Solved: How do you block websites on phone?

When you’re trying to figure out how do you block websites on phone, it’s usually because you want to regain control. Whether you’re a parent creating a safer digital space for your child, a business owner aiming to boost productivity, or just someone looking to curb distractions, managing mobile internet access is a challenge I see all the time. After more than a decade in this field, I’ve tested every method out there. My promise with this guide is to give you the most comprehensive, unbiased breakdown of every option for both Android and iPhone, so you can make the right choice for your needs.

Here’s a quick look at what I’ll cover to help you get started:

• Built-in Settings: Using the free tools already on your phone.
• Third-Party Apps: When you need more power and features.
• Advanced DNS Methods: For network-wide or more robust blocking.
• Bypass Prevention: How to stay one step ahead of tech-savvy users.

1. Which website blocking method is right for you?

Before we dive deep, it’s helpful to see all the options at a glance. I’ve put together this table to help you quickly identify the most suitable method based on your device, technical skill, and specific goals.

Method	Platform	Ease of Use	Cost	Bypass Risk
iOS Screen Time	iOS/iPadOS	High	Free	Low (with secure passcode)
Android Digital Wellbeing / Family Link	Android	Medium	Free	Medium (varies by device)
Parental Control App	Both	Medium	Freemium/Paid	Low (with advanced features)
DNS Filtering	Both	Low-Medium	Free/Paid	Medium (can be bypassed on mobile data)
Mobile Device Management (MDM)	Both	Low (for admin)	Paid	Very Low (professional grade)

This comparison gives you a starting point. In the following sections, I will walk you through how to implement each of these methods in detail, starting with the simplest options first.

2. How to block websites on your phone using built-in settings

For many people, the best place to start is with the tools Apple and Google provide for free. This is the ‘no-app’ solution, perfect if you want a simple, integrated method without installing new software. I often recommend this as the first line of defense.

2.1. For iPhone and iPad: Using screen time to restrict content

The best way to block websites on an iPhone is by using the powerful Screen Time feature. It’s built right into iOS and is surprisingly granular. Here’s my step-by-step guide to setting it up:

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time. If it’s your first time, you’ll need to tap ‘Turn On Screen Time’.
2. Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions and toggle it on.
3. Tap on Content Restrictions. You will be prompted to set a 4-digit Screen Time passcode. Make this different from your phone’s unlock code!
4. Select Web Content. Here you have three choices:
   • Unrestricted Access: The default setting.
   • Limit Adult Websites: This automatically blocks known adult content. You can add specific sites to an ‘Always Allow’ or ‘Never Allow’ list here.
   • Allowed Websites Only: This is the most restrictive option, creating a ‘walled garden’ where only the websites you explicitly add to the list are accessible.

Pro Tip If you use Apple’s Family Sharing, these Screen Time settings can be managed remotely and will sync across all devices signed into your child’s Apple ID, providing consistent protection.

2.2. For Android devices: Using digital wellbeing and parental controls

When it comes to how to block websites on Android, the options can feel a bit more fragmented than on iOS because of different manufacturers. However, Google’s tools are quite effective. It’s important to first understand the difference between Digital Wellbeing (for managing your own device) and Family Link (for managing a child’s device).

To restrict adult content on phone for a child, Google Family Link is the tool you need. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Download the Google Family Link app on both your (parent) device and your child’s device.
2. On your device, follow the prompts to create a family group and add your child’s Google Account.
3. Once linked, open Family Link on your parent device, select your child’s profile, and go to Controls > Content restrictions > Google Chrome.
4. Here you can select Try to block explicit sites, which works like a safe search for the entire browser.
5. You can also tap on Manage sites to manually approve or block specific websites, giving you precise control.

3. Using third-party apps for advanced control and monitoring

While built-in tools are great, sometimes you need more power. This is where dedicated website blocker and parental control apps come in. These applications offer a suite of features that go far beyond simple blocking, such as category-based filtering (e.g., blocking all social media or gambling sites), detailed reporting, app blocking, and even location tracking. From my experience, choosing the right parental control app mobile solution is less about finding the ‘best’ one and more about finding the one that fits your family’s specific needs.

