How to Block Websites on Your Phone: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Smartphones have become essential tools for communication, entertainment, and work. However, constant internet access can also lead to distractions, exposure to harmful content, or overuse of social media. Many people now want to know how to block websites on their phones to regain focus, protect privacy, or create safer browsing environments for children.

Whether you use an Android or iPhone, blocking websites is possible through built-in settings, apps, or parental control features. This guide explains simple and effective ways to restrict access to unwanted websites and create a more productive online experience.

Why You Might Want to Block Websites

There are several reasons why someone may choose to block specific websites on their phone. Some of the most common include:

Reducing distractions: Social media, gaming, and streaming sites can consume hours of productivity.
Parental control: Parents may want to prevent children from accessing inappropriate or unsafe content.
Improving focus: Blocking time-wasting websites helps you stay concentrated on important tasks.
Protecting privacy and security: Some sites may host harmful ads or phishing scams that put personal data at risk.

Blocking websites gives you control over your online environment and helps maintain healthier digital habits.

Blocking Websites on Android Devices

Android phones offer multiple ways to block websites, both through built-in features and third-party apps. The best approach depends on your Android version and personal preferences.

Using Google Family Link:

Download the Family Link app from the Play Store.
Create a child account and link it to your device.
Open the app and select your child’s profile.
Go to “Settings” and choose “Google Chrome.”
Under “Manage sites,” tap “Blocked.”
Add the URLs of websites you want to block.

Family Link is ideal for parents who want full control over what their children access online.

Using Chrome’s Safe Browsing:

Chrome does not allow manual website blocking by default, but you can enable Safe Browsing to block dangerous sites automatically.

Open Chrome.
Go to “Settings.”
Tap “Privacy and Security.”
Turn on “Safe Browsing.”

This feature helps protect you from phishing and malicious websites.

Blocking Websites on iPhone

Apple devices include strong parental controls and content restrictions that make it easy to block unwanted websites.

Using Screen Time Settings:

Open “Settings” on your iPhone.
Tap “Screen Time.”
Go to “Content & Privacy Restrictions.”
Turn on “Content & Privacy Restrictions.”
Tap “Content Restrictions,” then choose “Web Content.”
Select “Limit Adult Websites.”
Under “Never Allow,” add the URLs of the sites you want to block.

This built-in tool works perfectly for both adults and children who want to limit distractions or unsafe sites.

Using Family Sharing for Parental Control:
If you manage a child’s device, you can use Family Sharing to apply restrictions remotely.

Enable Family Sharing from your device’s settings.
Add your child’s account and turn on Screen Time.
Apply web restrictions through the parent device.

Using Third-Party Apps to Block Websites

Several reliable apps are available for both Android and iPhone users to block websites effectively. These apps often include productivity and parental control features.

Popular Apps Include:

BlockSite: Allows you to block websites and apps, set schedules, and sync across devices.
Freedom: Lets you block websites, apps, or the entire internet to focus better.
Qustodio: A parental control app with advanced features like web filters and screen-time tracking.
Net Nanny: Provides real-time alerts and allows parents to block harmful or inappropriate websites.

To use these apps, simply download one from your device’s app store, set up an account, and add the websites you wish to block. Most offer free basic plans with premium upgrades for advanced features.

Blocking Websites Using DNS Settings

Another effective method to block websites is by changing your phone’s DNS (Domain Name System) settings. Some DNS services allow users to restrict access to certain types of websites automatically.

Steps to Use a Custom DNS:

Open your phone’s Wi-Fi settings.
Tap and hold your current network.
Choose “Modify Network” or “Advanced Options.”
Select “Private DNS.”
Enter a DNS provider such as “dns.adguard.com” or “family.adguard-dns.com.”
Save and reconnect.

These DNS services filter harmful or adult content and block ads without needing additional apps. They work system-wide, affecting all browsers and apps on your device.

Blocking Websites on Specific Browsers

If you prefer not to use system-wide methods, you can block websites within specific browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.

For Chrome on Android:
Install an extension or app such as BlockSite that integrates directly with Chrome.

For Safari on iPhone:
Use Screen Time restrictions to block sites or limit browsing to approved domains.

For Firefox:
Firefox offers add-ons for content blocking. Search for “Website Blocker” or “LeechBlock” in the Firefox Add-ons section, install it, and add the URLs you want to restrict.

Browser-based blocking is perfect for users who only want to control specific browsing activities rather than system-wide access.

Blocking Websites Without Apps

If you do not want to install additional apps, you can still block websites using built-in device features.

For Android:
Use Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls. Go to “Settings,” open “Digital Wellbeing,” and set app timers or site limits using compatible browsers.

For iPhone:
Use Safari’s built-in controls through Screen Time as described earlier.

Both operating systems now include features designed to promote healthy phone usage, helping you avoid unnecessary distractions.

Advanced Parental Control Solutions

Parents often seek more comprehensive control over their children’s digital environments. In such cases, specialized parental control tools can provide deeper insight and management capabilities.

Services like Qustodio, Norton Family, and Bark allow parents to:

Monitor browsing history.
Block harmful websites automatically.
Set daily screen-time limits.
Receive alerts about suspicious activity.

These services ensure that children stay safe online while allowing parents to guide their digital experiences responsibly.

Tips for Maintaining Digital Discipline

Blocking websites can significantly reduce distractions, but maintaining discipline is equally important. Consider these habits for better digital balance:

Set clear goals: Know why you are blocking certain sites and what you want to achieve.
Schedule focused periods: Use focus timers or productivity methods to structure your day.
Review restrictions periodically: Adjust blocked websites as your needs change.
Encourage healthy device use: If managing a child’s device, discuss why certain websites are restricted instead of blocking them silently.
Use positive reinforcement: Reward yourself or your child for maintaining good online habits.

Technology can help, but mindful usage ensures lasting results in focus and productivity.

Conclusion

Blocking websites on your phone is one of the most effective ways to improve focus, protect children, and maintain digital wellness. Whether you use Android or iPhone, there are multiple methods available, from built-in parental controls to third-party apps and custom DNS filters.

By taking control of what you or your family can access online, you create a safer, more productive digital environment. The process is simple, flexible, and can be adjusted anytime based on your goals.

Start today by identifying the websites that distract or concern you most, then use the step-by-step methods outlined here to block them. A few minutes of setup can lead to a lifetime of healthier digital habits and better focus.

FAQs

1. Can I block websites on my phone without using any apps?

Yes, both Android and iPhone devices allow you to block websites using built-in settings such as Screen Time or Digital Wellbeing.

2. How do I block adult websites on my child’s phone?

Use parental control features like Google Family Link for Android or Screen Time for iPhone. These tools allow parents to block adult websites automatically.