MacOS: Change DNS on Mac to Block Porn Sites If you want to block porn sites on a Mac, using DNS is an easy solution. For OS X Yosemite, El Capitan, or later, use these instructions: 1. Click on “System Preferences”. Click on “Network”. Select your connection. If you want pages with the specified keywords to be allowed rather than blocked, you should select the option Treat keywords as allow-conditions rather than block-conditions under Advanced Options. Thus, if you were to select that option with the example above, the effect would be to block all pages except those containing “justin bieber. To add a hyperlink to a word or picture in your document. Select the word or picture you want to add a hyperlink to. Open the Insert tab (or Insert drop-down if you are using an older version of Word). Click on the Hyperlinks button (or choose Links Hyperlink if you have an older version of Word). Type your hyperlink in the Link to field. So pressing F8 once or five times means that Word is still in Extended Selection mode. Do something with the block or press Esc to cancel that mode. Block the whole document. The biggest block you can mark is an entire document. Word has a specific command to do it, to select all text in a document: From the Home tab, locate the Editing area. On the Mailings tab click on the Address Block command to add an address block Position the address block where you want it on the envelope by adding carriage returns, center alignment, etc. To Preview what it will look like, click on the “Preview Results” command.
Despite being secured by strings of letter or alphabets or both (read: password), it’s very possible for an intruder to gain access to your home or office’s WiFi network. Could be your neighbor, a passerby or any stranger at all but whoever they are, it is important to know how to detect when an unauthorized or unrecognized device is connected to your WiFi network and ultimately, restrict their access i.e block them.
And while changing your router’s password is an effective way of restricting access of an unrecognized device, it is somewhat strenuous and counterproductive. There is really no guarantee that the intruder won’t ‘crack’ the new password and re-gain access to your network. Also, you’d have to re-enter the new password for all of your devices that were previously connected to your WiFi network. Blocking a device, on the other hand, is effective and sort of places a ‘lifetime’ ban on the device; putting it/them in your router’s ‘blacklist’.
Related post: The updated guide to WiFi wireless network connectivity
Listed below are some trusted ways to detect and block someone or devices on your WiFi network without changing your router’s password.
1. Wireless MAC Address Filtering
Before I explain how MAC Address filtering (or simply MAC filtering) helps block unauthorized devices from connecting to your WiFi, network, let’s talk about what a ‘MAC’ is.
MAC is an acronym that stands for “Media Access Control” and a MAC Address is an (hardware) identification number that identifies each device on a network. MAC Address is manufactured into every network card and no two devices in the world can have the same MAC address.
That said, using a device’s MAC address, you can either automatically instruct your router to allow or deny the device’s access to the network.
- To do this, log-in to your router’s Access Point control panel
- Under the Wireless or WLAN section on the dashboard, you should see the MAC Filtering option.
- If disabled, change the MAC Filtering status to ‘Enabled‘
- Proceed to add devices to your MAC Address list and select if you want to allow or revoke their access to your router’s network.
- Some routers just simply allow you select/unselect (connected) devices you want to add to your MAC Address list.
2. Direct Blacklist
In lieu of MAC Address list, some WiFi routers allow users block unrecognized devices by adding them to a Blacklist with the click of a button. This varies according to router types but you can mostly add devices to your router’s Blacklist under the ‘Device Management’ section of your access point dashboard/control panel or whatever section that lists out all devices connected to your router. There you’ll see “block” user button or something similar.
This is another effective method of blocking someone from using your router’s internet without changing passwords. It is somewhat more effective than MAC Filtering because a device’s MAC Address can be modified or spoofed.
3. Using Mobile Applications
If you are in search of a remote and easier way of blocking unrecognized devices from your WiFi network, there are effective third-party network tools you can install on your device in lieu of logging in to your router’s control panel. FING, for example, is available for iOS and Android devices and hands you a variety of control options which allows users:
- Block intruders and unrecognized devices, even before they join your network
- Sends you notifications when a new device is on your network; to easily detect intruder(s)
- See a list of individual/devices using your network
- Run real-time internet speed, troubleshoot network & device issues and other WiFi diagnostics
- Get accurate device recognition of IP address, MAC address, device name, model, vendor and manufacturer
- Receive network security and device alerts to your phone and email
Irrespective of how a device connected to your WiFi network, you can block them using any of the three methods above without having to change your password.
It is advisable to always ensure that only recognized devices connect to your WiFi network. Unrecognized devices on your network could be hackers and if you are on the same network with a hacker, there’s a lot he/she can do on your computer, which includes accessing files and documents. This is also one of the many reasons why you should avoid public WiFis. — though there are ways to stay safe on them (public WiFi).
Related
The internet is all-pervasive in modern life, so if you want to block bad websites completely, you will have to secure all your children’s devices, whether they are PCs, laptops, tablets, Macs, Android phones or iPhones. There are many ways to do this for each device; some are easier than others. This article will guide you through the easiest ways to secure your children’s devices. We will also review the effectiveness of various methods.
1Turn on Google SafeSearch to Block Porn Sites
Turn on Google SafeSearch to Block Porn Sites
You can block porn sites from Google search by merely enabling Safe Search settings. When switched on, Safe Mode will block adult websites effectively. Enabling parental control settings in your browser can prove helpful as well.
