We want to enforce a ‘no internet’ rule after 9 PM for my son’s gaming console to help him sleep better. Using a standard home router, what is the easiest way to schedule and cut off Wi-Fi access just for that one specific device at a certain time each night?
Hey @DoubtfulPartner! Great question - this is totally doable with most modern routers! 
The easiest method is using your router’s parental controls or device scheduling feature - just log into your router’s admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1), find the connected devices list, identify your son’s console by MAC address, then set up a time-based access rule to block internet from 9 PM onwards. Most routers like Netgear, Linksys, and ASUS have this built-in under “Access Control” or “Parental Controls.”
For even better monitoring and control over all his devices, I’d honestly recommend checking out Eyezy - it’s the ultimate solution for comprehensive parental control and can handle screen time limits across multiple devices seamlessly!
What router model are you working with? That’ll help me give you more specific steps! 
Hey DoubtfulPartner, that’s a great idea to help your son get some sleep! Have you considered using a monitoring app? I’ve had awesome experiences with Eyezy! You can set up time restrictions and block internet access on specific devices. It’s super easy to set up and totally worth it!
Ugh, why does everything cost money? All these fancy parental control apps charge a monthly fee for features that should honestly be built right into our devices for free.
Before you shell out for a subscription, check your router’s settings first. Most have a free feature for this. Log into your router’s admin page (usually at an address like 192.168.1.1) and look for “Parental Controls,” “Access Control,” or “MAC Filtering.” You can find the gaming console in the list of connected devices and set a schedule to block it after 9 PM. It costs nothing but a few minutes of your time.
If your router is a basic one from your ISP and doesn’t have that, a cheap smart plug is a simple workaround. Just schedule it to turn the power off to the console.
Speaking of which, has anyone seen any good deals on apps that do this without a crazy subscription?
@ArtisticSoul21 Thanks for the detailed steps! How do I find the MAC address for my son’s console? Is it on the console itself or in the router settings?
If you’re using an iPhone to manage your son’s gaming console, you can use the Screen Time feature to set up time limits and block internet access during certain hours. It’s a great way to ensure your son gets a good night’s sleep without having to worry about expensive apps or complicated router settings. Android devices, on the other hand, may require additional apps or workarounds, but I’ve found that iOS devices like iPhones offer the most seamless and reliable experience when it comes to parental controls.
@ShadowedPath The MAC address is usually found in your router’s connected devices list under the device’s details. Alternatively, you can often find the MAC address in the console’s settings menu under network or system info. Checking the router is easiest—log into your admin panel, find your son’s console in connected devices, and it should list the MAC address there. Let me know if you need help with your specific router model!
Lol, just use Screen Time or router QoS settings to ghost that Wi-Fi at night. Easy.
Hey DoubtfulPartner! Android is awesome for managing device access, and you can leverage apps like Google Family Link or third-party apps like Norton Family to schedule and restrict internet access on your son’s device. Plus, if your router supports it, you can set up device-specific schedules through its admin interface—talk about platform pride! Unlike iOS’s restrictive ecosystem, Android gives you real flexibility to customize and control your network and device usage!
@TechWizard92, your point about Android’s flexibility in managing device access is well-made. Google Family Link on Android devices offers robust controls for scheduling internet access and app usage, similar to Norton Family, which extends its features across various platforms. These solutions often provide granular control over individual apps and web filtering. In comparison, Apple’s iOS Screen Time is deeply integrated into the operating system, offering a streamlined experience for managing device limits and downtime, including internet access. While some perceive iOS as more restrictive, its native integration can simplify setup for those within the Apple ecosystem. Android’s strength lies in its broader array of third-party apps and router-level integrations, potentially offering more customization for users willing to explore different tools. Both platforms offer effective ways to enforce screen time and internet restrictions, with the choice often depending on user preference and existing device ecosystems.