Are you tired of your kids spending hours on end playing online games? Or maybe you find yourself frustrated with your own procrastination caused by gaming addiction? Whatever the scenario, it’s time to take control of your internet connection and improve your productivity. In this guide, we will show you how to block online games on your router, so you and your family can have a healthier relationship with technology.
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, it’s important to note that the best way to block online games is to use parental controls. Most routers have this feature built-in, allowing you to set specific time limits and block certain websites. If your router doesn’t have this feature, don’t worry! There are still ways to achieve the same goal.
One of the easiest methods is to use a browser extension or a standalone application. For Windows users, you can find popular blockers like Cold Turkey and StayFocusd, which will help you stay focused and productive. If you’re using a Mac, the SelfControl app is a great option. For mobile devices like iPads, you can simply go to the App Store and search for blockers that are compatible with your specific device.
If you prefer a simpler solution without the need to install any applications, you can manually block online games on popular browsers like Google Chrome. Just follow these steps: Open Chrome, click the three dots on the top-right corner, select “Settings,” then scroll down and click “Site settings.” From here, click on “Permissions” and then “Additional permissions.” Under the “Content” section, click on “Block” next to “Javascript” and “Notifications.” This will effectively block most online games.
For those who want to take it a step further and block online games on a router level, you can access your router settings by entering its specific IP address in your browser. The most typical IP addresses for routers are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Once you enter the IP address, you will be prompted to login to your router’s admin account. From there, you can find the “Parental Controls” or “Access Restrictions” feature, which will allow you to input specific websites or block certain devices from accessing online games.
By following these tips and utilizing the various methods described above, you will be able to block online games and regain control over your internet connection. Whether it’s for yourself or for your kids, creating a healthier online gaming environment has never been easier. So don’t delay, take action today and start enjoying a more productive and fulfilling life.
Access your router’s settings
If you want to block online games on your router, the first step is to access your router’s settings. This can be done by following a few simple steps:
Step 1: Connect to your router
Make sure your MacBook or any other device is connected to your home Wi-Fi. You can do this by clicking on the Wi-Fi icon in the top right corner of your MacBook’s screen, and then selecting your home network from the list.
Step 2: Open your router’s settings
Open your web browser (such as Safari or Chrome) and enter your router’s IP address in the address bar. The IP address is usually printed on a sticker on the bottom or side of your router. If you’re not sure what the IP address is, you can try some common ones like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
Step 3: Enter login credentials
Once you have entered the IP address, you will be prompted to enter your router’s login credentials. This information is also usually printed on the router or in the documentation that came with it. If you haven’t changed the default login information, it is often “admin” for both the username and password.
Step 4: Navigate to the parental controls section
Once you’re logged in, look for the parental controls or access restrictions section in your router’s settings. The exact location and name may vary depending on your router’s brand and model.
Step 5: Create rules to block online games
In the parental controls or access restrictions section, you will find options to create rules for blocking certain websites or applications. Look for options like “Website Blocking” or “Application Blocking”.
To block online games, you can either block specific gaming websites or block the entire category of gaming websites. Some routers also allow you to block specific applications or restrict access to certain devices during certain times of the day.
Step 6: Apply the rules and save changes
Once you have configured the rules to block online games, apply the settings and save the changes. This will activate the settings and block the online games according to your specified rules.
Step 7: Test the settings
To ensure that the blocking is working correctly, try accessing a gaming website or application on your child’s device. If the settings were applied correctly, the website or application should be blocked, and a message or a blank page should appear instead.
By following the steps above, you can easily block online games on your router and provide a safer internet environment for your child. Remember that children may find different ways to bypass these restrictions, so it’s essential to regularly check and update your router’s settings.
Find the parental control settings
Parental control settings are provided by most routers to help parents manage and control their children’s online activities. These settings allow parents to block access to certain websites, limit the amount of time spent online, and restrict access to specific applications and games.
To find the parental control settings on your router, follow these steps:
- Open your web browser, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
- Type in the IP address of your router in the address bar. The default IP address is usually printed on the bottom or back of the router.
- Press Enter to access the router’s admin page.
- Enter the username and password. If you haven’t changed them, the default username and password can usually be found in the router’s user manual.
- Once you’re logged in, look for a tab or section labeled “Parental Controls” or “Access Restrictions.” The location and wording may vary depending on your router model.
