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How to Block VPNs and Proxies on Computers and Smartphones
Block common content filtering bypass methods like VPNs and Proxies on smartphones and computers.
If you're trying to manage your own devices as an adult, chances are that you may have considered how to block VPNs or proxies that could be used to bypass restrictions you've set.
It's important to realize that you may need to use multiple approaches to fully restrict VPNs, since there are many different ways that they could be enabled:
- Many popular VPNs can be downloaded online for a computer or installed from an app store for a smartphone.
- Some browsers have "privacy-enhancing" VPN plugins or features that could unintentionally bypass content filtering.
- Some websites act as a browser proxy and should be blocked directly.
Prevent VPNs From Being Installed on Your Devices
One of the easiest places to start is to actively prevent VPNs from being installed on your devices. Each device has slightly different ways of restricting access, but in general, these methods work across many different platforms.
VPN Restrictions Per Device
On some devices, it's possible to fully restrict the ability to add VPN profiles by enforcing restrictions on the device directly.
For example, on most iPhones, you have to consider how apps could add new VPN profiles:
However, by taking the proper steps to block VPNs on iPhone , you can fully restrict this from happening:
This also means it's impossible to add a new VPN manually using the settings app.
Block VPN Apps and Program Download Sites
While doing this is highly dependent on the type of device you're using, there are several ways to block apps.
For example, you might set up a Content Policy on your device that directly blocks both VPN download websites and services required to run a VPN. This is a bit more effective on Windows or Mac computers, since in many cases, you aren't limited to installing apps from a single storefront like iPhone or Android smartphones.
We recommend considering this approach first, since it's possible to connect multiple types of devices to the same Content Policy at once.
Restrict Browser Features and Extensions
Another potential way that VPNs can be enabled is by using browser extensions or privacy features.
They can be directly disabled in such a way that a user cannot re-enable them without outside help.
Step 1: Manage Browser Extensions
One approach is to individually block browser extensions that add VPNs.
This can be used with the default-deny approach, so you could choose to block all but a few extensions to cover more ground.
Step 2: Control Browser Features
On some platforms, you can disable specific browser features that might enable VPNs.
For example, if you have a Mac computer, you can use Apple Config Files to fully prevent VPN or privacy features from interfering with your content filter. Tech Lockdown allows you to easily apply multiple restrictions across different browsers with a single toggle:
But many browsers have other features that could interfere with content filtering, so it's important to consider these additional loopholes and disable private browsing features. We have several recommendations in our dedicated guide for disabling incognito mode if you'd like to learn more.
Block VPN Services and Proxy Sites
For more robust VPN-blocking, you should consider directly blocking proxy sites that could be used to browse online anonymously. These sites should be blocked.
Use URL Filtering to block specific search terms or keywords
Here's an example we like to use:
Say you'd like to block anything related to McDonald's, and you'd like to limit the amount of content you can find as much as possible. One option is to fully prevent any version of a website that mentions or searches for the "mcdonalds" keyword.
Fortunately, there are multiple ways that you can effectively block websites based on keywords you've selected. In the previous example, we've used McDonald's, but you could apply this same idea to VPNs, Proxies, or other kinds of content.
Block VPN and Proxy Services Directly
The most effective option for all kinds of devices is to prevent VPN or proxy services from working at all by blocking the services they need to work completely. The idea is that even if a VPN is enabled on your device, it can't function correctly because it will think your device isn't connected to the internet.
If you're using a Content Policy on your devices, these are the content categories we recommend blocking for the best results:
- Anonymizer: Most websites that host VPN downloads or domains used by VPN services fall under this category.
- New Domains and Newly Seen Domains: Some proxies rely on randomly-generated domain names, so it's difficult to categorize these new domains quickly. Blocking domains that haven't had the chance to be properly categorized is a great way to prevent this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most effective way to fully block VPNs on iPhone?
See our dedicated guide for blocking VPNs on iPhone for more information.
Can VPNs be blocked on my home network?
In most cases, you can block required VPN services on your router by connecting it to a Content Policy .
Can VPN Programs be blocked on Windows?
Yes, you can block programs on a Windows computer in a few different ways.
Can VPN Applications be blocked on Mac computers?
Yes, you can block apps on a Mac computer in a few different ways.
Can a VPN Be Used With a Content Filter?
In some cases, it may be possible to use a VPN while content filtering, although this depends on which content filter and VPN you're trying to use.
Some VPNs force strict controls over your device's network settings while enabled, and chances are, these kinds of VPNs will not be compatible with a content filter.
Since this goes into more details than we can cover in this article, I'd strongly recommend reading our dedicated guide for bypassing Geo-restrictions alongside a Content Filter .