How to Block a Website on Phone (Simple & Effective Methods)

Do you worry about your child seeing something harmful online or find it hard to stay focused because of inappropriate websites? Blocking certain websites on your phone can help you solve this. It helps you protect them from harmful or inappropriate content, such as violence, adult material, or risky sites.

By blocking certain websites, you can create a safer online environment for them. It also reduces the temptation of distracting websites, making it easier for your kids to focus on homework or other important tasks.

Now, let’s see how to block a website on the phone.

How to Block a Website on iPhone

Method 1: Use Screen Time

Screen Time is a built-in feature on iPhones that allows you to monitor and control app and website usage. By using Screen Time, you can block specific websites, limit adult content, or even create a whitelist of allowed websites. This method is convenient and doesn’t require additional apps, making it ideal for parents or users seeking simplicity.

How to do it:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Screen Time.
3. If it’s your first time using Screen Time, tap Turn On Screen Time and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and toggle it on.
5. Select Content Restrictions > Web Content.
6. Choose Limit Adult Websites to block adult content automatically or Allowed Websites Only to create a whitelist.
7. To block specific websites, tap Add Website under “Never Allow” and enter the URL of the site you want to block.
8. Exit the settings, and the restrictions will apply instantly.

Method 2: Use Third-Party Apps

Third-party apps like BlockSite and Qustodio offer more robust website-blocking capabilities. These apps are perfect for users who need additional features like scheduling, detailed monitoring, or cross-device compatibility.

How to do it:

1. Download and install the BlockSite app from the App Store.
2. Open the app and grant the necessary permissions, such as Accessibility and VPN access.
3. Tap the + (Add) icon and enter the website URL you want to block.
4. Save your changes, and the website will be blocked across all browsers on your iPhone.
5. Use the scheduling feature if you want to block websites only during certain times.

How to Block a Website on Android Phone

Method 1: Block Website in Browser

Many Android browsers, such as Google Chrome, include content filtering options that allow you to block specific websites. This method is quick and doesn’t require additional apps, making it ideal for basic website restrictions.

How to do it:

1. Open the Google Chrome browser on your Android phone.
2. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and select Settings.
3. Scroll down and select Privacy & Security.
4. Tap Safe Browsing and turn it on.
5. Use an extension like BlockSite (available for Chrome) to manually block specific websites.

Method 2: Enable Google SafeSearch

Google SafeSearch filters explicit content and blocks adult websites across Google services. This is a great option for parents who want to ensure safe browsing for their children.

How to do it:

1. Open the Google Chrome app on your phone.
2. Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner and go to Settings.
3. Select SafeSearch and choose Filter, Blur, or Off.
4. SafeSearch will now filter out explicit content and block unsuitable websites.

Method 3: Use Google Family Link

Google Family Link allows parents to manage their child’s online activity by restricting website access and setting usage limits. It’s an excellent tool for comprehensive parental control.

How to do it:

1. Download and install the Google Family Link app on both the parent’s and child’s devices.
2. Set up a child’s Google account through Family Link.
3. Open the app on the parent’s phone and select the child’s profile.
4. Tap Manage Settings > Filters on Google Chrome.
5. Choose Try to Block Explicit Sites or manually add websites to the block list.

Method 4: Block Websites Using Router Settings

Blocking websites at the router level prevents access to those sites on all devices connected to your network. This is a powerful method for ensuring family-wide website restrictions.

How to do it:

1. Access your router’s settings by typing its IP address into your browser (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
2. Log in using your router’s admin credentials.
3. Navigate to the Parental Controls or Access Restrictions section.
4. Add the URLs of the websites you want to block.
5. Save your settings and restart your router if necessary.

Conclusion

Blocking websites on your phone helps you create a safer online space for your children. It gives you control over what they can access, helping protect them from harmful content. Choose the method that suits you and provide your kids with a safer internet experience.

FAQ

1. Can I block websites on phone without apps?

Yes, you can use built-in features like Screen Time on iPhone or SafeSearch on Android to block websites.

2. What’s the best app for parental controls?

Apps like Qustodio and BlockSite are highly recommended for their robust parental control features.

3. How do I unblock a website I previously blocked?

Go back to the method you used (e.g., Screen Time, third-party app, or router settings) and remove the website from the blocked list.