3.1. How to choose a reliable blocker app: a checklist

Instead of just listing apps, I believe it’s more helpful to give you a framework for evaluating them yourself. Before installing any app, run through this quick checklist:

• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Does it work on all your family’s devices (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac)? A unified dashboard is a huge time-saver.
• Filtering Granularity: Can you block by category, specific URL, and keyword? Can you set different rules for different times of day?
• Reporting Features: Does it provide clear, actionable reports on browsing history and app usage? Vague reports aren’t very helpful.
• Bypass Prevention: Does the app have features to prevent uninstallation, block VPN usage, or detect incognito browsing?
• Ease of Use: Is the interface intuitive for you to manage? A complicated app rarely gets used effectively.
• Cost and Value: Many apps have free tiers, but they are often limited or ad-supported. Evaluate if the features of a paid plan justify the subscription cost for your needs.

3.2. A critical warning: Understanding the privacy and security risks

A Critical Warning Before you install any third-party blocker, you must understand the security trade-off. To function, these apps require extensive permissions on a device, including the ability to monitor all network traffic. This means they can potentially see everything – browsing history, app usage, location, and sometimes even messages. A malicious or poorly secured app can be a significant privacy risk.

To protect yourself, I strongly advise you to follow these steps:

• Read the Privacy Policy: Look for clear language about what data they collect and how they use it. If it’s vague or confusing, that’s a red flag.
• Check App Store Reviews: Don’t just look at the star rating. Read recent reviews and specifically search for mentions of ‘privacy,’ ‘battery drain,’ or ‘security’.
• Stick to Reputable Companies: Prefer apps from established cybersecurity and parental control companies (like Norton, Kaspersky, Qustodio, etc.) over unknown developers. They have a reputation to uphold and are generally more transparent about their security practices.

4. Advanced methods: DNS filtering and browser-specific controls

For those who are a bit more tech-comfortable or need a solution that covers more than just one phone, there are some powerful advanced methods. The most effective of these is DNS filtering. Think of the DNS (Domain Name System) as the Internet’s phonebook. When you type a website address, DNS looks up the corresponding IP address. By changing the phonebook your device uses, you can make it ‘forget’ the addresses for malicious or inappropriate sites.

4.1. Block websites on any device with DNS filtering

One of the biggest advantages of DNS filtering mobile device setup is that it can be configured either on a single phone or on your home Wi-Fi router, instantly protecting every device that connects to it. Here are a few reputable services I recommend, followed by setup steps:

Service	Primary DNS Address	Secondary DNS Address
Cloudflare for Families (Malware & Adult)	1.1.1.3	1.0.0.3
OpenDNS FamilyShield	208.67.222.123	208.67.220.123
CleanBrowsing (Family Filter)	185.228.168.168	185.228.169.168

Here is how to change the DNS settings on your phone:

For iOS (iPhone/iPad):

1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the ‘i’ icon next to your connected Wi-Fi network.
3. Scroll down and tap on Configure DNS.
4. Select Manual, delete any existing servers, and use the ‘Add Server’ button to enter the addresses from the table above.

For Android:

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Internet and tap the gear icon next to your Wi-Fi network.
2. Tap the pencil (edit) icon in the top right.
3. Expand Advanced options, change ‘IP settings’ to Static.
4. Leave the IP address as is, but enter the DNS server addresses in the DNS 1 and DNS 2 fields.

The main pro is that this works on all devices and blocks content even within apps. The con is that if it’s only set on your router, a user can bypass it by simply switching off Wi-Fi and using mobile data.

4.2. How to block websites directly in the Chrome mobile browser

Many people ask me if there’s a simple website blocker for Chrome mobile. The answer is, unfortunately, not a simple one. Unlike its desktop counterpart, the Chrome mobile browser does not support extensions, which is how most direct blockers work. Therefore, the most effective way to control content within Chrome on a mobile device is to use the system-level tools I mentioned earlier, such as iOS Screen Time or Google Family Link, as their rules apply to all browsers, including Chrome. Additionally, you can enable Google’s SafeSearch to filter explicit results.

