Orbi offers parental controls at two different levels — basic built-in options available to everyone, and a more advanced tier tied to a paid subscription through the app. Here's how to set up what's available and what to expect from each.
Built-in controls (no subscription needed)
Most Orbi routers let you pause internet access for specific devices directly from the app's device list — useful for a quick "internet off" moment without any ongoing schedule. You can also block specific devices outright by removing them from the network.
Setting up device-level schedules
- Open the Orbi app and select the device you want to manage from your device list.
- Look for a schedule or time-limit option.
- Set the hours or days you want internet access restricted for that device.
- Save — the schedule applies automatically going forward.
Content filtering: what requires a subscription
More granular content filtering — blocking specific categories of websites, setting different rules per child profile, or getting usage reports — is typically part of NETGEAR's paid Armor or Smart Parental Controls subscription tier, layered on top of the free built-in options.
Common limitations to know about
- Controls are usually applied per-device, not per-person, so a shared family tablet can be tricky to manage individually
- A tech-savvy teenager can sometimes work around device-level restrictions using a different device or a VPN
- Free scheduling options are typically more basic than the paid content-filtering tier
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a subscription to pause internet access for one device?
No — basic pause and schedule features are typically available without a paid subscription.
Can parental controls be applied to the guest network too?
This varies by model — check your specific settings, as some systems apply controls network-wide while others are limited to the main network.