Deco app
Open Parental Controls, create a profile and attach the child’s devices. HomeShield features and subscription tiers vary by Deco model and region.
BASTIONHOST / TP-LINK FAMILY NETWORK GUIDE
TP-LINK FAMILY NETWORK GUIDE
Set up TP-Link family controls—and check what your model supports.
TP-Link Deco systems and Archer routers can group a child’s devices, filter websites and schedule offline periods. The available controls depend on the exact model, firmware and whether it uses HomeShield, HomeCare or legacy parental controls.
FIND THE RIGHT PATH
Match the instructions to the router in front of you.
Do not buy a subscription or follow screenshots until you have confirmed the model, hardware version, firmware and management app.
Tether app
Open the Family tab for HomeShield/HomeCare models, or Tools and Parental Controls on supported legacy models. Available schedules and reports vary.
TP-LINK BASELINE
Create the child profile before creating the rules.
The profile is what connects the child’s devices to content and time settings. Missing one device can make a correct-looking rule ineffective.
Record the exact model and update it
Check the label or app for the model and hardware version, install current firmware and confirm whether the router uses HomeShield, HomeCare or the standard parental-control interface.
Protect the TP-Link account
Use a unique password and multi-factor authentication where available. Keep the router administrator and TP-Link ID credentials private from children and visitors.
Create one profile per child
In Deco choose Parental Controls; in Tether use the Family tab or Tools and Parental Controls, depending on the model. Give the profile a clear name and choose the closest age setting.
Attach every child device
Add phones, tablets, computers, consoles and televisions. Rename unknown devices first. Check the profile again after a device update or replacement.
Choose content categories and blocked sites
Apply age-appropriate categories, then add full domains for specific sites that need blocking. Review unexpected blocks before adding an allow exception.
Set bedtime or offline periods
Start with one predictable bedtime or homework schedule. Flexible weekday, weekend, Offtime and daily allowance options may require Advanced Parental Controls on some models.
Enable SafeSearch or YouTube restrictions where supported
These may be advanced HomeShield features and are not available on every router. Keep the child’s Google, Apple and YouTube account controls enabled as the primary account-level protection.
Test pause, filtering and the schedule
Pause the profile and confirm every child device loses internet access. Test a deliberately blocked site, then check the agreed schedule while ensuring adult and essential household devices remain online.
WHEN IT DOES NOT WORK
Check device identity, time and feature level.
Features vary
A setting shown in another parent’s app may require different hardware, newer firmware or a paid HomeShield tier on your system.
Private network identity
Random or private device addresses can make a router see a device as new. If a controlled device appears offline while it is browsing, check its home-network address and profile assignment.
Time-zone problems
If a schedule starts an hour early or late, confirm the router’s time and daylight-saving information, then restart it so the correct time is obtained.
Redirects and subdomains
A blocked site may use several domains. Review the activity history, add the exact relevant domain and clear the browser cache before testing again.
Background use
TP-Link notes that cloud syncing and other background traffic may count towards a router time allowance even when the screen is not being actively used.
Other connections and offline use
Mobile data, another Wi-Fi network and downloaded apps or videos remain outside the home router’s control.
Official TP-Link guidanceSet parental controls through the Tether app ↗Understand the Deco app and parental-control area ↗Configure current HomeShield parental-control features ↗Troubleshoot schedules, device addresses and blocked sites ↗
Last reviewed 15 August 2026. TP-Link menus, features and subscription tiers vary by country, model, hardware version and firmware. Check the support page for the exact product before applying this guide. This is practical family guidance, not emergency safeguarding advice. Find UK help and reporting services.
PARENT-WRITTEN GUIDANCE
Match the profile, devices and schedule before adding more controls.
A simple rule that covers every intended device is more useful than a complicated setup the family cannot explain or test.
Suggest an improvement →