Introduction
The web is a large, sometimes distracting universe. If you’re a parent seeking to restrict access to offensive material or someone who wants to boost productivity by blocking distractions, your iPhone holds tools to help. In this guide, we will walk you through the various ways to block websites on your iPhone, from using Screen Time, third-party apps, router settings, and VPNs.
Why Block Websites on iPhone?
There are several reasons why you may want to block some websites on your iPhone:
- Parent Control – Prevent children from accessing harmful content.
- Work Productivity – Block distracting sites like social media.
- Security & Privacy – Avoid phishing sites and harmful content.
- Focus & Well-being – Reduce screen time and excessive social media use.
Fortunately, there are built-in features to help on Apple, and there are third-party apps for added control.
Method 1: Blocking Websites with Screen Time
Apple’s Screen Time feature allows you to block websites, limit adult material, or allow only approved sites.
Step 1: Enable Screen Time
Enable Screen Time prior to blocking sites:
Go to Settings > Screen Time.
Tap Turn On Screen Time (if it is not enabled).
Set a Screen Time Passcode (optional but very recommended).
Step 2: Block Certain Websites
Navigate to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Tap Content Restrictions > Web Content.
Tap Limit Adult Websites.
Under Never Allow, tap Add Website and enter the URL you want to block.
Step 3: Automatically Block Adult Content
Instead of manually blocking websites, you can enable Apple’s automatic adult content filter:
Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Tap Content Restrictions > Web Content.
Choose Limit Adult Websites—this will block many adult sites automatically.
Step 4: Only Allow Approved Websites
For even more control (for children), only allow approved websites:
Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Tap Content Restrictions > Web Content.
Choose Allowed Websites Only and enter websites manually.
This lets only the approved websites see it.
Method 2: Website Blocking Through Third-Party Apps
Third-party apps offer more sophisticated blocking features with programmable blocking and timed limits.
Best iPhone Website Blocking Apps
- Freedom – Blocks websites & applications across various devices.
- Net Nanny – Offers parental control using AI filtering.
- BlockSite – Simple-to-use website and application blocker.
Installation of a Third-Party Blocking App
- Install the app through the App Store.
- Follow through with the in-screen setup procedure.
- Add URLs to block and customize restrictions.
- Turn on VPN or device-level blocking (if the app requires it).
Some apps also have time-based blocking, allowing you to block some sites just while at work or studying.
Method 3: Blocking Sites in Safari
If you primarily use Safari, you can restrict access in its settings.
How to Set Up Safari Restrictions
- Go to Settings > Screen Time.
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and switch it on.
- Go to Content Restrictions > Web Content.
- Choose either:
- Limit Adult Websites (for automatic website filtering).
- Allowed Websites Only (for whitelisting sites).
Managing Blocked Websites in Safari
- In Never Allow , enter specific sites you want to block.
- To block a webpage, take it out of the list.
The above is only for Safari, and users can access blocked sites with other browsers like Chrome.
Method 4: Blocking Sites through Router Settings
For website blocking on a network level (on all the devices on your Wi-Fi), configure your router settings.
Steps to Block Websites through Router
- Login to router – Open a browser and enter your router’s IP address (most likely 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
- Enter login credentials – Default username/password is most likely admin.
- Navigate to Parental Controls or Website Blocking.
- Add URLs to blocked list and save changes.
This method will block websites on all devices connected to your home network, such as laptops, iPhones, and iPads.
Blocking Internet Access for Individual Devices
Certain routers support device-specific website blocking, i.e., blocking only an iPhone while other devices remain open.
Method 5: Website Blocking with a VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can be used to block websites by limiting access.
How a VPN Can Block Websites
- Blocks access to harmful or distracting websites.
- Is compatible with all apps and browsers.
- Some VPNs include content filtering.
Best VPNs for Blocking Websites
- NordVPN – Includes CyberSec for blocking dangerous websites.
- Surfshark – Provides CleanWeb to block ugly content.
- OpenDNS FamilyShield – DNS-based website blocking for free.
To block websites using a VPN, download and install a VPN with content filtering.
How to Unblock Websites on iPhone
If you need to remove website restrictions, follow these steps:
Removing Restrictions in Screen Time
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Tap Web Content and choose Unrestricted Access.
Turning off Third-Party Apps or VPNs
- Turn off or uninstall blocked sites if you use a third-party blocking app.
- If access is being blocked by a VPN, turn it off or uninstall it.
Resetting Router Settings
Reset parental control settings if a router is blocking websites.
Conclusion
Blocking websites on an iPhone is simple through Screen Time, third-party applications, Safari restrictions, router configuration, or VPNs. Restricting distractions, applying parental control, or maximizing productivity can be achieved with these options that are flexible and secure.
For more controlling, Screen Time and router configuration together can be used. For personalized choices, the third-party applications are the best.
FAQs
1. Is it possible to block websites on an iPhone without Screen Time?
Yes, you can block with third-party apps, VPNs, or router settings.
2. How do I block websites on Google Chrome for iPhone?
Block with third-party extensions or Screen Time limits to limit access in Chrome.
3. Can I block websites only at certain times?
Yes, apps like Freedom and Net Nanny offer timed website blocking.
4. Can children get around website blocks on iPhones?
If they know the Screen Time passcode, they can remove restrictions. Choose a good passcode.
5. How do I confirm a website is blocked successfully?
Attempt to access the site in Safari or Chrome. If it is blocked, it will show a restriction message.