PC and Mac: How to Enable SafeSearch in Google
1. Head to Google and search for something.
2. On the search results page, find “Settings”.
3. Select “Search Settings”.
4. Put a checkmark next to “Turn on SafeSearch”.
5. Click on Lock SafeSearch.
6. Sign in with your Google account and confirm.
Once you have enabled this feature, you can lock it into the “Strict” mode using your Google account. That means children cannot change the settings without your Google account.
Mobile Devices: How to Enable Safe Mode
Google’s safe mode designed to keep porn from appearing in the search results. If your child types the URL of porn sites directly, it will not be blocked. Your child can quickly get around this by using a different browser or merely choosing a different search engine, such as Bing or Yahoo.
iOS Google Mobile App
1. Open the Google App
.2. At the bottom right, tap “More”.
3. Tap “Settings”.
4. Select “General”.
5. Select “Search Settings”.
6. Switch on “Filter explicit results”.
7. Tap “Save”.
Android Google Mobile App
The Google Android mobile app works pretty in the same way as the iOS version above. The only difference lies in the interface. All you need to do is to open the Google App → tap “More“→ select “Settings” → switch on “SafeSearch Filter.”
Keep Your Web Clean Using DNS Services
One easy way to block porn sites on most devices is by changing your DNS (Domain Name System). A DNS server translates words into numbers that can be read by computers. It links your device to the rest of the internet. By selecting a family-friendly DNS instead of your standard DNS, you can filter out adult content.
IP Addresses of Popular Clean DNS Providers
If you want to use a family-friendly DNS server, all you need is to replace your DNS with one of these IPs.
The Clean Browsing Family-Level DNS IP
- 185.228.168.168
- 185.228.169.168
The Clean Browsing Family-Level DNS will block adult, pornographic, or explicit websites. It will also block VPNs or proxy domains. Reddit, Imgur, and other mixed content sites are also blocked. Commonly used sites such as Google, Bing, and YouTube are automatically set to Safe Mode.
The Clean Browsing Adult-Level DNS IP
- 185.228.168.10
- 185.228.169.11
The Clean Browsing Adult-level DNS is a more ‘liberal’ configuration. It will block explicit, adult, or porn sites. However, sites like Reddit or Imgur are not blocked. Google and Bing are still set to Safe Mode, while YouTube is not restricted. Speaking of which, you can block particular YouTube channels instead.
The OpenDNS Family Shield DNS IP
- 208.67.222.123
- 208.67.220.123
The OpenDNS Family Shield DNS will block adult content, including “Pornography,” “Tasteless,” and “Sexuality.” It will also block VPNs and proxy servers. It can also block phishing websites and certain types of malware.
Wi-Fi: How to Block Porn on Your Wireless Router
Most of your family’s internet will probably come from Wi-Fi. You, as an adult and parent, are responsible for everything that occurs on your network, no matter who is using it. Blocking porn on your router will keep most of your devices safer. You will need to access the router’s dashboard and change the DNS to a safe one there. Make sure the panel is secured with a password so nobody can change the DNS back. This is how it’s done:
1. Open the settings for your router.
The preferences are usually set in your browser, via URLs like http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1. Alternatively, settings may be changed with the help of an application on your PC that came with the router.
Tip: This step may require a login and a password. If you don’t know them, check the underside of your router for this data, or try entering “admin” for both login and password.
If you changed login and password at some point and can’t remember them now – reset your router to defaults by pressing the “Reset” button.
2. Choose the DNS server settings.
Look for letters “DNS” and a field with two or three sets of numbers, each broken into four groups of one to three digits.
3. Enter the OpenDNS server addresses as your DNS server settings and press “Apply”.
Before you do this, make sure to write down your current settings. Put in the following:
- 208.67.222.222
- 208.67.220.220
4. Flush your DNS cache.
5. Check if the Settings are saved.
Android: Restrict Porn Access by Changing DNS
Changing your DNS settings on Android is very easy. Follow these simple steps to block porn sites on Android:
1. Tap Settings on the Android Menu home screen.
2. Tap Wi-Fi on the menu.
3. Long press the Network that you are connected to.
4. Tap Modify Network.
5. Select “Advanced.“
6. Adjust IP settings from DHCP to Static.
7. Add DNS resolvers from one of the Clean DNS Providers above.
How To Get Address Block In Word For Mac Shortcut
8. Save your settings.
For more information on how to change your DNS for Android, visit the OpenDNS website.
PC (Windows 7, 10): Remove Access to Adult Content on the Computer by Changing DNS
How To Get Address Block In Word For Mac Shortcut
Changing your DNS to a family-friendly one is quite easy. Follow these steps:
1. Right-click the Start button or hit the Windows key.
2. Select “Network Connections”.
3. Click on Ethernet, then Change adapter options.
4. Right-click on your network connection and select Properties.
5. Click on ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)‘.
6. Click Properties and add the Safe DNS servers we mentioned earlier in this article.
7. Click “OK” and close everything.
8. Flush your DNS.
To make sure the new settings take effect immediately, flush both the browser cache and your web browser’s cache.
