How to block porn on a Mac

A one-click install that stays on when it matters, so evenings are for the people you love.

One membership covers up to 10 devices. Cancel anytime in the trial.

How HardStop works on Mac

HardStop filters at the network (DNS) level, so it covers the whole Mac, not just one browser. Incognito, private windows, other browsers and DNS changes don't get around it.

Adult sites are blocked, SafeSearch is enforced, and all images and video on Reddit, X and Tumblr are blocked. Removal only happens after a wait time you choose, from 72 hours up to 1 year.

The same app on your Mac then sets up your iPhone, iPad or Android device. You don't need a second download.

How to set it up

About 5 to 10 minutes per device. Full steps arrive after you start your trial.

Download

Download HardStop from your setup page after you sign up.

Install

Drag HardStop into your Applications folder and open it. If your Mac shows a security prompt, click Open.

Verify

Verify your membership with the exact email you signed up with.

Turn it on

Turn on protection for this Mac. That part is one click.

Check

Open test.nextdns.io in your browser. It should say the device is configured.

What you need

A Mac on a supported macOS version.
The exact email you signed up with.

What changes

Some VPNs work alongside HardStop on a Mac, but any VPN that could get around the filter is blocked on purpose.
If Reddit, X or Tumblr images still load, iCloud Private Relay is almost always the reason. Turn it off in System Settings.

Honest limits

Only update to a macOS version on the supported list.

Make room for what matters

Try HardStop free for 7 days. Then $180 a year ($15 a month) or $25 every 4 weeks.

Start your free 7 days →

Backed by the Zero Access Guarantee.

Questions

Do I need anything technical?+

No. Download, drag to Applications, verify your email and turn on protection in one click.

Does it work in every browser?+

Yes. Filtering works at the network level across the whole Mac, so private windows and other browsers are covered.

Will it slow my Mac down?+

You shouldn't notice any difference. DNS filtering is light, and HardStop doesn't install a root certificate or scan your traffic.

Can I turn it off myself?+

Not instantly. You start removal in the app and it comes off after your wait time, from 72 hours to 1 year.

What does it cost?+

Both plans start with a 7-day free trial and there is no charge if you cancel during it. Then it is $180 a year (works out to $15 a month) or $25 every 4 weeks. Both plans have the same features, and one membership covers up to 10 devices in your household.

Can anyone see what I browse?+

No. HardStop does not monitor or log browsing. It cannot see your history, searches, messages, photos or screen, and no root certificate is installed, so traffic is never opened or scanned.

What if something gets through?+

Email support@tryhardstop.com and the team blocks it for every member. Under the Zero Access Guarantee, if adult content gets through because HardStop's own service failed and they cannot block it within 5 business days, they refund every dollar you have paid. Bypasses, platform changes and unsupported OS versions are not covered.

More answers in the Help Centre, or email support@tryhardstop.com.

Other devices

HardStop home iPhone & iPad Android Mac Windows Chromebook Router & home Wi-Fi Help Centre