Connect a Device Manually to your Content Policy

If you are unable to install the app onto a device, then it might be possible to connect your device manually.

Tech Lockdown Team

Updated July 1, 2024

Sometimes, you will need to connect a device to your DNS Content Policy manually. This might be true for some devices, like a game console or browser.

The most effective (and consistent) way to enable filtering on smart devices (like a TV) is to connect your home router to your DNS Content Policy instead of each of your devices separately. This is especially true if the device you're trying to connect isn't mobile (meaning it stays at your house or apartment).

However, there are some exceptions. Here's how to connect a device manually.

Know what you're doing before you start

We strongly recommend reading through this guide first instead of reading it as you go. In the vast majority of cases, you can install filtering on your home's router instead of each device separately.

Find Information to Connect Your Device Manually

First, log into the Tech Lockdown dashboard.

Go to Content Policy > Connect Devices.

Select the option called Config.

Under Get Required Info, you should see a section called Connection Information. You’ll have 3 unique addresses associated with your account:

DNS over IPv6
DNS over HTTPS
DNS over TLS

You’ll use these addresses to configure the network settings on your device to point to your content policy.

If you need to connect using IPv4, use the addresses below:

172.64.36.1

172.64.36.2

Help! I don't see any information listed under Config!

If you've never connected a router to your DNS Content Policy, you won't see any information listed. To fix the issue, you will have to create a network for your devices to connect to. We will take a look at this below.

Manually Configure Devices

Once you have the required connection information, you will then be able to start configuring your devices. We've provided some basic instructions for how to do this for most common devices, which can be found within each device's installation guide.

If you've noticed that you cannot see any information listed under Config tab, then it means that you will need to create a network that will allow the device you want to configure manually to link to your DNS Content Policy. Guidance for how to do this can be found in the router installation guide.

Content Policy

Point a Router to your Content Policy

Point your home router to your Content Policy so that devices using your WiFi or ethernet connection use a filtered internet connection.

You can also verify that you have linked a router on the Tech Lockdown dashboard by going to Settings > Routers. If this list is empty, then it means you will need to create a new network.

Windows

For instructions about how to edit your network settings on a windows device, please see the section in the windows installation guide titled "Manual Config".

Content Policy

Connect PC to Content Policy

Install an app or configure network settings to connect a Windows computer to your Content Policy.

Mac

For instructions about how to edit your network settings on a mac device, please see the section in the windows installation guide titled "Manual Config".

Content Policy

Connect Mac to Content Policy

Install an app or configure settings to point a Macbook or iMac to your Content Policy.

iPhone

For instructions about how to edit your network settings on an iPhone smartphone, please see the section in the windows installation guide titled "Manual Config".

Content Policy

Connect an iOS Device to your Content Policy

Connect an iOS Device (iPhone/iPad) directly to your Content Policy to continue filtering content when away from home or on a roaming connection.

Android

For instructions about how to edit your network settings on an Android smartphone, please see the section in the windows installation guide titled "Manual Config".

Cloudflare

Connect Android Device to Content Policy

Connect an Android device directly to your Content Policy.

Testing Your Connection and Troubleshooting

If you want to test your device's connection, then view our help doc about testing your connection here:

Content Policy

Check Your Device's Connection to your DNS policy

Check your device's connection to your content policy.

If your device is unable to properly connect to the internet, it could be caused by a number of issues:

If your device moves around a lot, then changing DNS settings is not the best way to enable filtering. We strongly recommend using the Warp client or Cloudflare One Agent for computers or smartphones, respectively.
If you're not sure that your device is connected correctly, be sure to check your traffic logs. Try using your device to open an app or access a test website, then see if that activity is being recorded.

Frequently Asked Questions

I can't find DNS settings on my device. What should I do?

Not all devices support changing their DNS settings. If that's the case, then you will need to connect the router that the device is connected to instead.

How can I prevent changes to DNS settings once I've connected it to my DNS Content Policy?

This will heavily depend on what type of device you're setting up.

Most game consoles or smart TVs have parental controls that you can use to lock settings. Check your device's manufacturer's website for more information about how to do this.

For other devices, please check our bypass prevention docs for more information about how you can restrict changes to your DNS Settings.

Bypass Prevention

Prevent Bypass of DNS Content Policy

Ensure that filtering is not bypassed either intentionally or unintentionally.

Can I create rules on my Content Policy for each device I've manually configured?

Devices connected to your Content Policy manually aren't able to be distinguished from one another. You can still apply rules that apply to all devices, but selecting an individual profile is only possible with the Warp client (computers) or the Cloudflare One Agent (smartphones).