Forum Discussion

wifimanager's avatar
wifimanager
Joining in
11 months ago

WiFi Manager or Blocker app for Android?

I used to use the Wifi Blocker parental app (Android version), which lets you manage the devices that are connected to your WiFi network through the app on your Android phone.

It seems to have been removed from the Google Play Store (but it is still in the Apple store), so I'm looking for an alternative that works with Virgin Media (Hub3).

Does anyone know of anything?

Or a similar software that works on a Windows laptop?

I want to set timers for the devices that are connected to the WiFi, controlling when they can access it, and things like that.

Thank you.

8 Replies

Replies have been turned off for this discussion
  • jpeg1's avatar
    jpeg1
    Alessandro Volta
    11 months ago

    If wifi blocker apps are removed it's probably because they are no longer effective. Modern wifi devices have dynamic MAC identities, so they bypass MAC blockers. 

    There are also other ways of bypassing blockers, demonstrated on YouTube and elsewhere. 

    The only secure way of controlling wifi use is physical control of the device. 

  • Gareth_L's avatar
    Gareth_L
    Forum Team (Retired)
    11 months ago

    Hello wifimanager.

    Thanks for your post and welcome to our community.

    We just wanted to make you aware of our Connect App 

    Although it's only available on Android and Apple devices, it's a great way to manage your home WIFi, devices that are connected and can pause devices as well.

    Might be worth having a look at this when you geta spare minute.

    Gareth_L

    • wifimanager's avatar
      wifimanager
      Joining in
      22 days ago

      Thanks. That looks good, but I can't see a way to set time limits and schedules for the different devices?

      Is there a way to do that with the Virgin Media routers and app or website?

  • Client62's avatar
    Client62
    Alessandro Volta
    11 months ago

    On a Windows desktop manage the devices connecting to the Hub 3 via its menus at :

    http://192.168.0.1 

    Do not block access for any devices shown as Unknown or unknown,
    frequently these turn out to be a central heating controller, office VPN or a Sky Q unit etc...


    • wifimanager's avatar
      wifimanager
      Joining in
      22 days ago

      Thanks. But when I click on Connected Devices, I can't interact with those devices at all (pause, block, etc). Is that right?

      • Client62's avatar
        Client62
        Alessandro Volta
        22 days ago

        Try Hub 3 menu >>>  Advanced settings >>> Wireless >>> Security >>> MAC Filtering

        Sadly VM marketing teams introduced the words: Wi-Fi Pausing, 
        the correct term that has been used for decades is: MAC Filtering

        But you must realise this is as unreliable a way of stopping access for a laptop / mobile as securing an English Bull Terrier with an elastic band.

        Especially true for a mobile that will instantly revert to GSM mobile data, 
        the user may not even notice what you tried to do.

        If you are looking for device timer controls, having laptops and mobiles out of the bedrooms after lights out is about the only policy that will give true piece of mind.