How to disable only WhatsApp from the Internet?

How to disable only WhatsApp from the Internet - briefly?

To disable only WhatsApp from the internet on your device, you can use your phone's settings or a third-party app. In your phone's settings, go to "Data usage" and restrict background data for WhatsApp. Alternatively, apps like NetGuard allow you to block WhatsApp specifically without affecting other applications.

How to disable only WhatsApp from the Internet - in detail?

Disabling internet access for WhatsApp while allowing other applications to use it can be achieved through various methods depending on your device and operating system. Below is a detailed guide on how to accomplish this:

On Android Devices

1. Use Data Saver Mode:

   • Open the WhatsApp application.
   • Navigate to Settings > Data and Storage Usage.
   • Enable the When using mobile data option under Low Data Usage. This will restrict WhatsApp from using too much data, effectively limiting its internet access.

2. Use Third-Party Apps:

   • Download and install a firewall app such as NetGuard.
   • Open NetGuard and grant it the necessary permissions.
   • Select WhatsApp from the list of apps and block its access to both mobile data and Wi-Fi.

On iOS Devices

1. Restrict Background App Refresh:

   • Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
   • Find WhatsApp in the list and disable the toggle for it. This will prevent WhatsApp from accessing the internet when running in the background.

2. Use Restrictions:

   • Navigate to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
   • Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions and enter a passcode if prompted.
   • Under Allowed Apps, disable WhatsApp. This will block its access to the internet completely.

On Windows and macOS Devices

1. Use Firewall Settings:
   • Open the Control Panel (Windows) or System Preferences (macOS).
   • Navigate to Firewall settings.
   • Add WhatsApp to the list of blocked applications. This will prevent it from accessing the internet.

On Linux Devices

1. Use Firewall Rules:
   • Open a terminal and use a command-line firewall tool like ufw (Uncomplicated Firewall).
   • Install ufw if it's not already installed using your package manager.
   • Run the following commands:

     sudo ufw allow out on wlan0 to any port 80,443 proto tcp
     sudo ufw deny out from 127.0.0.1 to any port 80,443 proto tcp

   • Replace wlan0 with your network interface name and adjust the rules as needed for WhatsApp’s traffic.

On Routers (Network-wide)

1. Use Parental Controls:
   • Log in to your router's admin panel.
   • Navigate to the Parental Control or Access Control settings.
   • Block WhatsApp by its IP address or domain name. This will prevent any device on the network from accessing WhatsApp through the internet.

By following these detailed steps, you can effectively disable WhatsApp's internet access while allowing other applications to continue functioning normally.