Here’s how to turn on SafeSearch within Chrome:

1. Open the Google app or visit Google.com in your browser.
2. Tap your profile icon and go to Settings > SafeSearch.
3. Select Filter to help block explicit images, text, and links.

5. How to stay ahead: Preventing bypasses of your website blocks

Setting up blocks is only half the battle. Tech-savvy kids and teens are incredibly resourceful at finding ways around them. In my work, I’ve seen it all. Framing this as a cat-and-mouse game can be stressful, so I prefer to think of it as staying one step ahead with a layered security approach.

5.1. Common bypass tactic: VPNs and proxy websites

The Tactic: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) or a web proxy encrypts and reroutes internet traffic through a different server. This effectively hides the traffic from most simple content filters, making it look like the user is accessing the VPN server, not the blocked website.

The Countermeasure: Your best defense here is a multi-layered one. First, use the device’s screen time or app blocker settings to prevent the installation of new apps, including VPN clients. Second, many premium parental control apps have built-in VPN detection and can either block their traffic or alert you when one is being used.

5.2. Common bypass tactic: Changing DNS settings or using private browsers

The Tactic: If you’re using DNS filtering at the router level, a user can go into their phone’s Wi-Fi settings (as I showed in section 4.1) and manually change the DNS server back to a default one, instantly bypassing the filter. Private or incognito browsing modes can also sometimes get around simple history-based blocks.

The Countermeasure: The solution is to lock down the device settings. Both iOS Screen Time and many Android management tools allow you to prevent changes to system settings without a passcode. It is absolutely crucial to use a strong, unique passcode for these settings that is not known by the user. This single step prevents a huge number of common bypass methods.

5.3. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance to keep blocks effective

Setting up website blocks isn’t a ‘set it and forget it’ task. Think of it as good digital hygiene that requires occasional check-ups. To keep your blocks effective, here are some regular maintenance tips:

• Check Reports Weekly: Briefly review the usage reports from your parental control app or service. Look for anomalies like high data usage or repeated attempts to access blocked sites.
• Keep Everything Updated: Regularly update the phone’s operating system and any control apps you use. Updates often contain important security patches that can close bypass loopholes.
• Have Open Conversations: Especially with older kids and teens, technology should be paired with communication. Talk to them about why the blocks are in place, focusing on safety rather than punishment.

6. Real-world scenarios: Putting it all together

Theory is great, but let’s talk strategy. The best approach often involves combining several methods. Here’s how I would advise clients in a few common real-world scenarios.

6.1. Scenario: Protecting a young child’s tablet or phone

For this age group, the goal is a safe, controlled environment. I recommend a ‘walled garden’ approach where you explicitly define what is allowed.

• Good: Use the built-in controls. On an iPad, set Screen Time to ‘Allowed Websites Only’ and populate a list of 10-15 approved, age-appropriate sites.
• Better: Add DNS filtering on your home Wi-Fi router. This adds a network-wide layer of protection that catches any devices you might have missed.
• Best: Use a dedicated parental control app that simplifies the ‘allowed websites’ setup and provides easier-to-read reports than the built-in tools.

6.2. Scenario: Guiding a teen with their first smartphone

Here, the goal shifts from total control to a balance of safety and growing independence. Communication is just as important as the technology.

• Good: Use built-in tools (Screen Time/Family Link) to set reasonable time limits on certain app categories (like social media) and automatically block adult content.
• Better: Combine the built-in tools with a discussion about online safety. Agree on the rules together to foster trust and responsibility.
• Best: Use a parental control app that offers more nuanced category filtering and includes safety features like location alerts, which can provide peace of mind without feeling overly intrusive.

6.3. Scenario: A small business managing company-owned or BYOD devices

For a business, the primary goals are productivity and security. The professional tool for this is Mobile Device Management (MDM). When a company needs a policy for mobile device management to block sites, an MDM is the answer. It allows a central administrator to enforce security policies, block non-work-related websites (like streaming services or social media during work hours), prevent the installation of unauthorized apps, and even remotely wipe a device if it’s lost or stolen. For very small businesses that find MDM too complex or expensive, implementing DNS filtering across the office network is a simpler, yet still effective, alternative for blocking distracting or malicious websites.

