Blocking Websites: Apple Airport's Parental Controls

Apple Airport is a popular router, but some users have reported issues with it blocking certain websites. While there are no settings on the Airport Extreme to address this, the problem can be solved by contacting the website's support team and requesting that they remove the IP or MAC address of the AirPort from their blacklist. Another solution is to reset the AirPort Extreme to its factory default settings, though this may not always work. Additionally, users can explore alternative options such as finding a web browser with a kiosk mode, turning on content filtering, or running a local copy of the site.

Using DNS to restrict access

Another approach is to utilise the hosts file on a Mac device connected to the Apple Airport network. By adding the restricted sites to this file, you can effectively block them from being accessed on that specific Mac. However, this method may not work for all devices connected to the network.

Additionally, you can try creating your own internal copy of a domain and defining it to point to a local IP address, such as 127.0.0.1, effectively blocking access to the real site. This approach, however, would affect the entire domain, and you would not be able to block only a part of a website.

It is important to note that some websites may appear blocked on your Apple Airport network due to the website server blacklisting the IP address or MAC address of your router. In such cases, you would need to contact the website's support team to request the removal of your router's details from their blacklist.

Lastly, while Apple Airport does not offer built-in website blocking features, you can explore alternative solutions such as using a web browser with a "kiosk" mode, enabling content filtering on your cable modem or router, or setting up a local web server disconnected from the internet.

Blocking specific sites on Airport Extreme

One option is to use a third-party DNS provider that offers domain or individual website blocking, such as OpenDNS. You can set up the Airport Extreme to send all DNS requests to OpenDNS and use their filtering to block or whitelist web addresses. This method can be quite sophisticated, but it may also slow down your connection.

Another option is to install a web browser with a "kiosk" mode, which allows you to set up the machine as a web browser only and block users from accessing the system. Some browsers with kiosk mode also let you blacklist or safelist sites, so you can create a terminal that can only access specific websites.

If you are trying to block websites on a specific device, such as an iPod Touch, you can add the IP or MAC address of the device to your Wi-Fi router and set up the block for that device only.

Finally, if you are trying to block a website that is hosted on your own network, you can disconnect the machine from the internet and run a local web server. This approach has the disadvantage of requiring you to manually update the local copy of the website whenever you make changes to the remote one.

Troubleshooting a blocked website

Identify the Issue:

• Check if the issue is specific to certain websites: Try accessing multiple websites through the Apple Airport connection. If you can access some websites but not others, it suggests that the problem is related to those specific websites rather than your router settings.
• Verify the connection: Try connecting to the website using a different device on the same network. If the issue persists, it indicates that the problem is not with your device but with the network or router settings.
• Check your device's connection: Connect your device directly to your modem, bypassing the Apple Airport router. If you can access the website through a direct connection, it confirms that the issue lies with the router or its settings.

Resolve the Issue:

• Check for Double NAT: Open the Airport Utility on your device and look for a Double NAT error. Double NAT can cause issues with website access.
• Contact website support: If the issue is specific to certain websites, contact their technical support teams. Provide them with your IP address and request that they remove any blocks associated with it.
• Reset your router: As a last resort, you can try resetting your Apple Airport router to its factory default settings. This will clear all stored settings, and you will need to set up the router again.

It is important to note that Apple Airport base stations do not have built-in features to block specific websites. In most cases, website inaccessibility is due to IP or MAC address blocks implemented by the websites themselves or network configuration issues.

Using a different browser

If you are having trouble accessing a website through your Airport Extreme, you could try using a different browser. For example, if you are using Safari, try accessing the site through Firefox or Opera.

In one instance, a user was able to access a site through a direct connection to the cable modem but not through their Airport Extreme. Another user suggested that they try a different browser, and this appeared to resolve the issue.

However, it is important to note that this solution may not work for all cases. In some situations, the issue may be related to the Airport Extreme's firmware or a bug in the routing tables. Additionally, some websites may be blocked at the network level, which means that changing browsers may not resolve the issue.

If you are trying to restrict access to certain websites, you can also try using a different browser with a "kiosk" mode. This mode allows you to set up the machine for use only as a web browser and block users from accessing the system. Some browsers with kiosk mode let you blacklist or safelist sites, so you can create a terminal that can only access specific websites.

Furthermore, you can also explore third-party solutions such as a router or gateway that offers website access controls, or a DNS provider like OpenDNS that offers these types of controls. These solutions can help you restrict access to specific websites from your home network.

Resetting the router

Resetting your Apple Airport router can be done in several ways, depending on the model of your base station and the issue you are trying to resolve.

Soft Reset

A soft reset is useful if you have forgotten your base station password and need to regain access to your network. This method resets the base station password and disables security for 5 minutes, allowing you to join the network and make changes. After 5 minutes, the base station will revert to its former settings. To perform a soft reset, press and hold the reset button for 1 second. You can find the reset button next to the ports on your base station.

Hard Reset

A hard reset is useful when your base station is unresponsive or you are troubleshooting network issues. This method resets the base station to an unconfigured state but retains the last saved configuration and any profiles, allowing you to restore your base station from previous settings. To perform a hard reset, press and hold the reset button for about 5 seconds until the status light flashes amber rapidly. Then release the button and wait about a minute for the base station to finish restarting.

Factory-Default Reset

A factory-default reset is similar to a hard reset, but it removes any saved configurations and profiles. This method is ideal if you are selling or giving away your base station. To perform a factory-default reset, disconnect the base station from its power source. Then, while holding down the reset button, reconnect the power and continue to hold the button for about 6 seconds until the status light flashes amber rapidly. Wait about a minute for the base station to finish restarting, and then use AirPort Utility to reconfigure the base station.

It is recommended to ensure that your base station's firmware is up to date before performing any reset. Additionally, make sure to securely store any important data or configurations before proceeding with a reset, as some methods will result in the loss of saved settings.

Frequently asked questions