How to Disable Wi-Fi on Your Child's Samsung Phone: A Complete Guide for Parents

Controlling children's access to the Internet through Wi-Fi on smartphones Samsung — is a pressing issue for modern parents. Unrestricted internet access can lead to addictions, exposure to inappropriate content, or data overuse. In this article, we'll explore All possible ways to block Wi-Fi on devices Android from Samsung, including built-in features, router settings, and third-party apps.

It's important to understand that approaches vary in effectiveness: some simply disable the network, while others allow for flexible access schedules or content filtering. We'll consider solutions for different ages—from preschoolers to teenagers—and also take into account firmware features. One UI (relevant for Galaxy S23, A54, M34 and other models).

If your child already knows how to bypass simple restrictions (for example, turns on Airplane mode and vice versa), then more reliable methods will be needed - read about them in the sections about router settings And apps with parental controlsAll instructions are adapted to the latest versions. Android 14 And One UI 6.1, but most of the methods also work on older devices (starting from Android 9).

1. Built-in parental controls on Samsung (Digital Wellbeing)

The easiest way to limit Wi-Fi - use the built-in function Digital Wellbeing and Parental ControlsIt is available on all smartphones. Samsung With Android 9 and newer. This method is suitable for children under 12 years old, as it does not require installing additional software.

To activate restrictions:

1. Open Settings → Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.
2. Select your child's profile (if there isn't one, create one via Add a user profile).
3. Go to Application limitations and find Wi-Fi or Internet.
4. Set a time limit or block access completely.

Please note: this method does not block Wi-Fi at the system level, but only limits the running time of internet-using apps. The child can still manually connect to the network through the notification panel. To completely block it, read the following sections.

Create a separate profile for a child|

Set a PIN for Parental Settings|

Check the list of restricted apps|

Set up a Wi-Fi access schedule-->

2. Block Wi-Fi via network settings (for younger children)

If your child doesn't yet know how to bypass restrictions, you can simply delete a saved Wi-Fi network or disable automatic connection. This method works on all models. Samsung, including Galaxy A14, M23 And S22.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the name of your network (eg. TP-Link_1234).
3. Select Delete (or Forget the network).
4. Return to the main menu Wi-Fi and disable the option Auto-connection.

Now the phone will not connect to the network automatically. To restore access, you will need to re-enter the password. This method is suitable for children under 7 or 8 years old, as older children quickly learn to reset the settings.

⚠️ Attention: If your child knows the Wi-Fi password, they can connect manually. To be on the safe side, change the password on the router (instructions in the next section).

3. Router settings: blocking by MAC address or schedule

The most reliable way to limit Wi-Fi — set up router-level blockingThis will allow you to disable the internet on your child's phone according to a schedule (for example, at night or during school hours) or completely block the device. This method works regardless of smartphone settings and is suitable for children of any age.

To do this you will need:

• 🔧 MAC address phone (unique device identifier).
• 📡 Access to the router control panel (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

How to find MAC address on Samsung:

1. Open Settings → About phone → Software information.
2. Find the item Wi-Fi MAC address (or Wi-Fi address).
3. Write down a 12 character combination (eg. 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E).

Next, go to the router settings (the login and password are usually admin/admin, if you haven't changed it) and look for the section Parental control, MAC filtering or Wi-Fi scheduleAdd the phone's MAC address and set up restrictions.

Example settings for TP-Link routers

In the control panel, go to Additional settings → Parental controls.

Select Add a rule, enter the MAC address of the phone and set the blocking schedule (for example, from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM).

Save the settings and reboot the router.

⚠️ Attention: Router settings may vary depending on the firmware version. If you can't find the section you need, check the manual for your model or update the firmware via System → Firmware Update.

4. Parental control apps (Kaspersky Safe Kids, Google Family Link)

If there are built-in tools Samsung and the router settings are not enough, use specialized applicationsThey allow you to not only block Wi-Fi, but also filter content, track location, and set limits on games.

