Protection layers

The Protect tab shows five layers as a ring, N/5 layers. Two are switched on in the app and checked live against the system. Three happen outside the app, and you mark each one done yourself.

1. System-wide DNS shield

The shield is the single biggest layer. It installs an encrypted-DNS (DNS over HTTPS) setting so that gambling domains fail to load in every app and browser on the phone, not just Safari. Lookups are answered by Mullvad's family DNS resolver, under Mullvad's no-logging policy; Silex is not in that path and never sees your browsing. Besides gambling, the family resolver also filters ads, trackers, malware and adult sites.

  1. In Silex, open Protect and tap the DNS shield (or Turn on the shield during first-run setup).
  2. Approve the iOS dialog that asks to add a DNS configuration.
  3. Open Settings › General › VPN, DNS & Device Management › DNS and select Silex Shield.

The row in Silex then reads Active — blocking gambling across your apps and browsers. If it says Installed, step 3 isn't done yet.

2. Safari blocker

A Safari content blocker called Silex Site Blocker blocks gambling domains inside Safari from a list stored on your phone. The bundled list holds about 294,000 domains, and Silex adds a public gambling blocklist (about 385,000 domains) that it downloads and refreshes in the background every few days. Checking a site against the list happens on the phone; nothing about your browsing is sent anywhere.

  1. In Silex, open Protect and follow the Safari guide, or go straight to iOS Settings.
  2. Open Settings › Apps › Safari › Extensions.
  3. Turn on Silex Site Blocker.

When it's on, the row shows how many gambling domains are blocked. It covers Safari only; other browsers are covered by the DNS shield.

3. Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion bars you from operators for a fixed period and can't be lifted on an impulse. Silex shows the scheme for your region: GAMSTOP in the UK, state programs in the US, and operator-by-operator exclusion elsewhere. Our self-exclusion guide covers each in detail. Tap I've done this when it's in place.

4. Bank gambling block

Many banks can decline payments to gambling merchants, and lifting the block takes days. Silex walks you through finding the setting in your banking app. See how bank gambling blocks work.

5. Kill the promos

Unsubscribe from gambling emails and texts, and turn off push notifications from betting apps, so offers stop arriving when you're vulnerable. Silex lists the steps for email, SMS and push.

Limits, honestly

Silex documentation