How to disable WhatsApp from the internet connection?

How to disable WhatsApp from the internet connection - briefly?

To disable WhatsApp from your internet connection, you can either block its access through your router settings or use a third-party app that allows you to control data usage on a per-app basis.

How to disable WhatsApp from the internet connection - in detail?

Disabling WhatsApp from your internet connection can be crucial for managing data usage, preventing distractions, or ensuring privacy. Here are several detailed methods to achieve this:

On Android Devices

1. Using the Built-in Data Saver Feature:

   • Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
   • Tap on "Data and Storage" and then select "When using mobile data."
   • Choose "Low data usage" or "No media downloads" based on your preference.

2. Blocking WhatsApp via Network Restrictions:

   • Go to your device's Settings, then navigate to "Network & Internet" (or similar).
   • Find and select "Data usage."
   • Locate WhatsApp in the list of apps and tap on it.
   • Turn off the toggle for "Background data" to prevent WhatsApp from using data when the app is not actively in use.

On iOS Devices

1. Using Screen Time:

   • Open the Settings app and go to "Screen Time."
   • Tap on "Content Restrictions" and then enable it.
   • Under the "Apps" section, you can choose to block WhatsApp entirely or set specific restrictions.

2. Using Cellular Data Settings:

   • Open the Settings app and go to "Mobile Data."
   • Scroll down to find WhatsApp in the list of apps.
   • Toggle off the switch next to WhatsApp to prevent it from using cellular data.

On Windows and macOS Devices

1. Using Firewall Rules:

   • For Windows: Open Control Panel, then go to "System and Security" > "Windows Defender Firewall."
   • Click on "Advanced settings," then select "Outbound Rules" and click "New Rule."
   • Choose "Program" as the rule type, then select WhatsApp from the list.
   • Block the connection by selecting "Block the connection" in the action tab.

2. Using Hosts File:

   • Open the hosts file (located at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts for Windows and /etc/hosts for macOS).
   • Add a new line with the following content: 127.0.0.1 whatsapp.com
   • Save the file and restart your computer to apply the changes.

On Routers

1. Blocking WhatsApp via Router Settings:
   • Log in to your router's admin panel (usually through a web browser by entering 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
   • Navigate to the "Access Control" or "Firewall" settings.
   • Add WhatsApp's IP addresses or domain names to the blacklist. You can find a list of WhatsApp’s IP addresses on various online resources.

Using Third-Party Applications

1. NetGuard (Android):

   • Install NetGuard from the Google Play Store.
   • Open NetGuard and grant it the necessary permissions.
   • Select WhatsApp from the list of apps and toggle off its internet access.

2. Focus (iOS):

   • Install Focus from the App Store.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to set up a schedule for blocking WhatsApp or any other app.

By following these detailed methods, you can effectively disable WhatsApp from your internet connection, ensuring better control over your data usage and online privacy.