Circle 1st Generation is a Chrome extension designed to work seamlessly with the Circle with Disney device and supported NETGEAR routers, enabling families to manage online time and content effectively. It allows parents to filter inappropriate content and balance screen time across all wired and wireless devices on their home network. The extension is not compatible with the 2nd generation Circle Home Plus device.
Circle products focus on enhancing family life both online and offline by offering customizable and easy-to-use controls. For users without a Circle with Disney device or supported NETGEAR router, visit meetcircle.com to explore related products. Support is available via email and the support website. Additionally, an optional subscription, Circle Premium, offers advanced features for $4.99/month through compatible NETGEAR routers. Privacy and terms policies are accessible on the official Circle website.
The Circle 1st Gen Android app is often unreliable: users frequently can’t connect or sign in, and OTP issues compound access problems. Features like bedtime, schedules, and filtering often fail or behave inconsistently. Compatibility with newer routers/Orbi is problematic, and setup can be convoluted. Support is limited, with reports of poor assistance and refund difficulties. A minority of users recall it working for years, but the prevailing sentiment is frustration with stability, functionality, and UX.
Pros
Some users have used it for years, suggesting long-term availability and familiarity.
When it is functioning, it provides the expected parental-control features.
It is designed to integrate with Netgear/Orbi devices for parental controls within that ecosystem.
Cons
Chronic connectivity and sign-in problems: frequent errors like Can't connect to Circle or error connecting to router, failed account creation, and OTP issues.
Bedtime, schedules, and other controls are unreliable or stop working, with settings not applying or disappearing.
Compatibility issues with newer Netgear routers and poor Orbi integration, including redirects to this app and difficult linking.
Poor or absent customer support, including no phone/chat support and difficulty obtaining refunds.
Web filtering is unreliable or overly aggressive (blocks legitimate sites, shows ads) and overall performance is inconsistent.
Recent reviews
One of the worst designed apps I've ever used. There's no choice to see all the ACTIVE devices in the network at the moment. Therefore, because Apple devices change mac addresses every once in a while, soon you will see a 50/60 devices on the home network, many of them being ghosts. It's hard to find the right ones you want to disable.
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