If you are experimenting with the various features of your wireless network, you may wonder how to block a device on a WiFi router. The best routers, after all, allow for all manner of settings adjustments, including blocking specific devices. Why would you want to block devices and how do you do it? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- There are many reasons to block certain devices from your wireless network, particularly if you don’t know who they belong to or if you are worried parental controls are being circumvented.
- Start the process by accessing your router’s settings page or admin panel, which can be accessed by inputting the router’s public IP address into a web browser or via a mobile device.
- Look for a list of connected devices and block any from Internet access that you do not recognize or that you are worried about.
Why Block Devices From a Router?
If a device is hogging up your bandwidth, or if you simply do not recognize the device, you’ll want to block it. The device could be used by hackers to access your personal data, after all, so instead of learning what the best channel is for your router to speed up your Internet connection, it could be best to simply block the offending device.
Insider Tip
You can use this method to make just about any settings change you desire on your router.
How to Block a Device From a Router
This process varies according to the make and model of your router, so we have tried to keep these guidelines as universal as possible. Having said that, it won’t be too difficult, in line with learning how to find your router’s MAC address or perform other settings-related tasks.
STEP 1
Your first step is to ensure that your network is operating correctly. Make sure the router is connected to the modem via Ethernet cable and that both are powered on and delivering an Internet connection signal.
STEP 2
Now it’s time to enter the admin panel or settings page of your router. Each router forces a different process to get into settings, so check the instructions that came with your router or perform a quick web search.
STEP 3
In most cases, you’ll be able to access your router’s settings by entering the router’s public IP address into the address bar of a web browser. In other cases, use the firmware software or a dedicated smartphone app.
STEP 4
Once you are looking at the settings page, poke around for a list of devices that are currently connected to your wireless network. See any unrecognized devices? There should be an option to block them permanently.
STEP 5
Restart the router to make sure that your changes were accepted and that the suspicious device is gone for good.
F.A.Q.S
How to block someone on your WiFi network without changing the password?
If you are worried about parental controls or access control of any kind, you can block devices from Internet access without changing the password, though changing from the default password helps.
Can you use an app to block devices on your router?
In some cases, you can ban devices from Internet access by using a dedicated smartphone app. These apps can also be used to adjust router settings, such as parental controls, access control, time range, and more.
How to identify devices?
To identify an unwanted device or wireless devices using your network, head into the router settings. While there, adjust parental controls, smart home devices, smart devices settings, and more.
STAT: If you think someone is using your connection without your permission, you can also change the SSID of the router. Simply log into the admin panel of the router, and change both the SSID and password. (source)
REFERENCES:
- https://blog.rottenwifi.com/how-to-block-a-device-from-wifi/
- https://kb.netgear.com/24830/How-do-I-use-access-control-to-allow-or-block-devices-from-accessing-the-Internet-on-my-Nighthawk-router
- https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/1535/r
- https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/set-up-parental-controls-with-comcast-networking
- https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/1796/
