> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.stopbot.net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/settings-guides.md).

# Settings Guides

Settings are not the first step of an integration. Configure your main service first, such as Blocker, Blocker V2, or Smart URLs, then use Settings when you need reusable redirect destinations or account-level allow/block rules.

### Settings Menu

| Menu                                                                                             | Use It For                                                                |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [BOT Redirect](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/panel-guides/settings/bot-redirect)                   | Create reusable redirect destinations for bot or blocked traffic          |
| [Blacklist > IP Address](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/panel-guides/settings/blacklist/ip-address) | Block specific IP addresses, wildcard IPs, ranges, or CIDR-style networks |
| [Blacklist > Hostname](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/panel-guides/settings/blacklist/hostname)     | Block specific hostnames or wildcard hostname patterns                    |
| [Blacklist > Useragent](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/panel-guides/settings/blacklist/useragent)   | Block exact user agent strings or user agent keywords                     |
| [Whitelist > IP Address](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/panel-guides/settings/whitelist/ip-address) | Allow trusted IP addresses, wildcard IPs, ranges, or CIDR-style networks  |
| [Whitelist > Hostname](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/panel-guides/settings/whitelist/hostname)     | Allow trusted hostnames or wildcard hostname patterns                     |

### Recommended Setup Flow

1. Configure the main service from [Services](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/panel-guides/services).
2. Test the service from your website or integration.
3. Review visitor logs and detection results.
4. Add blacklist rules only for traffic you are confident should be blocked.
5. Add whitelist rules only for trusted traffic that must remain allowed.
6. Use BOT Redirect when you need reusable redirect destinations.
7. Test again after each rule change.

### Choosing The Right Setting

| Goal                                                     | Recommended Page                                                                               |
| -------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Send blocked bots to a reusable destination              | [BOT Redirect](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/panel-guides/settings/bot-redirect)                 |
| Block one IP or a known network                          | [Blacklist IP Address](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/panel-guides/settings/blacklist/ip-address) |
| Block traffic from a known reverse DNS hostname          | [Blacklist Hostname](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/panel-guides/settings/blacklist/hostname)     |
| Block repeated automation using the same user agent      | [Blacklist Useragent](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/panel-guides/settings/blacklist/useragent)   |
| Keep your office, server, monitor, or partner IP allowed | [Whitelist IP Address](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/panel-guides/settings/whitelist/ip-address) |
| Keep a trusted hostname allowed                          | [Whitelist Hostname](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/panel-guides/settings/whitelist/hostname)     |

### Rule Safety

Custom rules can immediately affect production traffic. Use precise values whenever possible.

| Rule Type    | Safety Note                                                                         |
| ------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| IP Address   | Avoid broad ranges unless you understand the network being matched                  |
| Hostname     | Wildcard hostname rules can match many hosts                                        |
| Useragent    | Broad keywords such as `Mozilla`, `Chrome`, or `Safari` can match normal browsers   |
| Whitelist    | Only allow traffic you trust because whitelist entries can affect blocking behavior |
| BOT Redirect | Use HTTPS destinations and avoid internal or sensitive URLs                         |

### Related Pages

| Page                                                                       | Purpose                                      |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| [Blocker](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/panel-guides/services/blocker)       | Configure standard visitor filtering         |
| [Blocker V2](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/panel-guides/services/blocker-v2) | Configure advanced named protection profiles |
| [Smart URLs](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/panel-guides/services/smart-urls) | Configure protected shortlinks               |
| [API V2 Documentation](https://docs.stopbot.net/v2/api-v2-documentation)   | Review API request and response behavior     |