How to Block a Website on Your Phone (Android & iPhone) 2025 Guide

By Digital Safety Expert | Last Updated: December 3, 2025

You can block websites on your phone by using built-in Android or iPhone settings, browser controls, or website-blocking apps. The quickest methods include parental controls, screen time limits, and adding blocked domains to your browser.

Quick Answer (30 Seconds)

iPhone: Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → Web Content → Limit Adult Websites → Add site to “Never Allow” (Takes 2 minutes)

Android: Install Google Family Link → Controls → Chrome → Manage Sites → Block specific URLs (Takes 5 minutes)

Any Phone: Download BlockSite app → Add websites → Enable blocking (Takes 3 minutes)

Blocking websites helps you avoid distractions, stay safe online, and protect kids from harmful content all in just a few taps.
In this article, I’ll show you step-by-step how to block a website on your phone using Android or iPhone settings, browser options, and reliable apps.

Whether you’re a parent trying to keep your child safe online or a professional who wants to focus better, you’ll find every method explained in simple, everyday language.

Why You Need to Block Websites on Your Phone

Studies show the average person checks their phone 96 times per day, with social media and distracting websites accounting for over 3 hours of screen time. Whether you’re battling productivity issues or protecting your children from harmful content, website blocking has become essential in 2025.

Research from the American Psychological Association shows that constant digital distractions significantly impact productivity and mental wellbeing.

Here’s who benefits from blocking websites on mobile devices:

Parents want to shield children from adult content, gambling sites, and predatory platforms. According to recent surveys, 73% of parents now use some form of website blocking or monitoring tool.

Professionals and students need focus time without the constant pull of social media, news sites, or entertainment platforms during work or study hours.

Anyone sharing devices with family members can create a safer browsing environment for all users on the same phone or household network.

Blocking websites isn’t about restriction it’s about intentional digital habits. You can set temporary blocks for focus sessions or permanent filters for ongoing safety.

Choose the Best Method for Your Situation

Best for Parents with Young Children: Use built-in parental controls (Screen Time on iPhone or Google Family Link on Android) combined with DNS filtering for network-wide protection. This dual approach prevents bypassing through different browsers or apps.

Best for Personal Productivity: Install a dedicated blocking app like BlockSite or Freedom. These tools let you schedule blocks during work hours and provide motivation-boosting reminders when you try to access blocked sites.

Best for Household-Wide Protection: Configure your home router or switch to filtered DNS services like CleanBrowsing. This blocks inappropriate content on every device connected to your Wi-Fi, including laptops, tablets, and smart TVs.

Best for Quick Setup: Use browser-specific extensions or settings if you only need light filtering on one particular browser. This takes under two minutes but offers less comprehensive protection.

Complete Method Comparison (Tested on iPhone 15 Pro & Samsung Galaxy S24)

Method	Best For	Effectiveness Rating	Setup Time	Can Be Bypassed?	Blocks Apps Too?	Cost	Works Offline?
Screen Time (iPhone)	Parents & individuals	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	2 min	No (with passcode)	Yes	Free	Yes
Google Family Link	Parents with kids	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	5 min	No	Yes	Free	Yes
BlockSite App	Productivity seekers	⭐⭐⭐⭐	3 min	Possible with VPN	Limited	Free/Paid	Yes
Freedom App	Cross-device blocking	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	5 min	Difficult	Yes	Paid	Yes
Router Filtering	Whole household	⭐⭐⭐⭐	10 min	No (on home WiFi)	No	Free	N/A
DNS Filter	Network-wide safety	⭐⭐⭐⭐	3 min	Possible with VPN	No	Free	N/A
Browser Extensions	Casual users	⭐⭐⭐	2 min	Easy (switch browsers)	No	Free	Yes

Note: All methods were personally tested and verified working as of December 2025. Effectiveness ratings consider both blocking strength and ease of bypassing.

Method 1: Block Websites on iPhone Using Screen Time

Apple’s built-in Screen Time feature provides robust website blocking without requiring third-party apps. This method works across Safari and all other browsers installed on iOS devices.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Takes 2 Minutes)

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone
2. Scroll down and tap Screen Time
3. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
4. Toggle the switch to ON (it will turn green)
5. Tap Web Content
6. Select Limit Adult Websites (this automatically blocks adult content)
7. Scroll to the Never Allow section
8. Tap Add Website
9. Type the complete URL you want to block (example: www.facebook.com)
10. Tap Done to save

Your block takes effect immediately. When someone tries to visit the blocked website, they’ll see a message stating the site is restricted.

Advanced Options for Parents

Set a Screen Time Passcode: After enabling Content & Privacy Restrictions, tap “Use Screen Time Passcode” to prevent children from changing these settings. Choose a code they won’t guess and store it securely.

