How to filter your business's guest Wi‑Fi

Why filter guest Wi‑Fi at all

Open Wi‑Fi is part of good service, but it also means strangers can load adult sites at the next table, or land on a fake login page that steals a password. A filter on the network stops both, for every device, without anyone installing anything.

Before you start

Be at your business, on its Wi‑Fi, with the router's login (often on a sticker on the router, or with whoever set up your internet). Allow about ten minutes.

Create your business's account. On the dashboard, tap Set up next to Guest Wi‑Fi. That links your internet connection to your account and shows the DNS address to paste, with a Copy button.

Step 1: Find the DNS setting

Open the router's app, or the web address on its sticker, and sign in. Look for DNS, usually under Internet, WAN or Advanced, and switch it from "Automatic" to Manual or Custom. We have guides for eero, TP-Link Deco, Netgear, ASUS and the boxes from internet companies. Business routers like Ubiquiti UniFi, Meraki and Cisco have the same setting under the network's DHCP or WAN options.

Step 2: Paste your address

• Primary DNS: paste your Sheepdog Filter address.
• Secondary DNS: leave it empty, or paste the same address again. Never put Google (8.8.8.8) there, or devices slip around the filter.

Step 3: Turn IPv6 off and save

Switch IPv6 off under advanced settings. The internet works the same, and phones can't quietly go around the filter.

Step 4: Check it, then put up your sign

Your dashboard turns green within a minute or two. Then tap Open sign to print a "Safe Wi‑Fi" sign with your business's name for the window, the counter or the waiting room.

A separate staff network

If staff use their own network, point that one at the Staff setting instead. It still blocks adult sites, scams and malware (it's a workplace), and leaves everything else open.