Section outline

    • 🛡️ How to Set Up OpenDNS at Home for Safer Internet Browsing

      Guide for Parents from National Trail Schools

      ✅ What is OpenDNS?

      OpenDNS is a free web filtering tool that lets parents block dangerous or inappropriate websites for everyone using your home Wi-Fi. It works by setting up web filters directly in your Wi-Fi router, so you don’t have to install anything on individual devices.

      🧰 What You’ll Need:

      • Your Wi-Fi router login info (usually printed on the router)
      • A computer or phone connected to your home Wi-Fi
      • About 10–15 minutes of your time
      • Optional: A free OpenDNS Home account for more control


      Step-by-Step Instructions

      Step 1: Create a Free OpenDNS Account

      1. Go to https://www.opendns.com/home-internet-security/
      2. Click “Sign Up” under OpenDNS Home (it's free)
      3. Fill out your information and create a login
      4. Confirm your email

      Step 2: Log In to Your Home Router

      1. Open a browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in the address bar
      2. Enter your username and password (default is often admin/admin or admin/password)
      3. Look for Network Settings, Internet Settings, or LAN Settings

      Step 3: Change Your DNS Server to OpenDNS

      1. Find a section labeled something like DNS Settings or Static DNS
      2. Replace the DNS entries with: 
        Preferred DNS: 208.67.222.222
Alternate DNS: 208.67.220.220
      3. Click Save or Apply
      4. Restart your router to apply the changes

      Step 4: Configure Filtering Levels

      1. Go to https://dashboard.opendns.com and log in
      2. Click on Settings
      3. Add your home IP address (it usually shows at the top of the page)
      4. Choose a filtering level:
        • High – blocks adult content, gambling, social media, and more
        • Moderate – blocks adult content and illegal activity
        • Low – blocks adult content only
        • Custom – select exactly what you want to block

      Step 5: Test It Out

      Visit http://welcome.opendns.com – if it’s working, you’ll see a success message!


      💡 Bonus Tips:

      • Kids on cell data? OpenDNS only works on Wi-Fi. Consider parental control apps like Bark or Google Family Link for phones.
      • Multiple homes? You can use OpenDNS on any home network by repeating these steps.
      • Want more control? Use OpenDNS’s “Parental Controls” dashboard to block specific sites or view activity logs.


      🧑‍💻 Need Help?


      🔒 Final Thoughts

      By setting up OpenDNS, you're taking a simple and powerful step to help keep your children safe online — right from your home Wi-Fi router.

    • Setting Up Child Safe Filters at Home URL