I'm looking for a way to manage website access on my home network, specifically to schedule when services like YouTube and Instagram are available. With so many devices connected, it's challenging to keep control, especially since my kids are always finding new ways to access these sites. I was considering using something like Pi-hole, but I need a solution that allows scheduling website availability. Ideally, I'm looking for an affordable device or software—maybe something like a Raspberry Pi—that can manage this easily, preferably from my mobile. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
Pi-hole can actually support time-based blocking with the right setup. There's a tutorial that walks you through how to schedule blocks. Just a heads-up, though—DNS can be bypassed pretty easily, so kids might find a way around it eventually. But for now, this could work for you!
Check if your router has built-in scheduling features. Some models allow you to set times for when certain sites can be accessed, which could save you some hassle if your equipment supports it.
Unfortunately, my TP-Link setup doesn't have that option, but I appreciate the suggestion!
If you want more control, consider implementing UniFi equipment. It's not the cheapest option, but it provides solid management tools for scheduling access to specific sites.
That sounds great, but I'm looking for something more budget-friendly right now!
You could try using a smart plug with a Pi-hole setup! Just plug the Pi-hole into the smart plug and set a timer to power it on when you want to block those sites. This way, it automatically turns off at a designated time, which would help you manage internet access on schedule.
That's a clever workaround! You could also set your router to prioritize Pi-hole as the main DNS, then use your regular ISP or Google DNS as a backup. That way, if the smart plug turns off, devices would still connect to the internet as normal.
My kids aren’t savvy enough to override DNS yet, so I think this could work well for us until they're a bit older. Thanks for the link!