Schedule Downtime: Go to Screen Time → Downtime and set specific hours when only essential apps and allowed websites work. Perfect for bedtime or homework hours.

Allow Only Specific Websites: Instead of “Limit Adult Websites,” choose “Allowed Websites Only” and manually add approved sites. This creates a whitelist approach where everything else is automatically blocked.

How to Unblock a Website Later

Return to Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → Web Content → Never Allow. Swipe left on any website in the list and tap Delete. The site becomes accessible immediately.

What Users See When Blocked

When accessing a blocked site on Safari, users see: “You cannot browse this page at ‘[website]’ because it is restricted.” Other browsers show similar restriction messages.

Method 2: Block Websites on Android Phones

Android doesn’t offer a universal blocking feature like iPhone’s Screen Time, but several effective methods exist depending on your phone manufacturer and needs.

Option A: Google Family Link (Best for Parents – Takes 5 Minutes)

Google Family Link provides comprehensive parental controls for Android devices. This method works exceptionally well because it blocks sites even in Chrome’s incognito mode.

Setup Process:

1. Download Google Family Link for Parents from the Play Store on your phone
2. Open the app and tap Get Started
3. Select your child’s existing Google account or create a new supervised account
4. Follow the setup wizard on both your phone and your child’s device
5. Once linked, open Family Link and select your child’s profile
6. Tap Controls → Google Chrome
7. Tap Manage Sites
8. Choose “Try to block mature sites” for automatic filtering
9. Under Blocked section, tap the plus icon to add specific URLs
10. Type each website you want to block and tap Add

Additional Controls:

• Set daily screen time limits for the entire device
• Approve or block app installations from Google Play
• View browsing history and activity reports
• Lock the device remotely if needed

Important Note: Your child needs to be signed into their supervised Google account on their Android device. If they log out or use a different browser, the blocks won’t apply.

Option B: Digital Wellbeing (Personal Use – Takes 3 Minutes)

Most modern Android phones include Digital Wellbeing for personal productivity management.

1. Open Settings → Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls
2. Tap Dashboard
3. Select Chrome from your app list
4. Tap Set timer and configure usage limits
5. For stricter blocking, go to Focus Mode
6. Add distracting websites to your pause list
7. Enable Focus Mode during work hours

Limitation: Digital Wellbeing focuses on time limits rather than complete blocking. For full website blocking, combine this with browser-level controls or apps.

Option C: Samsung Internet Browser Content Blockers (Samsung Phones Only – Takes 2 Minutes)

If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, the Samsung Internet browser supports content blocking extensions.

1. Open Samsung Internet browser
2. Tap the three-line menu (bottom right)
3. Go to Add-ons
4. Select Content Blockers
5. Install a free content blocker like “AdBlock Plus” or “Disconnect”
6. Open the blocker’s settings
7. Add custom website URLs to the block list
8. Save your changes

Effectiveness: This only blocks websites in Samsung Internet. Other browsers like Chrome won’t be affected.

Option D: Chrome Safe Browsing (Basic Protection – Takes 1 Minute)

While Chrome mobile doesn’t allow custom URL blocking, you can enable enhanced safe browsing for automatic protection against dangerous sites.

1. Open Chrome app
2. Tap the three dots (top right corner)
3. Go to Settings → Privacy and Security
4. Tap Safe Browsing
5. Select Enhanced Protection

This automatically blocks phishing sites, malware, and many adult websites without manual configuration.

Method 3: Third-Party Website Blocking Apps

Dedicated blocking apps offer the most flexibility across both Android and iOS platforms. These apps provide scheduling, motivation features, and cross-browser blocking.

Top-Rated Apps for 2025

BlockSite (Android & iOS)

• Effectiveness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Best for: General blocking with scheduling
• Free version: Yes (with ads)
• Premium: $2.99/month

AppBlock (Android Only)

• Effectiveness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Best for: Focus mode with strict blocking
• Free version: Yes (limited features)
• Premium: $1.99/month

Freedom (Android & iOS)

• Effectiveness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Best for: Cross-device synchronization
• Free version: Trial only
• Premium: $6.99/month or $39.99/year

Cold Turkey (Android & iOS)

• Effectiveness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Best for: Extreme blocking (can’t bypass)
• Free version: Basic features
• Premium: $29 one-time

How to Use BlockSite (Detailed Example – Takes 3 Minutes)

1. Download BlockSite from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
2. Open the app and complete the quick tutorial
3. Grant necessary permissions when prompted (accessibility for Android, VPN for iOS)
4. Tap the green “+” button at the bottom
5. Select Block Website
6. Type the URL (examples: instagram.com, youtube.com, reddit.com)
7. Tap Add to Block List
8. Repeat for additional websites

Optional Advanced Settings:

Schedule Blocking: Tap the clock icon next to any blocked site to set specific hours. Example: Block social media 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays.

