How to Block Snapchat on Your Router

You can prevent Snapchat from running on your network. There are varying ways to block Snapchat on your router. Of these many ways, the best two methods are by using OpenDNS or SonicWall.

Image Source: Scott & Kat

As one of the most popular messaging social media applications, Snapchat is best known for its unique features, like privacy and the wide range of filters available. Unlike most messaging applications, users use photos or videos, what they call snaps, to converse about their day, what they did, and who they were with.

This can be very addictive for people of all ages, from children to students to working-class adults.So you could be the student who has the habit of opening Snapchat more times than you would open a book. Or maybe you’re the employee at work who extends on your breaks to ensure you’ve sent at least 10 snaps. You could also be a parent, concerned by the amount of time your child spends on the app and the kind of content they’re exposed to.

For any of these reasons, you may want to limit access to Snapchat. Uninstalling the application is sometimes not enough, which is why blocking it on your router is the next best option. Of the many ways, you could do it, the two best options are either using OpenDNS or SonicWall.

Blocking Snapchat On Router Using OpenDNS.

OpenDNS is a company that provides Domain Name Systems (DNS) resolution services including optional content filtering. This is method is straightforward, needing you to simply access your router IP so you can blacklist Snapchat and any other links or domains connected with it.

First things first, however, you need an OpenDNS account and to ensure your router’s DNS settings have been configured. To set up an account visit OpenDNS.com and create a free account. To configure your DNS settings, on the other hand, log into your router’s accountfrom your device’s web browser. Locate and open DNS settings. From there select the radio button to manually set DNS and enter the DNS1 and 2. Once done click Apply changes. Now you’re all set to block Snapchat on your router.

Start by logging into OpenDNS through your web browser. From the navigation bar, click on Settings. You will be provided with the options of choosing or adding a network. Select Add this network and key in your IP address. You will now be given Your networks option, under which you should select your IP network’s name. There is a text box under Manage Individual domains for Block Domains, click on it and enter the domain you wish to block, in this case, Snapchat’s. Lastly, click Add Domain and it’s done.

Note, however, that you include one domain at a time, which means you will have to repeat the same process for all related Snapchat domains. These domains are: snapchat.com, app.snapchat.com, snapchat.appspot.com, sc-analytics.appspot.com,www.feelinsonice.com, feelinsonice.l.google.com, feelinsonice.appspot.com, feelinsonice-hrd.appspot.com, data.flurry.com and appsport.l.google.co. Once all the domains have been added, restart your device and check to see if you can still use Snapchat on the router’s network. If not, then you successfully blocked Snapchat on the router.

Block Snapchat on Router Using SonicWall

SonicWall’s application control’s main function is to regulate browsing, file transfer, and application layer traffic through application policies and firewalls. To block Snapchat, first access and log into the SonicWall Management User Interface.

From the Management User Interface select Manage. After that select Objects and click on Match Objects page. Under that select Add New Match Object and set it under App control settings. In the Add New Match Object, key in the name Snapchat and select the type from the drop-down menu, by clicking Custom Object and selecting Exact Match. At this point, you need to enter the domain hexadecimal value under Content and click Add. Keep adding one hexadecimal value at a time, until they have all been added. Lastly, click okay and you’re done.

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Conclusion

Now that you know how to block Snapchat on your router,as a parent you can now control and be assured of the content your kids are exposed to. As an individual, you can focus more on work or school without the distracting notifications you get when a friend shares a snap.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Why do I need OpenDNS if I already have a DNS?

Because OpenDNS offers you the most affordable and simplest way to prevent access to inappropriate content as well as prevention of virus and infections.

Is Snapchat Dangerous?

While the application is intended to improve interaction,  who gets onto the platform and how they interact isn’t properly moderated. While the age limit is 13 years, you may find younger children on the platform interacting with people they do not know. So, yes, Snapchat can be dangerous for underage children.