It’s easy with Safe Surfer to install an effective porn blocker on a Spark Smart Modem. Along with protecting your privacy, we also use our own behind-the-scenes technology to block porn and other harmful online content. This guide will efficiently walk you through how to install protection.
This guide is applicable for the following modems:
- Spark Smart Modem / Skinny Smart Modem (model VRV9517; VRV9517UWAC34-A-SP)
- Spark 5G Smart Modem (model 124753)
- Spark Smart Modem 2 / Skinny Flexi Modem (model 125415)
- Spark Smart Modem 3 (model VRV9517ZWAX34-A-SP)
If you’re not using a fibre connection, the settings we need to change won’t be available. No problem—that’s where our Wi-Fi Lifeguard router (featuring speedy Wi-Fi 6 technology) can help.
Step 1: Install DNS
Enter the address 192.168.1.254 into the top search bar of a web browser (such as Google Chrome or Firefox).
Type admin into the password box, then click the Login button.
Click the Network menu found on the left-hand sidebar. Click the WAN tab, then click the Edit button found within the first row.
Scroll down to the WAN DNS Setting section. Click the No button found next to “Connect to DNS Server automatically”.
- For DNS Server1, copy and paste the following address into the text box: 104.197.28.121
- For DNS Server2, copy and paste the following address into the text box: 104.155.237.225
Click the “Save settings” button. Once the changes have been saved, click the Logout button found at the upper-right corner.
Verify the protection installation by visiting ExampleAdultSite.com inside a web browser. This is a safe website designated for testing if pornographic websites are being blocked. This site should be blocked.
Step 2: Sync IP (optional)
The Safe Surfer dashboard gives you access to comprehensive parental controls. The dashboard has a feature where you can create custom block rules for your Spark modem.
Pro tip: this feature requires a Pro Surfer subscription and works best when you have a “static IP” (that is, a non-changing public IP address) with your Internet service provider. If you would like to use the sync IP feature rather than downloading our easy-to-use apps or getting a Wi-Fi Lifeguard router, contact your ISP regarding how to get a static IP.
Open the Devices menu (found on the left-hand sidebar) on the Safe Surfer dashboard. Click the “+ New Device” button.
Click Wi-Fi & network > Use my existing router. Enter a name, then click the Accept button.
Go back to the Devices menu and click the Connect button found under the device listing just made.
Click the Plain DNS field, then click the Link button. This will sync any custom block settings.
You can now open the Blocking menu, select the router device from the blue bubble, and block categories. Click the Save button once you’re done. These changes might take a minute to sync over.
Protection complete
Great work! The devices connected to this home router should now be protected. Visit our easy-to-use online dashboard to start monitoring traffic and blocking content from our premium categories with an affordable Pro Surfer subscription.
If you would like to protect a different kind of device, visit our Guides page.
Disclaimer: Safe Surfer Limited is in no way associated with Spark New Zealand Limited.