Top 3 apps for Android:

• 🛡️ Kaspersky Safe Kids — blocks websites, limits online time, and features geolocation. Free version with basic features.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Google Family Link — Google's official solution. Allows you to remotely disable Wi-Fi and set limits on applications.
• 🔒 Norton Family — Advanced control with activity logs and keyword blocking.

How to set up blocking Wi-Fi through Google Family Link:

1. Install the application on your phone and on your child’s device.
2. Create a family group and link your child's account.
3. In the section Manage Settings → Usage Time set limits on Internet.
4. For complete blocking, select Block the device (will turn off and Wi-Fi, and mobile Internet).

The advantage of such applications is remote controlYou can block Wi-Fi on your child's phone directly from your smartphone, even if they're not around. The downside is that some children manage to delete or bypass these programs (the solution is to enable Protection from deletion in the application settings).

5. Hiding a Wi-Fi network or creating a “children’s” hotspot

Another effective method is hide your main Wi-Fi network and create a separate access point with limited access. This is especially convenient if you have a modern router with the Guest network or Children's profile.

How does this work:

• 🔄 The main network remains hidden (disable it in the router settings) SSID broadcasting).
• 📶 A second network is created (for example, Kids_WiFi) with limited speed and content filtering.
• 🕒 A schedule is set for the "children's" network (for example, only from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM).

Instructions for routers ASUS:

1. Go to the control panel (192.168.1.1).
2. Go to Wireless Network → Guest Network.
3. Activate the guest network, set a separate password and turn it on Parental control.
4. In the section MAC filter Add your child's phone address so that they can only connect to that network.

This approach allows for flexible access control without affecting other devices in the home. For example, your laptop will be connected to the main network without restrictions, while your child's phone will only be connected to a "children's" access point with filters.

⚠️ Attention: If a child knows how to use tools like Wi-Fi Analyzer, it can detect a hidden network. In this case, combine the method with blocking by MAC address.

6. Radical methods: disabling Wi-Fi via ADB or factory settings

If all the previous methods did not work (for example, the child unlocked the phone or reflashed it), there are still radical measuresThey require technical skills and are only suitable for experienced users.

Method 1: Disable Wi-Fi via ADB (For Android with debugging unlocked):

1. Activate Developer mode on the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number - press 7 times).
2. Turn on USB debugging V Settings → System → Developer Mode.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and run the command:

   adb shell settings put global wifi_on 0

   This will disable it forever Wi-Fi until the next reboot or reset.

Method 2: Factory reset your phone (extreme measure):

1. Go to Settings → General Management → Reset.
2. Select Reset network settings (will delete all saved Wi-Fi-networks).
3. Or do it Full reset (will delete all data including apps).

These methods should only be used in extreme cases, as they can lead to data loss or conflict with the child. For example, after a reset, they will have to set up the phone again, which may raise questions.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi blocking on Samsung devices

Is it possible to block Wi-Fi on a child's phone without affecting other devices?

Yes, use it for this MAC address blocking in your router settings or create a separate "child" hotspot. These methods won't affect other devices.

My child is bypassing restrictions using a VPN. How can I prevent this?

Install an app like Kaspersky Safe Kids and enable VPN blocking in its settings. You can also block the installation of new apps through Google Play → Settings → Parental Controls.

Will Wi-Fi blocking work if my child's phone is connected to mobile data?

No, blocking Wi-Fi Doesn't affect mobile data (3G/4G/5G). To limit this, use parental control apps or contact your operator for the "Children's Internet" service.

How to block Wi-Fi on a phone without accessing the device itself?

If the child has the phone and you want to turn it off remotely Wi-Fi, use Google Family Link (the "Block device" function) or set up a schedule on the router MAC address.

What should I do if my child reset their phone to factory settings and cleared all restrictions?

In this case only this will help router-level blocking (by MAC address) or physically restricting access to the phone. Also consider purchasing a device with pre-installed parental controls (e.g. Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids).