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Security guide6 min read

How to set up parental controls on EE Smart Hub

EE's Smart Hub and Smart Hub Plus are capable routers with more control than most ISP-issued devices. This guide walks through securing the admin panel, enabling DNS-based content filtering, and using any built-in EE content controls to protect your family across every connected device.

Before you start
  • EE Smart Hub firmware updates can sometimes reset custom settings. Check your DNS configuration after any hub update.
  • EE does not offer the same network-level parental controls as BT or Sky. DNS filtering with NextDNS is your most effective layer.

Step 1 — Log into the EE Smart Hub admin panel

  1. Connect a device to your EE Wi-Fi.
  2. Open a browser and go to http://192.168.1.1.
  3. Enter the admin password. This is on the label on the back of the hub.
  4. Click Login.
If http://192.168.1.1 does not load, try http://192.168.0.1 or look for the gateway address in your device's network settings.

Step 2 — Change the default admin password

  1. In the hub admin, find Settings or Administration.
  2. Click Change Password or Admin Password.
  3. Set a new strong password (12+ characters, not the same as your Wi-Fi).
  4. Save and log back in.

Step 3 — Enable WPA2 Wi-Fi encryption

  1. Go to Wi-Fi Settings.
  2. Ensure Security Mode is WPA2-PSK (AES) or WPA2/WPA3 Mixed.
  3. Update your Wi-Fi passphrase to something strong and unique.
  4. Apply and reconnect devices.

Step 4 — Create a guest network

  1. In Wi-Fi settings, enable Guest Wi-Fi if the option is available.
  2. Set a separate guest passphrase.
  3. Move IoT devices to the guest network.
Not all EE Smart Hub firmware versions include a guest network option. If unavailable, consider the ASUS or TP-Link Deco as an upgrade for better guest network support.

Step 5 — Configure DNS filtering with NextDNS

  1. Create a free account at nextdns.io.
  2. In the hub admin, go to Advanced Settings → DHCP or DNS Settings.
  3. Find the DNS server fields.
  4. Set Primary DNS to 45.90.28.159 and Secondary DNS to 45.90.30.159. Note: if you're a Canopy Pro member, use your personalised DNS addresses from your Safety dashboard instead.
  5. Save.
  6. Enable adult content and gambling blocking in your NextDNS dashboard.
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