How to Use a Router to Monitor Visited Websites

Have you ever heard of the term router somewhere? If not, then a router is simply a networking device that forwards data packets to the appropriate parts of a computer network. They thus join multiple computer networks via a wireless or wired connection.

In other words, they are the most effective way of monitoring website activity on computing devices, given that even without access to a computer, you can still monitor data from your router. Moreover, they can give you comprehensive reports on data, including which device was used to access the internet, the history of the web pages visited, the time of internet connection when they logged off, and much more. Moreover, if you monitor your home computer and are away from home, you can have the observed data emailed.

Part 1: How to Configure a Router to Monitor All Internet Activities

You can keep track of your internet browsing manually by visiting your router's log when the day ends. The router will also provide the login and log out time. However, keeping track of your internet activity doesn't have to be tedious. Apart from using the manual process, you can use other methods to make you aware of the internet browsing history no matter how far you are.

Configure Router for OpenDNS

If you are interested in global logging (a record of URL visited from your internet server without showing the specific computer or phone device used), you will need:

• A router which permits you to set custom DNS servers. A majority of routers do this.
• A free OpenDNS account.

OpenDNS supports multiple networks and, therefore, gives you notifications on internet browsing. It is the simplest method and takes a short time to setup. Take the following steps to setup DNS services:

• Visit the OpenDNS.com page and create an OpenDNS account. Follow the specifications outlined.
• Link OpenDNS server and the account you made to your router settings. To do this, go to your router and change settings so that you can add the DNS server. Note that you have to look at the router manual since they differ from one Router Company to another.
• View the browsing history from your router settings. The moment your OpenDNS account has been linked to your router, you can access the websites that have been visited. Besides, the Family Shield option can help you protect your internet services by blocking any unauthorized person from stealing your internet services.

Setup Emails

A good number of routers present an option of sending reports via email. This is suitable, especially when you are away from home. To do this, set up an email which the router will use to send you email notifications of all the websites visited. The advantage of using emails is that the router will send you the traffic log depending on how often you specified it in the setup. The router will also give you notifications when certain events are triggered, such as an attempt to access a website that you had blocked.

Use Monitoring Apps

Besides setting up emails, you can use multiple apps available on the internet, including Microsoft Network Monitor, IP Scanner, among others. Thanks to manufacturers such a D-Link and Linksys, you can use monitoring apps on your android phone or iPhone. This is done by launching the given app, and you will instantly view the websites accessed on the target phone or network. Moreover, you have the privilege of setting parental control and modify other settings on the router.

Part 2: How to Use mSpy To Monitor Which Websites are Visited on a Target Cell Phone

mSpy is the ultimate tracking solution for parents, employers, and spouses who want to monitor their kids, employees, or partners' internet activity. With mSpy, you can view browser history and bookmarks. It allows you, with stealth, to extract information from the target android phone after going through the simple setup below:

1. Create a mSpy account. Sign up by visiting the official mSpy website and follow the guidelines given. On the other hand, you can download the mSpy app from Play Store or App Store and sign up using the app. However, using either the site or the app will enable you to log in using the account ID.
2. There is a setup process that you have to go through for you to use this app. Add a target device. After creating an account, log in, and the wizard page will prompt you to add a target device. Click on "Add"
3. Fill in details of the name and age of the target device owner and choose the operating system of their phone. Click "Next"
4. On the target device, enable "app installation from unknown sources". To do this, go to settings, then security, and click on "Unknown Sources". Next, download the mSpy app on the target phone. After a complete download, install the app.
5. The next step is to launch the app on the target phone and log in to the mSpy account you had created earlier.
6. Click "Grant". This enables to extract of information from the target phone. Next tap "Activate" then "Start Now".
7. Lastly, tap on "Select Monitoring" which will initiate syncing data on the target phone to the mSpy server. The mSpy icon will be automatically deleted from the target phone, making you monitor the individual's phone discretely. You can always get the latest data by clicking on the refreshing icon on the dashboard's left. This process will sync data to your server.

It is crucial to note that it is not a necessity for you to install any app on your phone. You can always sign in at mSpy.com on your devices, including phones, computers, and tablets. Alternatively, you can download the app on your phone. Both ways will avail the data you need.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the methods discussed above are commonly used to track the browsing history, and internet activities visited using the Wi-Fi router in your house. These methods enable you to identify any unauthorized usage of your router, therefore safeguarding your internet connection.