Want to stop harmful websites and viruses without spending a lot on software? You can easily do this at home by changing your internet settings to use free services that keep your family safe, like Cloudflare or OpenDNS. This method works on all your devices without needing to change each one individually.
Here’s a simple overview:
Change your router’s settings ➔ Use safe, family-friendly settings from Cloudflare or OpenDNS ➔ Block adult and dangerous websites for everything connected
Follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Use Cloudflare Family Settings (the simplest way)
- Open your router’s settings (usually by typing 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 in your web browser).
- Find the DNS settings.
- Enter these numbers:
Primary DNS: 1.1.1.3
Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.3
- These will automatically block harmful and adult sites.
- More info: Introducing 1.1.1.1 for Families
Step 2: Use OpenDNS (more control)
- Create a free account at Home Internet Security | OpenDNS
- Change your router’s DNS to:
Primary: 208.67.222.123
Secondary: 208.67.220.123
- Log in to your OpenDNS account to choose what types of sites to block.
Step 3: (Optional) Change Settings on Individual Devices
- For kids’ tablets or phones, you can also change their device settings to use safer DNS options if they try to change the main router settings.
Step 4: (Optional Advanced) Use extra tools for more control
- For stronger blocking and monitoring, consider setting up tools like Pi-hole or Firewalla.
Quick Tips:
- Write down your current DNS settings before making changes, so you can revert if needed.
- Test by visiting some blocked websites, like adult sites or ones known to have viruses.
- Use DNS filtering along with talking to your kids about internet safety for better results.
Important Notes:
- Smart kids might bypass these filters using VPNs or mobile data—so talk to them and supervise online use.
- Sometimes, these filters might block useful sites by mistake; you can create a list these sites to always allow.
- If you use Microsoft Family Safety, make sure your child is using a regular user account, not an admin account, to keep these settings effective.
Here’s a simple overview:
Change your router’s settings ➔ Use safe, family-friendly settings from Cloudflare or OpenDNS ➔ Block adult and dangerous websites for everything connected
Follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Use Cloudflare Family Settings (the simplest way)
- Open your router’s settings (usually by typing 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 in your web browser).
- Find the DNS settings.
- Enter these numbers:
Primary DNS: 1.1.1.3
Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.3
- These will automatically block harmful and adult sites.
- More info: Introducing 1.1.1.1 for Families
Step 2: Use OpenDNS (more control)
- Create a free account at Home Internet Security | OpenDNS
- Change your router’s DNS to:
Primary: 208.67.222.123
Secondary: 208.67.220.123
- Log in to your OpenDNS account to choose what types of sites to block.
Step 3: (Optional) Change Settings on Individual Devices
- For kids’ tablets or phones, you can also change their device settings to use safer DNS options if they try to change the main router settings.
Step 4: (Optional Advanced) Use extra tools for more control
- For stronger blocking and monitoring, consider setting up tools like Pi-hole or Firewalla.
Quick Tips:
- Write down your current DNS settings before making changes, so you can revert if needed.
- Test by visiting some blocked websites, like adult sites or ones known to have viruses.
- Use DNS filtering along with talking to your kids about internet safety for better results.
Important Notes:
- Smart kids might bypass these filters using VPNs or mobile data—so talk to them and supervise online use.
- Sometimes, these filters might block useful sites by mistake; you can create a list these sites to always allow.
- If you use Microsoft Family Safety, make sure your child is using a regular user account, not an admin account, to keep these settings effective.