Block YouTube on Telstra Smart Modem (Gen 2 & Gen 3)
Step-by-step guide to block YouTube on a Telstra Smart Modem Gen 2 or Gen 3. Covers web access controls, device profiles, and the Telstra Smart Home app.
Which Telstra Modem Do You Have?
Check the label on the back or bottom of your modem.
- Gen 2: Typically branded "Telstra Smart Modem" — white rectangular device, released 2018–2020
- Gen 3: Taller, white cylindrical shape, released 2020–present — includes 4G backup
Both run similar admin software, but the Gen 3 has more parental control features via the Telstra app and the router web interface.
Two ways to manage your Telstra Smart Modem
- Router web interface (192.168.0.1): Direct configuration, works without internet, most settings available here
- Telstra Smart Home app (iOS/Android): Remote management, push notifications, more polished parental control UI — requires internet and a Telstra account login
Both approaches are covered below.
Method 1: Via the Router Web Interface (192.168.0.1)
Step 1: Access the Admin Panel
Connect to your home Wi-Fi
Do this on a laptop or desktop computer for the best experience. You can use a phone but the interface is easier on a larger screen.
Open a browser and go to 192.168.0.1
Type 192.168.0.1 directly into the address bar (not a search engine). Press Enter.
Log in
The default username is admin. The default password is printed on the sticker on the back of your modem — it's typically an 8–10 character code. If you've changed it and forgotten it, you'll need to factory reset the modem (hold the reset button for 15 seconds).
Step 2: Set Up Web Access Controls (Gen 2)
Go to Advanced → Security
In the left menu, click Advanced, then Security.
Find URL Filtering or Web Access Controls
Look for URL Filter or Parental Controls or Web Access Controls. The Gen 2 interface labels these differently depending on firmware version.
Add YouTube to the blocked list
In the URL filter section, add the following blocked URLs:
youtube.comwww.youtube.comm.youtube.comyoutu.beClick Add or Save after each entry.
Enable the filter
Make sure the URL filter is Enabled. Some models require you to toggle it on separately from adding URLs. Save your settings.
Restart the router
Go to Administration → Restart or simply unplug and replug the modem. The block takes effect after restart.
Step 3: Set Up Web Access Controls (Gen 3)
Log into 192.168.0.1 and go to Parental Controls
After logging in, click Parental Controls in the left sidebar. If you don't see it, look under Advanced Settings.
Create a Device Profile for your child
Click Add Profile. Give it a name (e.g. "Kids"). You can now add your child's device(s) to this profile by selecting them from the list of connected devices — their device name will usually show their phone model or name.
Set profile restrictions
With the profile selected, go to URL Filtering or Website Restrictions. Add:
youtube.comyoutu.bem.youtube.com
Toggle the filter to Enabled and save.
Set time-based restrictions (optional)
The Gen 3 interface supports scheduling. Under Time Limits, you can set hours during which internet access is fully paused for a profile — for example, no internet after 9pm.
Assign devices to the profile
Back on the profile overview, click Add Devices and select each device your child uses. The URL filter will only apply to those devices.
Method 2: Via the Telstra Smart Home App
The Telstra Smart Home app (formerly called the Telstra Home Dashboard) provides a cleaner interface for managing connected devices and parental controls.
App availability
The Telstra Smart Home app is available for iOS and Android. You must be logged in with the Telstra account associated with your broadband service. This is the same login you use at my.telstra.com.
Download and open the Telstra Smart Home app
Search for Telstra Smart Home in the App Store or Play Store. Log in with your My Telstra credentials.
Select your Smart Modem from the home screen
The app will show your connected modem. Tap on it to see connected devices and settings.
Go to Connected Devices
Tap Connected Devices to see all devices currently on your network. You can identify your child's device by name (usually their phone model or a name they've set).
Set up Parental Controls for a device
Tap on your child's device → Parental Controls → Block Websites.
Add the following to the block list:
youtube.comyoutu.be
Save the settings.
Set internet schedules (Gen 3 only)
In the app, you can also set Bedtime schedules — times when the device loses internet access entirely. This is managed per device.
Enable notifications
Turn on app notifications so you're alerted when devices try to access blocked content or when a device connects to your network.
Important Limitations
What Telstra modem blocking doesn't cover
Mobile data: Blocking at the modem only works on your home Wi-Fi. When your child's device switches to 4G/5G, the modem rules don't apply. Combine with Screen Time (iPhone) or Family Link (Android) for mobile coverage.
VPNs: A VPN app on their phone can bypass modem-level URL filtering. Block VPN app installation via Screen Time or Family Link.
HTTPS: Modern router URL filters work by inspecting the domain name in HTTPS requests (via SNI/DNS inspection). They do not decrypt content. This means youtube.com as a hostname is blocked correctly, but this can be bypassed by using a different DNS server on the device.
Recommended: Add DNS Filtering as a Second Layer
Even with Telstra modem blocking active, add DNS filtering for redundancy. Change the modem's DNS server to CleanBrowsing Family — this blocks YouTube even if someone changes the DNS settings on an individual device.
In the router web interface:
- Go to Advanced → WAN Settings (or DHCP Settings)
- Change Primary DNS to
185.228.168.168 - Change Secondary DNS to
185.228.169.168 - Save and restart
See the full DNS filtering guide for more detail.
How Kids Bypass This
Changing DNS on the device: If your child opens Wi-Fi settings on their phone and manually sets a DNS server (like 8.8.8.8), they bypass your modem's URL filter. To prevent this on iPhone: Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → disable Allow Changes to: Cellular Data Plan. On Android: Family Link restricts network setting changes.
Using mobile hotspot: They can turn on mobile hotspot from another device (or their own if on a plan) and connect to bypass your home network entirely. No modem-level block can prevent this — only device-level controls work here.
Guest network: If your Telstra modem has a guest Wi-Fi network, it may not inherit the same parental control rules. Disable the guest network or apply the same restrictions to it.
Counter-Measures
Combine all three layers for strongest results:
- Telstra modem URL filter (blocks on Wi-Fi)
- DNS filtering — CleanBrowsing on the modem's WAN DNS (adds redundancy on Wi-Fi)
- Screen Time or Family Link on each device (covers mobile data)
Check the block regularly: Telstra modem firmware updates occasionally reset settings. After any modem update or power outage, verify your URL filters are still in place.
Use the Telstra app's activity log: The Smart Home app shows which blocked URLs were attempted, and when. Review it monthly to stay ahead of workarounds.
Related Guides
Block YouTube with DNS Filtering (All Devices, Home Network)
Use DNS filtering to block YouTube on every device connected to your home Wi-Fi — including smart TVs, game consoles, and anything else. Free options available.
By DeviceHow to Block YouTube on iPhone (iOS 17 & iOS 18)
Step-by-step guide to block YouTube on iPhone using Screen Time. Works on iOS 17 and iOS 18. Free, no apps needed.
By DeviceHow to Block YouTube on Android (Google Family Link)
Block YouTube on Android phones and tablets using Google Family Link. Free, works on all Android devices with a child Google account.
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