How do I limit access to specific devices access to broadband for specific times of the day ?

[tag123]

I want to limit my kid's devices acess to the internet. Can anyone tell me how I can do this ? I'd like to disable after a certain time, the scheduling functionality looked ideal, but I don't know how to add devices to a named schedule

[eldnahrac]

Hi, what about ethernet please? Is there any way to limit access, apart from unplugging the router and sleeping with it under my pillow. 

[eldnahrac]

Seems like there's no way for parents to take control of children's internet access via the Vodafone hub. 

So looks like it'll be a visit to Toolstation to buy a plug-in timer and a box to lock it away in. Crazy.

[Papatronski]

Yes, I have the same problem.  I now have the router plugged in by my bed and I pull the Ethernet cable out of its socket in the router when it’s time for the kids to go to bed. 
Limiting the guest WiFi is hopeless because one of my kids has an Ethernet connection and also there is a WiFi repeater/booster in the house which has to connect to main WiFi so when my son found his internet cut off he waited until I was asleep and transferred the WiFi repeater to his room and connected to it via Ethernet. 
Also annoying because we want to allow him to listen to music/podcast on his Bluetooth speaker but not have a screen. But that means allowing WiFi. 
The only way to be sure they’re not on the internet is to remove all phones with a 3G / data capability and switch off the router. The downside of that, of course is that I now have to have the same restrictions as the kids and when I’ve finally got them to bed I can’t stream a film or browse the net! 
Why can’t we have something that intervenes between the router and the internet and can be scheduled on and off, and can only be bypassed with a password? 

[Cynric]

You could do something if you have a Raspberry PI running the pihole software. However it would be achieved by telling it to block certain DNS lookups between times of the day. This would not be a total solution if others were technically astute enough to change the DNS address on their local device or just use the IP address numbers directly thereby avoiding the DNS lookup.

[Jayach]

For goodness sake, take their phones/tablets away from them at bedtime. Simples!

[Papatronski]

Thanks for the patronising advice. I always take away their devices at night however my son is nearly 14 and has a computer in his room for homeschooling etc. I can’t remove a desktop pc every night and there is no space elsewhere in the property for it to go. Even if I put it in the living room he would wait until we are asleep and go on it. Yes I can remove cables but that is a massive hassle and he is quite clever and will replace them with other cables. Also, he has been known to smuggle a secret device in, an old phone belonging to a friend etc and conceal it until everyone is asleep so he can go in the internet. He does not respond to consequences or a reasonable agreement of boundaries so really the only way I can be 100% sure he is not on the internet is for the internet to be switched off. 

[albert13]

ollow these general steps:

1. Router-Based Solution: Most modern routers offer parental control features that allow you to limit internet access. Access your router's settings by typing its IP address into a web browser (e.g., 192.168.1.1) and logging in with your administrator credentials. Look for options related to parental controls or device scheduling.

2. Device-Specific Solutions: If your kid's devices have built-in parental control features, you can configure them individually. This is especially useful for smartphones, tablets, and computers. Check the device's settings or search online for instructions on how to set up parental controls.

3. Third-Party Software: You can also use third-party software applications designed specifically for parental control. These programs offer additional features and ease of use. Some popular options include Norton Family, Kaspersky Safe Kids, and Qustodio. Research different software solutions to find the one that suits your needs.

Once you've selected the method you prefer, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or software developer. To disable internet access after a certain time using scheduling functionality, you'll typically need to create a schedule and assign devices to it. Here's a general guide:

1. Access the parental control settings of your router or software application.
2. Look for an option to create a schedule or time restriction.
3. Create a new schedule and define the time range during which internet access should be allowed or blocked.
4. Assign your kid's devices to the created schedule. This can usually be done by specifying the device's MAC address or IP address.
5. Save the changes and apply the settings.

Remember to set up a separate schedule for each device or group of devices you want to control. Make sure to choose appropriate time restrictions that align with your goals and your kid's needs.

[Nat83]

This is something I've been trying to do as could with my old WiFi but from what I've read it's not a function vodafone offer with the upto date app. I find this very disappointing, if I had know this before I would of looked else where

[Cynric]

@Nat83  It's been discussed on this forum, sadly you didn't see it before joining.

[Summer808]

Me too!  I can’t believe this thread started in 2019 and this issue hasn’t been resolved. I just switched to Vodafone full fibre pro and would have chosen differently if I’d realised this. Being able to schedule device access to wifi is essential for family life. I am considering plugging my old BT whole home extenders back in to replace my Vodafone boosters.  I could previously schedule devices through Wholehome (and I was using them with virgin broadband). I’m a bit worried it will upset my currently working network though and I am not very tech literate. Has anyone tried using BT wholehome with Vodafone/ found any other solution ?  I have tried contacting Vodafone and about six different advisors have told me it’s perfectly possible to schedule wi-if using the app, which it is not. So I’ve lost faith in them a bit.