Helping your parents’ internet from far away

On your next visit

1. Ask first. Agree on what you’ll help with and what stays theirs: the account, the bills, the cameras. Write it down together.
2. Label everything. Put a label on the router, the power supply and each cable end: “INTERNET – do not unplug”, “Barn link”. Take a photo of the setup for yourself.
3. Make the fridge card. One page: “If the internet stops: 1. Unplug the router’s power for 30 seconds. 2. Plug it back in. 3. Wait a few minutes for the lights to settle. 4. Call me.” Plus their account number location (not the password).
4. Set up remote access. Install Tailscale on an always-on device there (a small computer or a NAS) and on your phone, so you can reach their network through CGNAT.
5. Share access, not secrets. With their OK, set up a shared password-manager vault for the internet account and the router, so you can sign in to help.
6. Know the outbuilding links. If the barn or shop has its own link, note the method, where each end plugs in and where the surge protectors are.
7. Test from the driveway. Before you leave, turn off Wi-Fi on your phone and check you can reach what you set up.

When they call

1. Ask what’s on the router: lights, colors, anything new plugged in.
2. Check from your side through Tailscale: is the always-on device reachable? If yes, the internet is up and the problem is Wi-Fi or one device.
3. Walk them through the fridge card. A power cycle fixes most drops.
4. If the barn or camera side is down but the house is fine, it’s the outbuilding link. See troubleshooting.

What not to do

• Don’t change their account, plan or billing without them.
• Don’t install cameras inside their home without a clear yes. See camera check-ins.
• Don’t leave passwords written on the fridge card.