Block Pages aren't required in order to block websites or apps but will be displayed if a blocked website is visited while your device is connected to your Content Policy. They also display which rule is blocking the particular website, so it's recommended to enable them for better troubleshooting.
If you don't have your device set up for block pages, you'll instead see this kind of error when visiting a blocked website:
Why Use a Block Page?
The block page helps with troubleshooting. In the case where a website is blocked by mistake, it can be used to find which rule is causing the unwanted behavior:
Additionally, you can use Cloudflare radar to see which domain a webpage is being categorized as to further help troubleshoot issues. Click the Cloudflare Radar link on the block page like this:
How to Enable the Block Page
- If you're completely new to Tech Lockdown, we recommend using the Device Setup wizard for instructions on how to correctly enable Block Pages. It has been integrated as a part of each device's recommended setup options.
- If you've already set up your devices, you can also access instructions for setting up block pages on your device by going to Content Policy > Connect Devices. Choose your device and follow the instructions for Configuring Certificates.
- Alternatively, you can also go directly to Settings > Certificates (under the Cloudflare section) and manage your certificates there.
In either case, block pages require a Certificate to be configured on both Cloudflare and your devices. If you've never created a Certificate before, the wizard will prompt you to generate your certificate:
Proceed to generate the Certificate and follow the instructions to install it on your device(s). You can view a summary of the instructions for each device listed below:
- Install Certificates on Mac
- Install Certificates on Windows
- Install Certificates on iPhone
- Install Certificates on Android
What is a Certificate?
A Certificate is a special file that is generated by Cloudflare. It's used to ensure that all traffic being sent to and from Cloudflare is legitimate and hasn't been tampered with.
In order for a Certificate to work as expected, it will need to be installed and trusted on your devices. Otherwise, you'll get the "This Connection is Not Private" message from your browser when visiting a blocked webpage.
Does the Warp or Cloudflare One application need to be installed in order for Block pages to work?
No. If you've connected your device through DNS, either manually or through your router, block pages should work if set up correctly.
Are certificates needed in order for filtering to work?
No. Your content policy's rules will still be enforced without needing to install the certificate. However, if you get an error when trying to access a website (like This Connection is not private), it won't be clear if your Content Policy is restricting access or if the issue is unrelated to website blocking.
We still recommend installing the certificate, since it makes troubleshooting rules much easier.
How do I manage Certificates?
Once generated, each certificate lasts for 5 years before needing to be renewed. If you've never used a Block Page before, we recommend using the Device Setup process for simplicity.
You can view all Certificates by going to Settings > Certificates.
For more information, view this article on how to generate and manage Certificates.