Work Mode: Enable Work Mode for instant blocking of all listed sites. Disable when you need access again.

Redirect Page: Customize the message you see when trying to access blocked sites. Add motivational quotes like “Stay focused on your goals!”

Adult Content Filter: Enable the built-in adult content blocker for automatic filtering without manually adding sites.

Block in Incognito: Premium version allows blocking even in private browsing modes.

What Happens When You Try to Access a Blocked Website

When BlockSite or similar apps block a site, you’ll see a custom screen stating “This website is blocked” with your chosen motivational message. The app logs each attempt, helping you track your habits.

Do Website Blockers Really Work?

Yes, but with caveats. Based on personal testing, website blockers work effectively for self-motivation and parental control. However, determined users can bypass them using VPNs, alternative browsers, or by uninstalling the app.

Effectiveness depends on:

• Your commitment level (for personal use)
• Password protection (for parental control)
• Combining multiple blocking methods
• Regular monitoring and updates

For best results, combine app-based blocking with router or DNS filtering to create multiple layers of protection.

Method 4: Router and DNS-Level Blocking

Network-level blocking protects every device connected to your home WiFi, including phones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs. This method is ideal for comprehensive household protection.

Option A: Router-Based Website Blocking (Takes 10 Minutes)

Most modern routers include parental control or URL filtering features. The exact steps vary by manufacturer, but the general process is similar.

General Router Configuration:

1. Connect your phone or computer to your home WiFi
2. Open a web browser and type your router’s IP address (commonly 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 10.0.0.1)
3. Log in with your admin credentials (check router label or manual)
4. Look for sections labeled:
   • Parental Controls
   • Access Control
   • URL Filter
   • Website Blocking
   • Content Filtering
5. Enable the filtering feature
6. Add website URLs to the blocked list (usually without http:// or www)
7. Choose which devices the block applies to (or select “all devices”)
8. Save and apply your changes
9. Restart your router for changes to take effect

Brand-Specific Examples:

ASUS Routers: Advanced Settings → Firewall → URL Filter → Enable URL Filter → Add URLs

TP-Link Routers: Advanced → Security → Access Control → Add Blocked Domain Names

Netgear Routers: Security → Block Sites → Add Keywords or URLs

Linksys Routers: Parental Controls → Restrict Access → Add Blocked Sites

If you’re working on desktop Chrome and want more control over your browser settings, learn how Chrome handles password management across accounts this can affect how your blocking extensions sync across devices.

Option B: DNS Filtering (Easiest Network Method – Takes 3 Minutes)

DNS filtering works by changing which Domain Name System your phone uses. Clean DNS services automatically block adult content, malware, and other harmful sites without complex router configuration.

Setup CleanBrowsing Family Filter:

1. Open Settings on your phone
2. Go to WiFi settings
3. Tap your connected network name
4. Find DNS or IP Settings
5. Change from Automatic to Manual
6. Enter these DNS addresses:
   • Primary DNS: 185.228.168.10
   • Secondary DNS: 185.228.169.11
7. Save and reconnect to WiFi

Now adult content, phishing sites, and malware domains are automatically blocked across your entire browsing experience.

Alternative DNS Services:

OpenDNS FamilyShield:

• Primary: 208.67.222.123
• Secondary: 208.67.220.123

AdGuard DNS Family Protection:

• Primary: 94.140.14.15
• Secondary: 94.140.15.16

Cloudflare for Families (Malware + Adult Content):

• Primary: 1.1.1.3
• Secondary: 1.0.0.3

Router vs DNS: Which Should You Choose?

Choose Router Blocking When:

• You want to block specific custom websites
• You need detailed control over blocking rules
• You want to apply different rules to different devices
• You’re comfortable with technical configuration

Choose DNS Filtering When:

• You want automatic protection against adult content
• You prefer simple setup without router access
• You need blocking on all devices instantly
• You want protection from malware and phishing

Best Practice: Use both together for maximum protection. Set up filtered DNS for automatic safety, then add specific sites through your router for custom blocking.

Important Limitations to Understand

Mobile Data Bypass: Network blocking only works when devices use your home WiFi. If your child switches to mobile data, the blocks won’t apply. Solution: Use device-level blocking (Screen Time, Family Link) in combination.

VPN Bypass: Virtual Private Networks can circumvent DNS and router blocks. Solution: Block VPN apps through Screen Time or Family Link, and consider premium blocking apps that work despite VPNs.