The OpenDNS website has a complete guide on how to block porn on PC (Windows 10/7) by setting up a family-friendly DNS.
iOS: Block Adult Websites on the iPhone and iPad by Changing DNS
Changing DNS settings for an iOS 11 device and later is quite easy.
This guide will teach you how to block porn websites on iPhone and iPad without installing iPhone parental controls:
1. Tap Settings from the home screen.
2. Tap ‘Wi-Fi’ and make sure it is enabled.
3. Click the i-symbol.
4. Tap the Configure DNS field.
5. Select Manual.
6. Delete the current DNS servers.
7. Replace the DNS servers with servers listed above.
For more information on how to change DNS for iOS, visit the OpenDNS website.
macOS: Change DNS on Mac to Block Porn Sites
If you want to block porn sites on a Mac, using DNS is an easy solution. For OS X Yosemite, El Capitan, or later, use these instructions:
1. Click on “System Preferences”.
2. Click on “Network”.
3. Select your connection.
4. Click Advanced.
6. Select the DNS tab and add DNS servers from the list above.
7. Click OK.
8. Flush cache to make sure your changes take place immediately.
Now you know how to block porn on Mac with Yosemite, El Capitan, or later macOS versions. If you want to change DNS on older versions of macOS, we suggest visiting the OpenDNS website.
How Effective Is Changing Your DNS for Blocking Porn?
Changing your DNS server is highly effective for blocking most types of porn. Most porn sites, especially the large ones, are listed in the database these servers maintain. Smaller, more obscure porn sites may slip through the cracks in their net, though the chance is little your child will be actively seeking out dubious sites. On the other hand, there are different types of pornographic websites or sexual content that DNS does not block.
Pornhub: If you’re trying to block Pornhub using DNS settings on your computer, it will, most likely, take no effect. If you’re using Safari or an iPhone — the chances are looking better. But still:
- Typing “pornhub” into the address bar, you’ll immediately get the “server cannot be found” message. But when you hit the back button, then go forward again, it opens like nothing even happened.
- The Pornhub video previews on Yandex cannot be blocked as well. Parents should add Yandex to the “Never Allow” list if your target person has an iPhone.
- Almost none of the browsers (even with Clean Browsing activated) blocks Pornhub and inappropriate content, running in incognito mode.
Instagram & Snapchat: Communication and social media apps such as Instagram and Snapchat contain large amounts of sexual and even pornographic content. Many pornographic actors and actresses maintain Instagram accounts full of sexual photos. Most also have Snapchat accounts they use to share photos and videos with their fans.
Remember that Snapchat does not filter out pornographic content. These chat apps form an even more significant risk than porn sites since they can also be used for sexting. Cyberbullies, trolls, and online predators also frequent them.
For now, DNS settings offer no definitive solution to block Pornhub on all devices or to filter out inappropriate content on Instagram and Snapchat.
Luckily, Snapchat parental controls do.
Install Parental Control Apps to Block All Pornography from Any Device
If you want to monitor your child’s online behavior, we suggest downloading a Parental control app. Parental control apps have the added benefit that they allow you to know and choose what type of content your child is viewing. They can monitor chat apps and give you a list of sites your child is visiting. They also feature geolocation, meaning you will know where your child is at any given moment. To use this type of app, you will need to buy the software from the provider’s website and install it on the device you wish to monitor.
mSpy: Top Parental Control App
mSpy is a parental control software with more than 20 features. It will allow you to monitor and even control a target device without the phone’s user ever knowing.It can block porn or any other website category and restrict internet access. The software allows you to block access to websites that may contain inappropriate content: 18+ materials, racism, drug usage, violence, etc.
Be sure your children are not on the wrong side of the internet and visit questionable websites. mSpy is available for Android and iPhone and is the only parental control app for non-jailbroken iPhones.
mSpy can:
Filter adult websites and inappropriate applications
Notify parents when explicit words are used on a child’s phone
Capture every stroke on the device via Keylogger
Track location and set up geofencing
Manage phone’s settings remotely
Read all messaging apps
Restrict calls & contacts
Monitor internet history
Hoverwatch: Free Phone Tracker for Parents
Hoverwatch is an excellent parental control app for up to 25 devices that works with Android, Windows, and Mac.It sends information on the phone’s location and activities to your online account; the target phone’s user won’t know it is there.
The app also has features to prevent your children from visiting undesirable and inappropriate websites. The provider even offers a fully functional free version of the phone tracker for Android smartphones. Hoverwatch can:
Block porn sites, adult content, and unwanted apps
Make screenshots from target phone’s screen
Track browsing history and social media
Monitor phone’s location
Record and log calls
Manage contacts
Track camera
Conclusion
Keeping your kids safe is the ultimate goal of any parent. Google Safe Mode is a handy feature, though it only blocks porn from search results. Changing your DNS is a convenient and free way to block porn sites from most of your devices. However, it is not 100% effective. If you want full security, making sure your children do not receive porn or sexual content through Snapchat, Instagram, or anywhere else, we suggest one of the parental control apps above.