- Click on the “Parental Controls” or “Access Restrictions” tab to open the settings.
- Here, you will find options to create user profiles for each member of your family or group of children. You can also set specific restrictions for each profile, such as time limits or website blocking.
- Select the user or group you want to apply the restrictions to and edit the settings accordingly.
- For example, you can set a time restriction from Monday to Friday, allowing your children to access the internet only after they finish their homework or chores. Or you can block access to certain websites or online games that you find inappropriate or distracting.
- Make sure to save the settings before closing the admin page.
Note that the specific features and options available may vary depending on your router model and firmware version. Some routers may offer more advanced features like app or game-specific restrictions, website-blocking based on categories, or even features to block specific browsers or apps.
By using the parental control settings on your router, you can help improve online safety for your children and ensure they spend their time wisely. It’s also a good idea to communicate the rules and restrictions with your children so they understand why certain websites or games are blocked and to help them manage their online time responsibly.
Set up a blacklist of websites and applications
If you want to block specific online games or websites from your company network, you can set up a blacklist on your router. This method will prevent anyone connected to the network from accessing the blocked sites or applications.
Step 1: Find the IP address of your router
The first step is to find the IP address of your router. This information can usually be found in the user manual or on the manufacturer’s website.
Step 2: Access the router settings
Once you have the IP address, open a web browser and enter it into the address bar. This will take you to the router’s login page. Enter the username and password to access the settings.
Step 3: Enable website and application blocking
Next, navigate to the “Blacklist” or “Website Blocking” section of the router settings. Here, you will find options to block specific websites or applications.
Step 4: Add websites and applications to the blacklist
In this section, you can enter the URLs of the websites or the names of the applications you want to block. Make sure to separate each entry with a comma or a new line.
Step 5: Save the settings
Once you have added the websites and applications to the blacklist, save the settings. The router will then block access to these sites and applications for all devices connected to the network.
Note: Different routers have different interfaces, so the exact steps may vary. Refer to your router’s user manual or the manufacturer’s website for specific instructions.
Here are some tips to help you with the setup:
- Before blocking any websites or applications, make sure to communicate the changes to your employees or other users to avoid any confusion.
- If you want to block gaming websites, it’s a good idea to block popular gaming platforms and sources that host online games.
- If you want to limit the usage of online games rather than completely blocking them, you can set up automated time restrictions using features available in some routers.
- If you are trying to block online games on specific devices, you can set up MAC address filtering to only allow approved devices on the network.
In conclusion, setting up a blacklist of websites and applications on your router can help you block online games and maintain control over the internet usage in your home or company network. By following the steps provided here, you can easily enable this feature and stop access to unwanted sites and applications.
Save the settings and restart the router
Once you have made the necessary changes to block online games on your router, the final step is to save the settings and restart the router. This is important to ensure that the new settings take effect and that the block is applied to the desired devices.
To save the settings, look for a “Save” or “Apply” button on your router’s configuration page. Click on this button to save the changes you have made.
After saving the settings, proceed to restart the router. You can do this by simply unplugging the power cable from the back of the router, waiting for a minute or so, and then plugging it back in. Alternatively, you may find a “Restart” or “Reboot” option in the router’s settings page.
Restarting the router will cause it to reboot and apply the saved settings. Once the router is back online, the changes you made to block online games should be in effect.
It is worth noting that while you can block online games on your router, there may still be some limitations or challenges to overcome. For example, if your child is using a VPN to bypass the router’s restrictions, they may be able to access the games. Similarly, if they are connected to a neighbor’s or friend’s Wi-Fi network, they may not be subject to the restrictions you have set up on your own router.
In addition, it is important to regularly review and update the blocked websites or categories on your router. This is especially true if you have multiple children with different interests and ages, as their online activities may change over time.
If you are facing difficulties in implementing the restrictions on your router, you may consider using a third-party parental control software or an internet filtering device. These solutions often come with more advanced features and user-friendly interfaces that can simplify the blocking process. Some popular options include Cisdem AppCrypt, Google Family Link, and Circle with Disney.
In conclusion, blocking online games on your router can be a great way to control your child’s internet usage and ensure they focus on more productive activities. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily set up these restrictions on your router and improve your child’s online experience.