NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.
Forum Discussion
Netgear Smart Parental Controls not functional
(Re-posting here now that I know there's a specific forum for Netgear Smart Parental Controls) I'm currently running my Orbi RBK53 with firmware V2.7.2.104. Two days ago I "upgraded" from Circle...
Just as a shot in the dark, I attempted a factory reset, and then restored the config backup I had previously taken. This did not resolve the issue.
After speaking with Level 1 Tech Support and realizing their scripts are not yet updated to deal with the new SPC, I played around a bit more to attempt to identify the issue. At some point I isolated the iPad device I was having challengs with to its own profile, and the controls seemed to work as intended. Once I added more devices (including non-iOS devices), I started to see issues again with history being logged and off-times being obeyed. This seems to imply an issue with profile corruption. Based on this, I made the decision to go back to Circle.
Going back to Circle required installing firmware older than 2.7.0.70 (I ultimately succeeded with 2.5.2.4), re-enabling Parental Controls, then upgrading to 2.7.2.102 and restoring my config. It seems if you downrev the firmware to another revision that supports the new SPC, there are some bits left that interfere with the ability to enable Circle.
Given my experience, I wouldn't consider Netgear SPC baked enough to be worthwhile, and I'm certainly not going to spend countless hours beta testing the product. I'll happily give it another chance once I hear of stability.
Interested in your process....
I have never intentionally activated any form of Parental Controls (not Circle, not "Smart"). Yet the Orbi "app" appears to think that I have and keeps wanting me to "complete my profiles". I just want it to go away.
I am on 2.7.2.104 (for no good reason, but that's where I am). Did you try the 2.6.1.40 before winding up on 2.7.2.102?
(I have this dim memory of loading 2.7.2.102 and my Orbi moving to 2.7.2.104 'by itself'. But maybe it suggested the update and I allowed it.)
I never ran 2.6.1.40. I had skipped straight from 2.5.x to 2.7.x. IIRC, 2.6.x was mostly aimed at users outside the US.
RAX43 - Nighthawk AX4200 (Not listed in model selection - a bit worrying as these are advertised as the latest WiFi 6 Netgear Router)
Nighthawk App and Web based Router access give no SPC tiles (Smart Parent Control)
Therefore the advertised benefits of Smart Parent Controls are non existent - ( outside of the promotional material )
This is confirmed from Netgear support who are wanting to close the case without even responding or attempting to resolve the issue.
Have updated all the latest firmware, spent 2 hrs waiting on line for support team only to be asked to reset the router which made no difference.
Trend Micro Home Network Security is looking like my only solution which is sad as I normally purchase NETGEAR products and their SPC sounded good.
Parental Controls are not seen anywhere in the routers web page? Maybe under Advanced Tab/Security or under Basic Tab?
I looked for this under security as directed by support, but there is no reference to SPC.
See attached screen dump:
For Australian support, you might like to send an email to salesANZ@netgear.com
They were very helpful and all matters have been resolved.
Smart Parental Controls are now working properly as well as Anywhere access.
