Before you start
- Access to your router settings
Method 1 Set a family-safe DNS on your router
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Step 1: Open DNS settings
Log in to your router (app or admin page) and find DNS under Internet/WAN or LAN/DHCP settings.
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Step 2: Enter family DNS
Use one of the services in the table below for Primary and Secondary DNS.
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Step 3: Save and reconnect
Save, then restart your devices or reconnect them to Wi-Fi so they pick up the new DNS.
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Step 4: Test
Try visiting a known adult site; you should see an error or block page.
| Service | Primary | Secondary | Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare for Families | 1.1.1.3 | 1.0.0.3 | Malware and adult content |
| OpenDNS FamilyShield | 208.67.222.123 | 208.67.220.123 | Adult content (pre-configured) |
| CleanBrowsing Family | 185.228.168.168 | 185.228.169.168 | Adult content, mixed content, enforces SafeSearch |
Method 2 Add router parental controls
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Step 1: Open Parental Controls
Many routers (TP-Link HomeShield, Netgear Smart Parental Controls, ASUS AiProtection, eero, Google Home) include filters per device or profile.
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Step 2: Create profiles
Assign your children’s devices to a profile, choose an age filter and set time limits if you like.
Troubleshooting
The filter doesn’t work on one device
That device may have its own DNS, Private DNS, a VPN or browser secure DNS set. Check its network settings.
A safe site is blocked
Filters sometimes misfire. Report it to the DNS service, or allow it in your router’s parental controls.
Frequently asked questions
Is family DNS free?
Yes. Cloudflare for Families, OpenDNS FamilyShield and CleanBrowsing Family are free.
Will it slow my internet?
No. DNS lookups are tiny, and these services are fast.
Summary
Set your router’s DNS to Cloudflare for Families (1.1.1.3) or OpenDNS FamilyShield to filter every device at once, then add router parental controls and device-level controls like Family Link or Screen Time.
