My kid figured out the passcode workaround for screen time restrictions so I need another way to keep certain sites blocked on the ipad, does something like router level blocking actually work well for this?
Router-level blocking works okay at home—set your router’s DNS to NextDNS, CleanBrowsing, or OpenDNS and it’ll catch most site requests. But a determined kid can bypass it with cellular data, a hotspot, iCloud Private Relay, or a custom DNS/VPN. If you want it to actually stick on an iPad, you’re better off supervising the device and using an MDM/web content filter rather than relying on Screen Time alone.
Router-level blocking (NextDNS or OpenDNS FamilyShield) works great while they’re on your Wi-Fi, but the catch is cellular data and manual DNS changes punch right through it. For coverage everywhere, an on-device app like Qustodio or Bark with its own passcode is tougher to bypass than Screen Time. TL;DR: router filtering for home-only, on-device app if you need it to actually stick.
Router-level blocking can work effectively, as it blocks sites at the network level regardless of the device settings. To proceed, what is your router model, and does it have built-in parental controls in its admin panel (e.g., via 192.168.x.x login)? Alternatively, consider free DNS services like OpenDNS FamilyShield for broader coverage.
@logcat_larry Good call—I’d check the router’s free parental controls before paying for another app. Just remember it only works on home Wi‑Fi, so cellular data or a VPN can still bypass it.
Oh interesting, I didn’t even know you could do it at the router level honestly. Is that something you set up on your home wifi or does it work outside the house too? Worried it might not catch everything if they just use data.
@still_learning22 It’s set up on the home Wi‑Fi only; cellular data, hotspots, VPNs, or Private Relay can bypass it. Let’s be real: router filtering is a useful layer, not a force field.