Configuring DNS Blocking for All Browsers

Whistl's DNS interception blocks access to over 15,000 gambling websites across all browsers on your device. Unlike browser extensions that can be disabled, DNS blocking works at the network level—protecting you in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and any other browser. This guide walks you through setup, configuration, and troubleshooting.

How DNS Blocking Works

When you type a website address, your device uses DNS (Domain Name System) to translate it into an IP address. Whistl intercepts this process:

1. You type "sportsbet.com.au" in your browser
2. Your phone asks DNS server for the IP address
3. Whistl's DNS server checks if it's a gambling site
4. If blocked: Returns intervention page instead of website
5. If allowed: Returns normal IP address, website loads

This happens in milliseconds, before the website even begins to load.

Step 1: Access DNS Blocking Setup

1. Open the Whistl app
2. Tap Settings (gear icon)
3. Select DNS Blocking from the menu
4. Tap Set Up DNS Protection
5. Read the overview screen explaining how it works

Step 2: Install DNS Profile

iOS requires a configuration profile for DNS blocking:

Profile Installation

1. Tap Download Profile
2. iOS will show a system prompt: "This website is trying to download a configuration profile"
3. Tap Allow
4. You'll see "Profile Downloaded" notification
5. Tap Close and return to Whistl

Step 3: Trust the DNS Profile

Before the profile can work, you must trust it in iOS settings:

Trust Process

1. Open iPhone Settings
2. Tap General
3. Scroll down and tap VPN & Device Management (or "Profiles" on older iOS)
4. You'll see "Whistl DNS Profile"
5. Tap on it
6. Tap Install (top right)
7. Enter your device passcode if prompted
8. Tap Install again to confirm
9. Tap Done when complete

Step 4: Activate DNS Blocking

1. Return to the Whistl app
2. Tap Activate DNS Blocking
3. iOS will show: "Whistl would like to add a VPN Configuration"
4. Tap Allow
5. Enter your device passcode
6. DNS blocking is now active
7. You'll see a VPN icon in your status bar

Step 5: Verify Blocking Is Working

Test that DNS blocking is functioning correctly:

Test Procedure

1. Open Safari (or any browser)
2. Try to visit a known gambling site (e.g., sportsbet.com.au)
3. You should see Whistl's intervention page instead of the website
4. The intervention page includes:
   • Your current risk score
   • Supportive message from AI coach
   • Links to Gambling Help resources
   • Option to contact accountability partner

Blocked Website Categories

Whistl blocks multiple types of gambling websites:

Primary Categories

• Sports Betting: Sportsbet, TAB, Bet365, Ladbrokes, etc.
• Online Casinos: Stake, Jetbull, King Billy, etc.
• Poker Sites: PokerStars, partypoker, 888poker
• Racing: Racing.com, Sky Racing, TAB racing
• Daily Fantasy: DraftKings, FanDuel
• Crypto Gambling: Bitcoin casinos, crypto betting
• Lottery: Online lottery sites
• Esports Betting: Esports betting platforms

Database Coverage

• 15,000+ gambling domains blocked
• Updated daily with new sites
• Australian focus: All major AU bookmakers
• International: Major offshore gambling sites
• Mirror sites: Known alternative URLs blocked

Configuring Block Strictness

Adjust how aggressively Whistl blocks websites:

Block Levels

Allowlist: Exceptions to Blocking

Sometimes you need to allow specific sites:

Common Allowlist Uses

• Work requirements: Gambling industry employees
• Research: Academics studying gambling
• Partner access: Accountability partner checking settings
• False positives: Legitimate sites incorrectly blocked

Adding Sites to Allowlist

1. Go to Settings → DNS Blocking → Allowlist
2. Tap Add Domain
3. Enter the domain (e.g., "example.com")
4. Set expiration (never, 1 hour, 24 hours, 7 days)
5. Optionally require partner approval
6. Tap Save

Browser-Specific Considerations

DNS blocking works across all browsers, but there are nuances:

Safari

• Fully protected by DNS blocking
• Also supports Safari Content Blockers for extra protection
• Private Browsing mode still protected
• Incognito tabs still protected

Chrome

• Fully protected by DNS blocking
• Chrome's own safe browsing complements Whistl
• Incognito mode still protected

Firefox

• Fully protected by DNS blocking
• Firefox Focus also protected
• Private browsing still protected

Other Browsers

• Edge, Opera, Brave all protected
• Any browser using system DNS is protected
• Some browsers with built-in DNS may bypass—check settings

Bypassing DNS Blocking

Some users try to circumvent blocking. Here's how Whistl handles it:

Common Bypass Attempts

Partner Override System

For emergency situations, partners can temporarily allow sites:

Override Process

1. User requests override in Whistl app
2. Partner receives notification with reason
3. Partner can approve or deny
4. If approved: Site accessible for set duration
5. Both parties notified when override expires

Troubleshooting DNS Blocking

Problem: Profile Won't Install

Solutions:

• Ensure you're running iOS 15 or later
• Check you have internet connection during download
• Restart your iPhone and try again
• Delete any existing Whistl profiles and reinstall
• Contact support if issue persists

Problem: VPN Icon Not Showing

Solutions:

• Go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management
• Ensure Whistl DNS profile is installed and enabled
• Toggle DNS blocking off and on in Whistl app
• Restart your iPhone

Problem: Gambling Sites Still Loading

Solutions:

• Clear browser cache and cookies
• Try a different browser to test
• Check DNS blocking is active in Whistl app
• Site may be new—report it for blocking
• Some sites use CDNs—report specific URLs

Problem: Legitimate Sites Blocked

Solutions:

• Add site to allowlist temporarily
• Report false positive to Whistl support
• Site may share infrastructure with gambling—being reviewed
• Reduce block strictness if too aggressive

Problem: Battery Draining

Solutions:

• DNS blocking typically uses <1% battery per day
• Check for other apps using VPN
• Update to latest iOS version
• Restart your iPhone

Privacy and Data Security

Whistl's DNS blocking respects your privacy:

• Minimal logging: Only blocked domains logged, not all browsing
• No browsing history: Whistl doesn't see what you browse
• On-device processing: DNS decisions made locally when possible
• Encrypted DNS: DNS-over-HTTPS for privacy
• No data selling: Browsing data never sold or shared

Disabling DNS Blocking

You can turn off DNS blocking anytime:

Temporary Disable

1. Open Whistl app
2. Go to Settings → DNS Blocking
3. Toggle off "Active"
4. Choose duration (1 hour, 4 hours, 24 hours)
5. Blocking automatically reactivates after duration

Permanent Disable

1. Go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management
2. Select Whistl DNS Profile
3. Tap "Remove Profile"
4. Enter passcode to confirm
5. Profile is deleted, blocking disabled

Conclusion

DNS blocking is one of Whistl's most powerful protection features. By blocking gambling websites at the network level, it prevents impulsive online gambling across all browsers. Setup takes just 5 minutes but provides 24/7 protection. Combined with other Whistl features, DNS blocking creates a comprehensive defence against online gambling triggers.

Related: Venue Mode | Alternative Actions | 8-Step Negotiation