Blocking websites on your iPhone is a straightforward process that can be done in a few steps. Whether you want to restrict content for kids or keep yourself focused, this guide will show you how to do it quickly and easily.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Block Websites on iPhone
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve. By the end of this tutorial, you will have successfully blocked specific websites or all adult content from being accessed on your iPhone. This can be particularly useful for parents who want to ensure their children are not exposed to inappropriate content, or for individuals who want to limit their own distractions.
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
The Settings app is where you can adjust all the configurations on your iPhone. It’s typically represented by a gear icon and can be found on your home screen or in your app library.
Step 2: Go to Screen Time
Scroll down and select “Screen Time.”
Screen Time is a feature introduced by Apple to help users monitor and control their device usage. Here you can track how much time you spend on your iPhone and set limits for specific apps or content types.
Step 3: Turn on Screen Time
If Screen Time is not already enabled, tap “Turn On Screen Time” and follow the prompts.
You will be guided through a few screens that explain the benefits of Screen Time. You may also be asked to set up a Screen Time passcode to keep your settings secure.
Step 4: Go to Content & Privacy Restrictions
Tap “Content & Privacy Restrictions.” If prompted, enter your Screen Time passcode.
This section allows you to restrict various types of content based on age ratings and categories, including websites.
Step 5: Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions
Toggle on the “Content & Privacy Restrictions” switch.
By enabling this option, you will be able to set specific restrictions on your iPhone, including the blocking of websites.
Step 6: Tap on Content Restrictions
Select “Content Restrictions.”
Content Restrictions provide you with a list of different content types that you can control, such as movies, music, and web content.
Step 7: Go to Web Content
Scroll down and tap “Web Content.”
In this section, you can manage what web content can be accessed on your iPhone. This is where you can block certain websites.
Step 8: Choose Limit Adult Websites or Allowed Websites Only
Select “Limit Adult Websites” to automatically block many adult websites or “Allowed Websites Only” to only allow access to websites you specify.
If you choose “Limit Adult Websites,” Apple’s default list of adult content will be blocked. However, you can also add or remove specific websites from the allowed or blocked list. Selecting “Allowed Websites Only” gives you full control to curate a list of accessible websites.
Step 9: Add Websites to Block or Allow
Under “NEVER ALLOW” or “ONLY ALLOW,” tap “Add Website” and enter the URL of the website you wish to block or allow.
After you add a website to the “NEVER ALLOW” list, it will not be accessible on your iPhone. Likewise, if you add a website to the “ONLY ALLOW” list, only those sites can be accessed. Make sure to enter the correct URL to avoid accidentally blocking or allowing the wrong site.
After completing these steps, you will have successfully blocked unwanted websites on your iPhone. Any attempt to access these sites will result in a message indicating that the content is restricted.
Tips: How to Block Websites on iPhone
- Always update your iPhone to the latest iOS version to ensure the best performance of Screen Time and website blocking.
- Remember to keep your Screen Time passcode secure and private to prevent others from changing your content restrictions.
- You can customize the “Allowed Websites Only” list with educational sites or sites necessary for work to create a focused browsing experience.
- If you’re blocking websites for a child’s device, consider using Family Sharing to manage their Screen Time settings remotely from your own device.
- Regularly review the websites in your “NEVER ALLOW” and “ONLY ALLOW” lists to ensure they are still relevant to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I forget my Screen Time passcode?
If you forget your Screen Time passcode, you might need to erase your iPhone and set it up as a new device to remove the passcode. Be sure to back up your iPhone before doing so.
Can I block websites on all my Apple devices at once?
If you’re using the same Apple ID and have Family Sharing set up, you can configure Screen Time settings to apply across all your devices.
Is it possible to block specific keywords or phrases?
As of now, the Screen Time feature does not allow for blocking by keywords or phrases. You need to block each website individually by its URL.
What if a website I blocked is still accessible?
Double-check that you entered the correct URL and that it has been added to the “NEVER ALLOW” list. Also, ensure that your Content & Privacy Restrictions are enabled.
Can other apps access blocked websites?
Third-party browsers may not adhere to the Screen Time settings. Consider restricting the use of these apps if you want to ensure blocked websites remain inaccessible.
Summary
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Go to Screen Time.
- Turn on Screen Time if necessary.
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Select Content Restrictions.
- Go to Web Content.
- Choose Limit Adult Websites or Allowed Websites Only.
- Add specific websites to the block or allow list.
Conclusion
Blocking websites on your iPhone can be a breeze if you follow the step-by-step tutorial above. Whether it’s for parental control or self-discipline purposes, the ability to customize your web access is a powerful tool. With Screen Time, you have the flexibility to tailor your browsing experience to suit your needs or protect your loved ones from inappropriate content. Remember to check your settings periodically, keep your passcode secure, and stay up to date with the latest iOS versions for optimal performance. Now that you know how to block websites on iPhone, you can surf the web with peace of mind, knowing that you’re in full control of what you and your family can access.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.