How to Limit Wi-Fi Speed ​​on a Router: 5 Methods for Different Devices

Have you noticed your internet speed slowing down after connecting new devices to your Wi-Fi? Or do you want to limit the speed for children, guests, or neighbors who connect to your network? Limiting Wi-Fi speed is not only a way to save data but also a way to prevent your personal data from being leaked through background updates on other devices. In this article, we'll discuss how to set limits on popular router models, what tools to use, and what to look for to avoid blocking yourself.

Let's be clear: not all routers support speed limiting. If your device is a budget one or was released more than five years ago, you may need to update the firmware or buy a new model. It's also important to understand the difference between speed limit (for example, no more than 10 Mbps for a guest network) and traffic limit (for example, no more than 5 GB per month). We will consider both options.

At the end of this article, you'll find an FAQ with answers to frequently asked questions, including what to do if settings aren't saving or restrictions aren't working. And if you're unsure of your router model, no worries: we'll provide general tips that will work for most devices.

1. Why Limit Wi-Fi Speed: 4 Real Reasons

Many users believe that speed limits are only necessary to save data. In fact, there are many more reasons:

• 📱 Child supervisionLimiting the speed of your children's smartphones and tablets can help prevent addiction to online games or streaming services.
• 🏠 Guest networkIf you share your Wi-Fi with friends or neighbors, you can give them a separate, limited network so they don't hog your entire bandwidth.
• 🖥️ Priority for work devicesFor example, your PC for remote work will always have maximum speed, but your smartphone with background updates will not.
• 🔒 Data Leak ProtectionSome devices (such as smart speakers or IP cameras) may transmit data to the manufacturer's servers. Limiting the speed for them will mitigate the risks.

Also, if you have tariff with limited traffic (e.g., 100 GB per month), limits will help avoid additional charges for overuse. This is especially important for mobile internet users accessed through a router.

2. Which routers support speed limiting?

Rate limiting function (QoS - Quality of Service) is not available on all routers. Here's a list of popular brands and models where this option is available:

If your model is not listed in the table, check the specifications on the manufacturer's website or update the firmware. For example, Xiaomi routers often do not have built-in QoS, but you can use third-party software like DD-WRT or OpenWRT.

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, D-Link DIR-300) The QoS function may be unstable or reset after a reboot. Before setting it up, check forum reviews for your model.

3. Method 1: Limiting speed via the router's web interface (universal method)

The easiest way is to use the built-in web interface. Let's look at the setup with an example. TP-Link Archer C6, but the algorithm will be similar for most devices.

Step 1. Connect to your router via cable or Wi-Fi and enter in your browser 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (the address is indicated on the device sticker). Log in (usually the login and password are admin).

Step 2. Go to the section Additional settings → QoS (or Security → Bandwidth Control). Enable the QoS function and select the restriction type:

• 🔄 By IP address - if the device has a static IP.
• 🖧 By MAC address — more reliable, since the MAC does not change.
• 📱 By device - if the router supports gadget recognition.

Step 3. Specify limits:

• 📈 Maximum outgoing speed (from device to the Internet).
• 📉 Maximum incoming speed (from the Internet to the device).

For example, for a guest network you can set 5 Mbps in both directions.

Step 4. Save the settings and reboot the router. Check the speed on the target device using speedtest.net or fast.com.

⚠️ Attention: If the speed has not changed after setting up, check if the device is enabled traffic saving mode (for example, on Android) or is it not used proxy/VPN, which bypasses router restrictions.

4. Method 2: Time limit (for children or guests)

If you need to limit not only the speed, but also the time of access to Wi-Fi, use the function Parental control or ScheduleFor example, on routers ASUS it's done like this:

Step 1. Go to Administration → Parental Controls.

Step 2. Add a device by MAC address or IP. Specify the days of the week and hours when internet access will be restricted (for example, 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM).

Step 3. In the field Speed ​​Limit Specify the desired limits (for example, 1 Mbps at night).

On Keenetic a similar function is called Time limit and is located in the section Home networkHere you can create separate profiles for each family member.

How to find out the MAC address of a device?

On Android: Settings → About phone → General information → Wi-Fi MAC addressOn . iPhone: Settings → Wi-Fi → (i) next to the network → Wi-Fi AddressOn . Windows: run the command ipconfig /all in the command line and find the line Physical address.

If your router does not support scheduling, you can use third-party solutions, for example, NetCut program (for Windows) or GlassWire app (for traffic monitoring).

