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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.

By James Mackie, Canopy Families founder · How we research and review guides

Before you start
  • EE app options vary by hub and account. Select the exact hub model shown in the app before changing controls.

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://192.168.1.254.
  3. Enter the admin password. This is on the label on the back of the hub.
  4. Click Login.
EE’s current hub-manager address is 192.168.1.254. If it does not load, confirm that the device is connected to the EE hub rather than mobile data or another router.

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 child groups in the EE app

  1. Open the EE app and choose Manage → Broadband → Groups.
  2. Create a group for each child or age range and add their devices.
  3. Choose a restriction level, set schedules, and test Pause internet.
  4. Review blocked categories and specific-site rules from the parent account.
EE documents parental controls in the app rather than as a universal hub-admin menu.

Step 5 — Connect Canopy-managed NextDNS

  1. Start a Canopy Families full-access subscription or 14-day trial; the managed NextDNS profile is included.
  2. Open Home Safety → Router Setup and select your exact EE hub.
  3. If the current firmware does not expose a supported DNS-server field, use Canopy Device Setup or a compatible third-party router rather than guessing at a DHCP field.
  4. Run Test connection in Home Safety before treating protection as active.

Router menus vary by model and firmware. These instructions were checked against the manufacturers' current support material; use the route shown for your exact model.

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