HTTPS Sites: Some older routers can’t block HTTPS websites effectively. Solution: Use DNS filtering or switch to a modern router with HTTPS filtering support.

Troubleshooting Common Website Blocking Issues

Problem: Blocked Websites Still Opening

Possible Causes and Solutions:

Cache and Cookies: Your browser may be loading cached versions. Clear browser data through Settings → Safari/Chrome → Clear History and Website Data.

Using Mobile Data: Network blocks only work on WiFi. Verify you’re connected to WiFi and not using cellular data.

Wrong URL Format: Ensure you entered the complete URL correctly. Try both with and without “www” (example: facebook.com and www.facebook.com).

Different Browser: Blocks set in Safari don’t apply to Chrome or other browsers. Set restrictions in each browser or use device-level blocking.

VPN Active: Some VPNs bypass website blocks. Disable VPN or block VPN apps through Screen Time/Family Link.

Problem: Can’t Access Blocked Site List to Unblock

For

Screen Time: If you forgot your Screen Time passcode on iPhone, you’ll need to reset it through Apple ID recovery or erase device settings (last resort).

Family Link: Sign in to families.google.com from a computer to manage settings if the app isn’t working.

Blocking Apps: Most apps allow passcode recovery through email. Check the app’s support section.

Problem: Blocking Interferes with Legitimate Websites

Overzealous Filters: DNS services like CleanBrowsing may block legitimate sites. Solution: Switch to a less restrictive DNS or whitelist specific domains through router settings.

Educational Sites Blocked: Add educational domains to “Always Allow” lists in Screen Time or Family Link.

Problem: Child Bypassed Website Blocks

Common Bypass Methods:

• Installing alternative browsers
• Using VPN apps
• Switching to mobile data
• Using proxy websites
• Factory resetting the device

Prevention Strategies:

• Enable restrictions on app installation
• Block VPN apps at device level
• Combine multiple blocking methods
• Set up mobile data restrictions
• Enable Find My Device with activation lock
• Regularly check installed apps

Problem: Website Blocking Slows Down Phone or Internet

Usually false: Website blocking through Screen Time, Family Link, or DNS does not significantly impact device performance. If you experience slowness:

Check Background Apps: Blocking apps running in background may use resources. Close unused apps.

DNS Response Time: Some DNS services are slower than others. Try switching to Cloudflare (1.1.1.3) which is known for speed.

VPN-Based Blockers: Apps using VPN technology may slow connections slightly. This is normal and usually minimal.

FAQ : How to block a website on your phone​

1. How can I block a specific website on my mobile?

You can use your phone’s settings (Screen Time on iPhone or Family Link on Android) or apps like BlockSite to block any URL. Just add the website address to the block list, and you’re done.

2. How do I permanently block a website?

For permanent blocking, set up router-level filters or use CleanBrowsing DNS. You can also password-protect your blocking apps so no one can delete them.

3. Can I block websites without an app?

Yes!
On iPhone, use Screen Time → Content Restrictions.
On Android, use Google Family Link or change DNS to CleanBrowsing.
No app required.

4. How do I block a website on my phone Safari?

Open Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → Web Content → Limit Adult Websites.
Under Never Allow, add the specific URL (like twitter.com). Safari will instantly block it.

5. How do I unblock a website on my phone?

Go back to your restriction list and delete the URL. In apps like BlockSite, just remove it from the blocked list.

6. What are the best apps to block websites on a phone?

BlockSite, AppBlock, and Freedom are currently the most reliable and user-friendly options (as of 2025).

7. Can kids bypass website blocking?

Most kids can’t bypass DNS or Screen Time if you’ve set a passcode. But remember to disable “Install New Apps” or “Use VPN” options for stricter control.

Final Thoughts

Final Recommendations: Your Next Steps

Start with the method that matches your immediate need. Parents should begin with Screen Time (iPhone) or Family Link (Android) today, then add DNS filtering this weekend for comprehensive protection. Those focused on productivity should install BlockSite now and block your top three distracting websites immediately.

Remember that website blocking works best as part of healthy digital habits, not as the only solution. Combine blocking with open conversations about internet safety, especially with children. Set clear expectations about online behavior and review blocked sites monthly to ensure your list remains relevant.

Technology should enhance your life, not consume it. By taking control of which websites open on your phone, you’re making an intentional choice about how you spend your time and attention. Small changes like blocking one distracting website can lead to better focus, improved sleep quality, and more meaningful offline moments.

This guide is updated quarterly with the latest methods and apps. Bookmark this page for future reference.

If you ever get stuck or want help choosing the best restriction settings for your specific needs, feel free to contact me. I’m always here to help you stay safe and focused online.

Thanks for reading and great job taking a positive step toward a healthier digital routine