IP Access Restriction
SurveyMars provides powerful IP restriction capabilities that allow you to control survey access based on IP addresses. This feature enhances survey security by ensuring only respondents from approved networks can participate, making it ideal for internal organizational surveys or research within specific geographic regions.
Feature Access
1. Navigate to the survey settings page and locate the "IP Address Restriction" section.
2. Click on it to open the configuration dialog.
Configuring IP Restrictions
The IP Access Restriction dialog offers two methods for controlling access:
1. Specific IP Addresses: Allow access from individual IP addresses
2. IP Address Range: Allow access from a range of IP addresses
Adding Specific IP Addresses
1. Select the "Specific IP Address" option.
2. Enter the individual IP address in the input field (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
3. Click "Save" to include this IP address in your allowed list.
4. Repeat as needed to add multiple IP addresses.
Adding IP Address Ranges
1. Select the "IP Address Range" option.
2. Enter the starting IP address in the first input field.
3. Enter the ending IP address in the second input field.
4. Click "Save" to include this IP range in your allowed list.
5. Repeat as needed to add multiple IP ranges.
Managing IP Restrictions
Once you've added IP addresses or ranges, they'll appear in a list where you can manage them:
1. View Allowed IPs: See all IPs and ranges that have access to your survey.
2. Delete Individual IPs: Remove specific IP addresses or ranges by clicking the delete icon.
3. Delete All IPs: Remove all IP restrictions at once using the "Delete All" option.
4. Add New IPs: Click the "Add IP Address" button to continue adding more restrictions.
How IP Restrictions Appear to Respondents
After configuring IP restrictions, here's what respondents will experience based on their access location:
1. Approved IP Access:
- Respondents connecting from approved IP addresses:
- Can access the survey normally without any access restrictions
- No indication that IP restrictions are in place is shown to approved users
2. Restricted IP Access:
- Respondents connecting from non-approved IP addresses:
- Will see an access restriction message
- Cannot proceed to the survey questions
- Receive information that the survey is only available from authorized networks
3. Mobile Access:
- Mobile users are subject to the same IP restrictions as desktop users
- The restriction message is optimized for mobile display
- The same enforcement rules apply regardless of device type
Important Notes
- When IP Address Restriction is enabled, only respondents with the specified IP addresses will be able to access your survey.
- The IP Access Restriction option will only appear after you've enabled the main IP Address Restriction toggle.
- When adding a new IP address or editing your list, you'll have a "Back" option to return to the previous screen without canceling the entire operation.
- Any deletion operation (single IP or all IPs) will require confirmation to prevent accidental removal.
- IP restriction settings work on both desktop and mobile browsers, providing consistent access control across all devices.
- For organizational surveys, consider adding your company's entire IP range rather than individual addresses for easier management.
- Some respondents may use VPNs or other IP-masking services, which could affect their ability to access your survey if their apparent IP address doesn't match your allowed list.
- Mobile users on cellular networks may have dynamic IP addresses that change frequently, which should be considered when using IP restrictions for mobile audiences.
- Always test your IP restrictions from both allowed and non-allowed networks before distributing your survey to ensure they're working as expected.
FAQs
Q: What is IP Address Restriction and why should I use it?
A: IP Address Restriction allows you to control survey access based on IP addresses, enhancing security by ensuring only respondents from approved networks can participate. It's ideal for internal organizational surveys or research within specific geographic regions.
Q: How do I enable IP Address Restriction?
A: Navigate to the survey settings page, locate the "IP Address Restriction" section, and click on it to open the configuration dialog. The IP Access Restriction option will only appear after you've enabled the main IP Address Restriction toggle.
Q: Can I add both specific IP addresses and IP ranges?
A: Yes, you can use both methods. You can add individual IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1) and IP address ranges (e.g., 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.255) to your allowed list.
Q: How many IP addresses or ranges can I add?
A: You can add multiple IP addresses and ranges as needed. There's no strict limit, but consider adding your company's entire IP range rather than individual addresses for easier management.
Q: What happens if someone tries to access the survey from a non-approved IP?
A: Respondents from non-approved IP addresses will see an access restriction message and cannot proceed to the survey questions. They'll receive information that the survey is only available from authorized networks.
Q: Do IP restrictions work on mobile devices?
A: Yes, IP restriction settings work on both desktop and mobile browsers, providing consistent access control across all devices. Mobile users are subject to the same IP restrictions as desktop users.
Q: What should I consider when setting up IP restrictions for mobile users?
A: Mobile users on cellular networks may have dynamic IP addresses that change frequently. Some respondents may use VPNs or other IP-masking services, which could affect their ability to access your survey.
Q: Can I edit or remove IP addresses after adding them?
A: Yes, you can manage your IP restrictions list. When adding a new IP address or editing your list, you'll have a "Back" option to return to the previous screen without canceling the entire operation.
Q: Is there a confirmation step when deleting IP addresses?
A: Yes, any deletion operation (single IP or all IPs) will require confirmation to prevent accidental removal of IP restrictions.
Q: How do I test if my IP restrictions are working correctly?
A: Always test your IP restrictions from both allowed and non-allowed networks before distributing your survey to ensure they're working as expected. This helps verify that the configuration is correct.
Q: Can I temporarily disable IP restrictions without removing all the settings?
A: Yes, you can toggle the main IP Address Restriction toggle off to temporarily disable restrictions while keeping all your IP address and range configurations intact for future use.
