How to make WhatsApp unavailable when the Internet is on?

How to make WhatsApp unavailable when the Internet is on - briefly?

To make WhatsApp unavailable while still connected to the internet, you can use the app's built-in airplane mode feature or adjust your device's settings to restrict data access for WhatsApp specifically. This method ensures that WhatsApp does not receive or send messages without completely disconnecting from the internet.

How to make WhatsApp unavailable when the Internet is on - in detail?

To make WhatsApp unavailable while maintaining internet connectivity, you can employ several strategies that effectively block or limit access to the app without disconnecting from the internet entirely. Here are some detailed methods:

  1. Use a Third-Party App Blocker:

    • Install a reputable third-party app blocker from the Google Play Store (for Android) or the App Store (for iOS). Examples include Freedom, FocusMe, and Cold Turkey.
    • Configure the app blocker to disable WhatsApp during specific times or for an indefinite period. These apps typically allow you to set schedules or manually lock WhatsApp with a password.
    • Ensure that the app blocker has the necessary permissions to function effectively and monitor your device usage.
  2. Modify System Settings (Android Only):

    • Navigate to your device settings and locate the "Digital Wellbeing & parental controls" or similar section, depending on your Android version.
    • Tap on "App timer," then select WhatsApp from the list of installed apps.
    • Set a daily time limit for WhatsApp. Once the allocated time is used up, the app will be unavailable until the next day.
  3. Utilize Built-in Screen Time Features (iOS Only):

    • Open the Settings app and go to "Screen Time."
    • Tap on "App Limits," then select the "Add Limit" option at the bottom of the screen.
    • Choose the category that includes WhatsApp (e.g., Social), set the time limit, and confirm your selection.
    • Once the allocated time is exhausted, WhatsApp will become unavailable until the next day.
  4. Block WhatsApp Using Parental Controls:

    • Install a parental control app such as Net Nanny, Norton Family, or Qustodio on both your device and the parent device (if applicable).
    • Configure the parental control settings to block access to WhatsApp during specified times or permanently.
    • These apps often provide additional features like activity reports and remote management, offering greater control over app usage.
  5. Manually Disable Internet Access for WhatsApp:

    • While this method does not keep the internet on for other purposes, it can be an effective way to make WhatsApp unavailable temporarily.
    • On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data usage > WhatsApp, and toggle off the "Background data" option. This prevents WhatsApp from using mobile data in the background but does not block Wi-Fi access.
    • On iOS, there is no direct way to disable internet access for a specific app without using a VPN or third-party software. However, you can enable Airplane Mode to temporarily disable all network connections, then re-enable it as needed.

By implementing one of these strategies, you can effectively make WhatsApp unavailable while maintaining overall internet connectivity on your device.