How to Block Netflix on WiFi Router? (Quick Setup)

How to block Netflix on the Router? You can block the Netflix app on mobile and on the TV along with Chromecast or FireStick.

A few months ago I published an article and video demo about how to block websites and apps over the WiFi network. I got few comments requesting to block the TikTok app, PUGB Game, as well as Roblox game.

I already wrote articles about the other three, and this article covers how to block Netflix on the router.

The steps mentioned are nearly the same, just that we need to block the Netflix domain name in OpenDNS settings. However, for ease, I’m just going to republish the same steps with few modifications.

By the end of this guide, you will learn how to block Netflix on the Wi-Fi network router. This blocking guide is also valid for Netflix on Smart TV apps and Chromecast or FireStick Netflix app.

Follow these guidelines to block Netflix app on mobile as well as on Smart TV —

Set up OpenDNS on WiFi router

Before we get started with blocking Netflix we need to re-route out network incoming and out-going connection via OpenDNS IP address.

OpenDNS is a service that track the stats and block the flow of all the incoming and outgoing WiFi network requests. It protects against the spam and phishing along with improving network stability.

Step 1: Add the OpenDNS IP Address in WiFi router settings. Login to your WiFi admin portal and lookup for DNS settings. Here is the DNS settings page in my router.

OpenDNS IPv4 Address in Network Router DNS Settings

Step 2: You need to add the two OpenDNS IPv4 addresses into your DNS settings page. Restart the WiFi router after saving the changes.

  • 208.67.222.222
  • 208.67.220.220

Step 3: Verify whether the OpenDNS is configured correctly by accessing this welcome OpenDNS page. If you get the below message, then it means your router is successfully configured.

Welcome OpenDNS Test Verification

Step 4: Create a Free OpenDNS Home account. Fill the requested details, you will receive a confirmation mail to verify the email ID.

Home Free by OpenDNS Sign up form

Step 5: Sign in to the OpenDNS dashboard using the same credentials used for registration.

Sign in OpenDNS Dashboard - Cisco Umbrella

Step 6: Configure the router IP address in OpenDNS. Log in and navigate to the Settings tab and hit on [ADD THIS NETWORK] button and give it a name. The IP address is auto-populated from your network connection.

OpenDNS Add Network IP Address

Note: If you have the dynamic IP address, then you can use an OpenDNS update software program. It’s available for both Windows and macOS. Just login with your login credentials and IP address is automatically updated in OpenDNS.

Step 7: Lastly, enable the stats and logs recording in OpenDNS. Navigate to Stats and Logs tab and tick the checkbox — Enable stats and logs and hit on APPLY button.

OpenDNS Dashboard > Settings > Stats and Logs > Enable
Now your ISP network IP is mapped with OpenDNS service. I have also published a very details steps by step guide on the OpenDNS setup on Router.

Block Netflix Domain Names Addresses

Once you’ve set up the OpenDNS, navigate to the Settings tab and click on IP address to access the network settings.

OpenDNS > Settings > Your Network > IP Address

On the Network settings page, switch to Web Content Filtering and under Manage individual domains add the below domain names. Make sure to keep theĀ Always block option under dropdown.

Always block netflix.com on router

Here are the domain names that you need to add into block list:

  • netflix.com
  • nflxso.net
  • nflximg.com
  • nflxext.com

OpenDNS Settings Web Content Filtering Netflix

These domains act as a wildcard (*.netflix.com) to block connection to all the sub-domains like api-global.netflix.com, www.netflix.com, etc.

Netflix Blacklist on OpenDNS

Netflix Stop Working on Router

Please allow OpenDNS a few hours to make the changes live. The blocking Netflix setting will propagate on the router connection and stop internet access.

Later if you open the Netflix app, then you will encounter:

Can not connect to netflix tap to retry

You will still be able to access the internet on all other apps and browser, only the Netflix network will be blocked.

When you open the Netflix on the browser you may encounter the certificate error message — Your connection is not private on Netflix:

Privacy error on Netflix on desktop

If you try to open the Netflix app on Smart TV or Chromecast or firestick, you will watch the following error.

Netflix has encountered an error. Retrying in X seconds
Code: tvq-st-103, tvq-st120, tvq-st-131

Can not connect to netflix tap to retry

Conclusions

That’s it. We have successfully blocked the Netflix web and app on the Wi-Fi router network. You or your family member can not connect to Netflix on the router. One can use the same method to block Netflix at a public router. However, if the mobile data is enabled then this method won’t work.

Let me know if you are facing any issues while setting up.

If you've any thoughts on How to Block Netflix on WiFi Router? (Quick Setup), then feel free to drop in below comment box. Also, please subscribe to our DigitBin YouTube channel for videos tutorials. Cheers!

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Kushal Azza
Kushal is a Bachelor of Engineering, a Certified Google Analytics & IT Support Professional, and a Digital-Tech Geek. He has over a decade of experience solving tech problems, troubleshooting, and creating digital solutions. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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