Blocking websites on your iPhone is practical for various reasons—whether you’re a parent aiming to shield your kids from inappropriate content, an individual looking to curb distractions for better productivity, or someone keen on tightening privacy.
Apple’s iOS ecosystem offers robust, built-in tools to make this happen, eliminating the need for complex workarounds in most cases. While third-party apps and advanced network tweaks exist for those wanting extra control, the core solution lies in a feature you’re likely already familiar with: Screen Time.
In this post, we'll show you some methods to block websites using Screen Time, explore alternative options, and throw in a few surprising tech tidbits to ensure you’ve got all the tools you need to lock down web access on your iPhone.
1. Screen Time: The iPhone’s Built-In Gatekeeper
Screen Time is at the center of iPhone’s website-blocking capabilities, a feature introduced to help users monitor device usage but packed with controls extending far beyond simple app timers.
It’s your go-to for restricting web content, whether for yourself or someone else using the device. Head to the Settings app on your iPhone and tap Screen Time to kick things off.
If you’ve never used it before, you might need to enable it by selecting Turn On Screen Time. Once inside, scroll down and tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. You’ll be prompted to enter a passcode if one’s already set—or, if you’re starting fresh, now’s the time to create one. This passcode is non-negotiable, especially on a shared or child’s device, as it locks down the restrictions so they can’t be undone without your say-so.
With Content & Privacy Restrictions toggled on, dive into Content Restrictions, then select Web Content.
Here, Apple gives you three paths to control what’s accessible online: Unrestricted Access (no limits), Limit Adult Websites, and Allowed Websites. Each serves a distinct purpose, and your choice depends on how tight you want the reins.
2. Blocking Specific Sites with “Limit Adult Websites”
For most users, Limit Adult Websites strikes the perfect balance between control and flexibility. When you select this option, iOS automatically filters out adult content using its built-in algorithms—not a perfect catch-all, but a solid baseline.
The real power comes with the customizable “Never Allow” list.
Tap “Never Allow”, type in the URL of any site you want off-limits (say, a time-sink like example.com), and hit Done. Boom—that site’s blocked.
What’s slick about this is that it’s not just a Safari trick; Screen Time’s restrictions apply system-wide. Whether you’re browsing in Chrome, Firefox, or any other app with web access, those blocked URLs stay locked down. This universality is a standout feature, saving you the hassle of configuring multiple browsers separately.
3. Whitelisting with “Allowed Websites”
If you’re setting up an iPhone for a young child or need an ironclad lock on browsing, Allowed Websites is your heavy hitter.
This option flips the script: instead of blocking specific sites, it restricts web access to only the URLs you explicitly approve. Out of the box, Apple preloads a handful of kid-friendly defaults like Disney or PBS Kids, but you can tweak the list by tapping Add Website and entering your chosen domains. Everything else? Inaccessible.
It’s a whitelist approach that’s ideal for creating a sandboxed browsing environment—perfect for ensuring a device stays safe and distraction-free.
4. Beyond Screen Time: Third-Party Apps for Extra Features
Screen Time covers the bases for most, but if you’re after more granular control—like blocking sites only during work hours or setting up focus modes—third-party apps step up.
Apps like AppBlock let you schedule “focus sessions” to block distracting sites temporarily, while BlockSite adds options like redirecting blocked URLs to motivational pages.
For parents, AirDroid Parental Control brings remote monitoring and approval workflows into the mix. These tools often come with a subscription cost, but they’re worth a look if Screen Time’s simplicity feels too basic for your needs. That said, for the average user, Apple’s built-in feature gets the job done without extra downloads.
Advanced Option- Blocking at the Router Level: For the tech-savvy, there’s another layer to consider: blocking websites via your router. If your device is connected via WiFi, by logging into your router’s admin panel (usually accessible through a browser at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), you can also block the websites from there.
You can configure DNS settings or firewall rules to block domains across all devices on your Wi-Fi network. Setup varies by router model, requires some networking knowledge, and doesn’t apply when your iPhone switches to cellular data.
Wrapping It Up
Blocking websites on your iPhone doesn’t have to be a tech ordeal. With Screen Time, you have a built-in, user-friendly tool just a few taps away. Simply go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Web Content. Opt for Limit Adult Websites to block specific URLs with the “Never Allow” list, or go full whitelist with Allowed Websites for airtight control. Secure it with a passcode, and you’re set.
Screen Time’s system-wide reach and simplicity make it the MVP for most users. Whether it’s for focus, safety, or privacy, you’ve now got the know-how to tailor your iPhone’s web access exactly as you need it.