7. FAQs about how do you block websites on phone

Here are quick answers to some of the most common questions I get about blocking websites on mobile devices.

How do I block a website on my Android phone without an app?

The most straightforward method is to use Google Family Link to manage your child’s account. Go into the Family Link app, select your child, and navigate to Content restrictions > Google Chrome > Manage sites. Here you can add specific websites to a blocklist. For very advanced users, it’s technically possible to edit the device’s hosts file, but I don’t recommend this for non-technical users as it can cause network issues if done incorrectly.

Can I block specific websites on my child’s phone?

Yes, absolutely. This is a core feature of all the primary methods I’ve discussed. iOS Screen Time (under Web Content > Limit Adult Websites), Google Family Link (under Chrome > Manage sites), and virtually all third-party parental control apps provide a simple interface for you to enter the specific URLs (e.g., youtube.com) you wish to block.

Can I block websites on the Chrome mobile browser?

Yes, but not directly within the browser itself. Unlike desktop Chrome, the mobile version doesn’t support blocker extensions. Instead, you must use a device-level tool. Both iOS Screen Time and Google Family Link enforce their website blocking rules on all browsers on the phone, including Chrome, making them the most effective way to control it.

What is the best free app to block websites on mobile?

While I avoid naming a single ‘best’ app because needs vary so much, the most powerful free options are the ones already built into your phone’s operating system. For iPhone users, Apple’s Screen Time is incredibly robust and free. For Android users, Google Family Link provides comprehensive parental controls at no cost. I recommend starting with these before exploring third-party options. For help choosing, refer to the checklist in section 3.1.

How can I prevent kids from bypassing website blocks on their phones?

Preventing bypasses requires a layered strategy. The most effective technical steps are: 1) Use a strong, unique passcode for the restriction settings that your child does not know. 2) Choose a parental control app that includes features to block VPNs and prevent uninstallation. 3) Layer your approach, for example, by using both device-level settings and network-level DNS filtering. Most importantly, combine these tools with open communication about online safety.

Glossary of key terms

Abbreviation	Full Term	Meaning
DNS	Domain Name System	The system that translates human-readable website addresses (like afdevinfo.test/) into machine-readable IP addresses.
VPN	Virtual Private Network	A service that encrypts and reroutes your internet traffic through a private server, hiding your online activity and location.
MDM	Mobile Device Management	A type of software used by administrators to control and secure mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) within an organization.
BYOD	Bring Your Own Device	A policy that allows employees to use their personal devices for work purposes, which often requires MDM software for security.
Proxy	Proxy Server	An intermediary server that acts on your behalf to access websites, often used to bypass content filters or hide your IP address.

8. Final thoughts

After walking through all these options, my main takeaway for you is this: choosing the right method to block websites on a phone depends entirely on your specific goals, the devices you’re using, and your personal comfort level with technology. There is no single ‘best’ solution, but there is definitely a best solution for *you*. I hope this guide has empowered you with the knowledge to feel confident in the choice you make, whether it’s a simple tweak to your phone’s settings or a more comprehensive third-party tool.

Here are the most critical takeaways from our discussion:

• Start with Built-in Tools: Always try the free, integrated features of iOS Screen Time or Google Family Link first. They are powerful and often sufficient for many needs.
• Layer Your Defenses: The most robust blocking strategies combine multiple methods, such as device-level settings and network-wide DNS filtering.
• Prioritize Security and Privacy: Be extremely cautious when choosing third-party apps. Always vet their privacy policies and stick with reputable providers to avoid creating new security risks.
• Combine Technology with Communication: In a family context, no tool can replace open and honest conversations about online safety and digital citizenship.

At Afdevinfo, my goal is to make digital security accessible to everyone. By breaking down complex topics into clear, actionable guides, I hope to provide you with the practical knowledge needed to protect your devices and your data. For more in-depth guides, explore our Online Security & Privacy categories.