How to set up parental controls on a TP-Link Archer router

Before you start

You'll need the app or login for your router, and about five minutes. In your Sheepdog Filter dashboard, open Devices › + Protect something › Everyone at home. That links your home internet to your account and shows your DNS address with a Copy button. On a computer, scan the QR code with your phone to open the addresses there, so you can paste instead of typing.

Step 1: Find the DNS setting

1. On a computer at home, go to tplinkwifi.net and sign in.
2. Click Advanced › Network › Internet.
3. Choose Use the following DNS addresses (on some models, click Advanced first).

The TP-Link Tether app can also do it on many models: Tools › Internet Connection › Advanced.

Step 2: Fill in the boxes

• Primary DNS: paste your Sheepdog Filter address.
• Secondary DNS: leave it empty. If it won't save empty, paste the same address again. Never put Google (8.8.8.8) or your internet company's address there, or devices will slip around the filter.

Tap Save. No restart needed: the router passes the change to every device within a minute or so, and your dashboard turns green by itself when it sees your router.

Step 3: Turn IPv6 off

Go to Advanced › IPv6, switch Internet to off (or IPv6 to Disabled), and Save. Your internet works the same without it, and it stops phones and laptops quietly going around the filter. (Rather keep IPv6? Your dashboard also gives your family its own IPv6 DNS address to use instead.)

What this covers, and what it doesn't

Router setup covers every device on your Wi‑Fi: phones, tablets, TVs, consoles, smart speakers and visitors. It doesn't cover phones on mobile data or at friends' houses, so for your kids' own phones, also set up the device: see iPhone and Android.

Want grown-ups' devices unfiltered? In the dashboard, mark your own phone or laptop as a grown-up device and the home rules won't apply to it.