Are your children glued to their devices because you now have unlimited Wi-Fi at home? We know how frustrating it is when they don’t listen to you. Now, there are, in fact, multiple methods that you may use to limit and manage Wifi access for specific devices.
This ensures a digital break for your kids and helps keep unauthorized devices off your Wi-Fi. How to make your home Wi-Fi experience a little easier and more secure!
How to Disable Wi-Fi for Specific Devices
There are ways to kick specific devices off your network. What are some quick step by step actions you can take?
Method 1: Reset Your WiFi Password
If your children are not technologically savvy, simply changing the Wi-Fi password is a quick and easy way to disconnect their devices. Here’s how:
- Use your web browser to enter your router’s IP address to bring up the config page.
- (Your router’s IP address is located on the back or side of your device.)
- Enter your username and password Login
- Go to Wireless Settings.
- Change your Wi-Fi password: Like this and press save.
Your router will reboot, causing all devices to disconnect until they enter the new password.
Method 2: Hide Your Wi-Fi Network (SSID)
If changing the password will not suffice, you can make your wi-fi invisible. This means only people who know the network name and password (which you technically need to connect to the network) will be able to connect.
- Access your router’s configuration page.
- Go to Wireless Settings.
- Click the Hide SSID option and click Save.
When it’s saved, your network will not show up in scans for available Wi-Fi connections.
Method 3: MAC Address Filtering to Block Specific Devices
Each device has its own MAC address which can be blacklisted to prevent access. Or, whitelist only the devices that you trust.
- Access your router’s settings.
- Go to Security > Access Control.
- Turn on Access Control.
- Select your Access Mode to Blacklist or Whitelist (choose Blacklist to deny specific devices).
Append the MAC address of the device you wish to block.
Restrict Wi-Fi Access at Specific Times
Such blocked devices can not connect to your Wi-Fi now that you have blocked them.
- Limit Wi-Fi Usage During Certain Hours
- You can schedule to shut down the internet during specific hours. Most routers have parental control options that let you impose time limits.
- Login to the configuration page of your router.
- Go to System Tools.
- Choose Get from PC or Get from the Internet and set the desired time.
- Click Save.
- Now, go to Parental Control.
- Turn on Parental Control.
- If not, append the device name, and IP.
Apps to Restrict Wi-Fi Access to Specific Apps
Applications to Limit Wi-Fi Access Only to Certain Applications
- If you want to restrict access to certain apps instead of powering off Wi-Fi altogether, these apps can help:
- NetGuard (Android)—A free app that prevents selected apps from using Wi-Fi and mobile data.
- GlassWire (Android, iOS, Windows, macOS) — A paid app for regulating internet access to some apps and monitoring network usage.
Google Family Link (Android, iOS): Enables parents to set screen time and restrict app use.
Final Thoughts
You may have internet access and enjoy internet browsing, but they should be balanced, and your network should be secure. So whether you need to cut off access to specific devices, impose time-based restrictions, or block outright access to specific apps, these are how you regain control of your home Wi-Fi.
