How to Configure Parental Controls on Linksys MX4300?

Kids spend more time online than ever, yet it’s not always secure. The Linksys MX4300 is a Velop WiFi 6 device with high coverage and speed. Parental controls are seldom mentioned. Finding them is easy if you know where to look.

That’s where we’re headed today: how to set up and change parental controls on Linksys MX4300. This guide includes all the tips and suggestions on where to click, what the options mean, and some useful tips.

How to Get Started the Right Way?

Make sure you can get to your router before you change any settings. You may do in two major methods with Linksys:

• Use the Linksys app, which is the simplest choice for most people.
• Or you may switch back to the old way and log in to linksyssmartwifi using your browser.

For the browser route:

• Link your device to the MX4300 WiFi.
• Enter 192.168.1.1 or linksyssmartwifi login in your browser address box.
• Takes you to the Linksys router login page.
• Type in your login information. If you never modified them, the default is generally “admin.” But by now, you should have made your own password.

When you get in, you’ll see the Linksyssmartwifi dashboard. That’s where you can find parental controls.

How to Find Parental Controls on Linksys MX4300?

Linksys hid parental controls in the Device Prioritization & Controls section. If you’re using the app, you can find it in the menu for each linked device. You may find it on the left side of the online version.

When you click it, you’ll get a list of all the devices that are now (or were recently) connected to your WiFi. There are all the phones, laptops, tablets, and consoles. That’s where it all begins.

What You Can Really Control?

The parental controls on this router aren’t as sophisticated as those on some third-party applications, but they’re good enough for ordinary family usage. What you get is:

• Stop a certain gadget from getting on the internet.
• Set a time when the internet is permitted.
• Block certain websites by typing in the URLs yourself.

It doesn’t filter material by category, but to be honest, basic controls frequently work better. You select the gadget and the rule, and that’s all there is to it.

Setting Up Step by Step

Here’s a clear route you can take:

• Use the app or the linksyssmartwifi login in your browser to log into the router.
• Go to the part for parental controls.
• Choose the device you wish to control, such your child’s iPad.
• To turn on parental controls for that device, flip the switch.
• Choose now:
  • To block certain sites, put in their web URLs.
  • Stop the internet completely.
  • Make a plan, like no WiFi after 9 PM.

As soon as you save, the rules take effect.

Blocking Websites: Some Helpful Hints

When you add websites, write the whole domain, such “www.youtube.com” instead of simply “YouTube.” Sometimes, the router doesn’t pay attention to incomplete entries. If your kids are smart, they could try the mobile versions or other addresses. Check the logs and add people to your block list if appropriate.

And don’t add too many sites to the list at once. Start with the large things that get in the way, observe how they operate, and then add more if you need to.

Making plans for Internet time

This one is a lifesaver for parents. You may make restrictions that only let a device use the internet at specified times. Great for when you want the living room to be quiet, such at bedtime, during homework time, or simply when you want it to be quiet.

For instance:

• Block access from 9 PM to 7 AM on weeknights.
• Maybe let them stay up a little later on the weekends.

Being consistent is the key. Kids get used to things quickly when the rules don’t change every day.

Stopping the Internet Right Away

You may also easily turn off the internet on a gadget right now. Good for when you want to get attention at the dinner table but don’t want to fight. Start the app, pause it, and you’re done.

Keeping everything under control

You have to really use parental controls for them to operate. Some things I’ve learned from experience:

• Change the names of the gadgets on the dashboard so you can tell them apart. Put “Sam’s Laptop” instead of “Device 1.” Takes away a lot of guesswork.
• Look at the list of linked devices from time to time. If you notice one you don’t know, look into it.
• Don’t share your Linksys router login information with anybody. If your kids figure them out, they’ll break every rule you establish.

When Controls Don’t Work the Way, They Should

Things don’t always stick. A website that is banned could still load, or the schedule might not start. This is what generally works:

• After creating new rules, restart the router.
• Make sure you’re applying the control to the right device (MAC addresses might be hard to read).
• Update the firmware; it usually resolves issues.
• If you are using the app, log out and back in to sync your settings.

In the worst situation, resetting the router gets rid of hidden problems. But it doesn’t happen very often.

Why should you use parental controls on your router?

You could put parental applications on each phone or tablet, but kids can get around them or take them off. It’s difficult to get past router-level restrictions. That’s all there is to it if the MX4300 indicates “no internet.”

Everything is also at one spot. You can manage all of your devices from one dashboard instead of having to chase them down.

Quick Reminders

• Always save your settings after making changes.
• First, try a control on your own device to see how it works.
• Keep talking to each other. It’s important to explain to your kids about why you need to control them as well as utilize controls.

FAQs

To finish

It’s not hard to set up parental controls on the Linksys MX4300. The tools are right there when you perform linksyssmartwifi login and go to the dashboard. Block out what you need do, make plans, and take breaks when you need to. It’s not perfect, but most families find it a good balance between control and usability.

Balance: let kids use the internet, but make it safe. The MX4300 provides the means.