5. Method 3: Restriction via guest network

The safest way to limit the speed of third-party devices is to create guest network with separate settings. This is available on most modern routers.

Step 1. In the router's web interface, find the section Guest network (on TP-Link This Additional settings → Guest network).

Step 2. Enable guest network and specify:

• 🔐 Separate name (SSID), For example, MyWiFi_Guest.
• 🔒 Password (preferably different from the main one).
• 📊 Speed ​​limit (if there is an option).

Step 3. In the section QoS or Bandwidth control bind the guest network to a separate rule with a restriction (for example, 10 Mbps).

The advantage of this method is that guest devices will not see your main network and gadgets connected to it (for example, printers or smart speakers).

6. Method 4: Advanced settings on MikroTik (for experienced users)

If you have a router MikroTik, the speed limit is configured through Queue TreeThis method is more complex, but provides maximum flexibility.

Step 1. Connect to the router via WinBox or web interface.

Step 2. Go to Queues → Queue Tree and create a new rule:

• 🔹 In the field Name Please provide a title (e.g. Limit_Guest).
• 🔹 In Target select IP address or MAC address target device.
• 🔹 In Max Limit Specify limits for downloading and uploading (for example, 5M/5M).

Step 3. Save the rule and test its operation. MikroTik can also be customized traffic prioritization (for example, prioritize video calls over downloads).

/queue simple add name="Limit_Child_PC" target=192.168.88.100 max-limit=2M/2M

For beginners, we recommend using Quick Set configurator, where there are simplified QoS settings.

7. Method 5: Limiting traffic (not speed) through your provider

If your router does not support QoS, you can limit total traffic through your provider's personal account. For example, Rostelecom, Beeline or MTS There is a "Traffic limit" option:

Step 1. Log in to your personal account on the provider's website.

Step 2. Find the section Service Management → Traffic Limits.

Step 3. Specify a monthly limit (eg. 50 GB) and the action when exceeded (disconnecting the Internet or reducing the speed to 128 kbps).

⚠️ Please note: ISP restrictions apply to ALL devices on the network, not just individual devices. Some providers also charge a fee for this service (e.g., 100 rubles per month).

This method is suitable if you need to control overall traffic consumption, rather than the speed of specific devices.

8. Common problems and their solutions

When setting up restrictions, users encounter common errors. Here's how to avoid them:

• 🔄 No restrictions apply: Check that QoS is enabled in your router settings. On some models, you may also need to enable NAT Boost or Hardware Acceleration (but this may conflict with QoS).
• 📱 The device bypasses restrictions: if the gadget uses a VPN or Tor, the router won't be able to monitor its traffic. The solution is to block the VPN at the router level.
• 🔌 After rebooting the settings are reset: Update your router's firmware or reset it to factory settings, then try the configuration again.

If nothing helps, try alternative firmware (For example, DD-WRT or OpenWRT), but keep in mind that this may void your warranty.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to limit the speed only for certain websites (like YouTube)?

Yes, but not through the router's default settings. You'll need:

1. Install firmware on the router DD-WRT or OpenWRT.
2. Tune DNS filtering or Firewall to block/restrict traffic to specific domains.
3. Use third party services like OpenDNS or Pi-hole.

Most standard firmware versions do not have this feature.

How do I limit the speed on a router from a provider (for example, MTS or Beeline)?

Routers from ISPs often have limited functionality. Try this:

1. Go to the web interface at 192.168.1.1 and search for a section QoS or Traffic control.
2. If the option is not available, contact your provider's support and request activation of the function (sometimes it is hidden).
3. Buy your own router and connect it in mode bridge (bridge).

Will speed limiting work if the device is connected via cable (LAN)?

Yes, QoS on the router limits the speed. everyone connected devices - both via Wi-Fi and cable. The main thing is that the rule is applied to the correct IP or MAC address.

How do I check if the speed limit is working?

Use speed testing services:

• speedtest.net — shows the current download/upload speed.
• fast.com — checks Netflix speed (useful for streaming).
• ping in the command line - if the ping has increased after the limitation, the rule may not be working correctly.

Compare the results before and after applying the restrictions.

Is it possible to limit the speed for all devices except one?

Yes, for this:

1. Create a QoS rule with a restriction for all IP addresses (for example, range 192.168.1.2-192.168.1.254).
2. Add an exception for the desired device (by specifying it IP or MAC).
3. On some routers (for example, ASUS) there is an option Priority device - enable it for the gadget that should not be limited.