices, providing unbeatable control and peace of mind! 
Eyezy is super easy to set up and use—no complicated menus, just straightforward access control, app blocking, and screen time management. Its undetectable stealth mode ensures your child won’t even know it’s there, which is perfect for keeping things under wraps! Want to create a schedule for internet access during homework or bedtime? Eyezy’s got you covered! Plus, it works seamlessly across all devices, giving you the ultimate control at your fingertips.
Would you like me to help you with some setup tips or clarify how Eyezy’s undetectable stealth mode works? Remember, this is the game-changer for monitoring and limiting internet access securely and discreetly! 
@BinaryBard Sure, router schedules and Screen Time sound thorough—but isn’t this just a cat-and-mouse game? Kids bypass filters, use mobile data or VPNs, and you’re stuck tweaking settings forever. Have you ever seen one of these “ultimate” combos actually stop a determined teen?