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threads123
User level: Level 1 (14 points)

How to enable network filters options that are greyed out.

Enabling network filter greyed out in 27.0.1 despite being Admin and having no device management profile installed.


Im running a 14" 2023 M2 MacBook Pro on 27.0.1.


I'm trying to switch my MacBook to using NEXT DNS using their native application. When I attempt to enable the filter on the os network filters and proxies page the option is greyed out. Possible reasons suggested by the Next DNS app are current content filters blocking it (none that I know of) or a current Device Management profile in place of which there are none.


I can add the DNS configuration using a generated config file however that seems to make it impossible for me to tie it in with Proton VPN using Next DNS.


I have already tried removing Proton VPN incase it was causing conflict, removed all the network settings and preferences files and restarted. Verified I am the only account logged into the laptop and have Admin privileges.


I can't work out why the option is still greyed out, any ideas?



[Edited by Moderator]



Posted on Oct 15, 2026 2:28 PM

3 replies

neuroanatomist
User level: Level 9 (72,871 points)

Oct 15, 2026 3:08 PM in response to threads123

On macOS, the system limits active traffic filtering to only one network extension at a time. Even though you uninstalled Proton VPN, a lingering background extension, corrupted network plist state, or the way the NextDNS app initializes itself is causing the toggle to remain locked.


For example, see this from NextDNS (same basic problem but with LittleSnitch):


https://help.nextdns.io/t/q6hs6ll/nextdns-on-macos-ventura-not-working


It might help to download and run EtreCheck, written by a long-time forum member. The free version is fine. Examine it yourself, or post the full report using the Additional Text button. No personal information is revealed. What will be revealed is what extensions are running and where they are located.

 

threads123 Author
User level: Level 1 (14 points)

Oct 15, 2026 4:01 PM in response to threads123

Aha, I didn't know about that limitation. I figured maybe you could set different apps up for different things. Turning Radio Silence off allowed me to enable NextDNS and got it working how I wanted to. Thanks!

Limnos
User level: Level 10 (462,771 points)

Oct 15, 2026 3:01 PM in response to threads123

Some observations:


Something from Proton is still there since I can see it in your screenshot. Try removing it entirely.


● If an app or feature on your device is not working, not appearing, or is restricted (grayed out), a frequent reason is it may have been disabled using Screen Time, or by a technology administrator if you are using a device owned by an employer or educational institution.

- Read this support article If your Apple ID or other options are greyed out in Settings on an iPhone or iPad —> If you can't sign out due to restrictions, or your Apple Account is grayed out in Settings - Apple Support


Tap your Settings app > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > scroll to Accounts > tap Allow Changes and turn on.

If the issue persists, also try going to Settings > Screen Time and turning off Share Across Devices


- If the device is managed (check: Settings > General > VPN (or Profiles & Device Management), contact the technology department of the organization that is doing the managing.

● Situation where a VPN was preventing action —> Unable to sign out of my Apple ID on my i… - Apple Community

To test for this, remove the VPN entirely, don’t just turn it off.


Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256376868