Blocking websites on an iPhone is straightforward once you know where Apple hides the controls. Whether you are trying to limit distractions, set up parental controls, or block specific adult sites, you can handle everything directly from the Settings app without extra software.
Use Screen Time to block websites on iPhone
The main tool for blocking websites on an iPhone is Screen Time. It controls web access across Safari and any apps that use Apple’s web content filter. Before setting up restrictions, decide whether you want to block adult content in general, specific sites only, or both.
Turn on Screen Time
Start by enabling Screen Time if it is not already active. Open the Settings app, tap “Screen Time,” then choose “Turn On Screen Time” and follow the prompts. For a child’s iPhone, select “This is My Child’s iPhone” so that restrictions are enforced consistently. Set a Screen Time passcode that your child does not know, otherwise they can change or remove the blocks.
Block adult content automatically
To apply broad filtering, use Apple’s built-in adult content restriction. Go to Settings, tap “Screen Time,” then “Content & Privacy Restrictions.” Turn this on, then tap “Content Restrictions,” followed by “Web Content.” Choose “Limit Adult Websites.” This tells iOS to automatically block many adult and harmful sites using Apple’s database. When a blocked page is attempted in Safari, the user will see a warning and an option to request access if applicable.
Automatic filtering is helpful, but not perfect. Some inappropriate sites may slip through and some legitimate sites may be blocked. You can fine-tune this by adding exceptions, which is important if you notice sites being wrongly allowed or blocked.
Block specific websites
If there are particular websites you want to block, you can list them manually. With “Limit Adult Websites” selected under Web Content, look for the “Never Allow” section. Tap “Add Website,” enter the site’s URL, and tap “Done.” You can block entire domains, such as “example.com,” rather than individual pages. If you are not sure of the exact URL, open the site in Safari first, then copy and paste the address to avoid typos.
Once added, any attempt to open that domain in Safari will be blocked. The same restriction also applies to most in-app browsers that rely on Safari’s content filter, which means many social and messaging apps will honor the block as well.
Allow only approved websites
For younger children or for very controlled devices, you can restrict browsing to a small set of approved sites only. In the Web Content settings, choose “Allowed Websites Only.” Apple provides a short default list of kid-friendly sites, but you can remove these and create your own list. Tap “Add Website,” give it a title, enter the URL, and save.
With this mode active, the user can open only the sites on this approved list. Attempting to go anywhere else will be blocked. This is more restrictive than blocking a few problem sites, so it works best when you know exactly which websites should be available.
Protect your settings with a passcode
Any website blocking is only as strong as the protection on your Screen Time settings. Always set a Screen Time passcode and keep it private from the person whose browsing you are restricting. In Settings under Screen Time, tap “Use Screen Time Passcode” and create a code different from the device passcode. If you are using Family Sharing, you can manage a child’s Screen Time settings directly from your own iPhone, which makes it harder for them to change anything.
If you forget your Screen Time passcode, you can use your Apple ID to reset it on recent versions of iOS. Without that, you may need to reset the device settings, so it is worth choosing a passcode you can remember but your child cannot guess.
Block websites in specific apps
Most apps that use Safari’s engine respect Screen Time website restrictions automatically, but some third-party browsers or apps may have their own settings. If you want to block specific apps entirely, go to Settings, open “Screen Time,” tap “App Limits,” and create limits for social media, browsers, or other categories that give access to the web. You can also use “Always Allowed” and “Downtime” to control when these apps are available.
If an app uses its own web engine and ignores Screen Time filters, your only reliable option is to block or remove that app. To do this, use “Content & Privacy Restrictions,” go to “iTunes & App Store Purchases,” and restrict installing or deleting apps, so a child cannot easily install a different browser to bypass your website blocks.
Test and maintain your website blocks
After you set up restrictions, test them yourself. Try loading the blocked websites in Safari and in any browsers or apps you use frequently. Check both Wi-Fi and mobile data, as the rules apply at the device level. If something is not blocked as expected, confirm that the URL is correct and that Screen Time restrictions are enabled.
Over time, review and adjust your settings. Children’s needs change, school websites may require new permissions, or you may want to ease restrictions as trust grows. Regularly check Screen Time reports to see which sites and apps are being used and confirm that your website blocks are still appropriate and effective.
FAQ
Can I block websites on iPhone without using Screen Time?
On a standard iPhone, Screen Time is the built-in method to block websites. Some third-party security or parental control apps offer additional filtering, but they typically rely on VPN profiles or custom browsers and still work best alongside Screen Time.
Do website blocks work in all browsers on iPhone?
Website blocks created through Screen Time apply system-wide to Safari and most apps that use Apple’s web engine. If a browser uses a different method or is poorly integrated, it might not honor those restrictions, in which case you should restrict or remove that app.
Can a child bypass website blocks on iPhone?
If the Screen Time passcode is kept private and app installation and deletion are controlled, bypassing is difficult for most children. However, tech-savvy users may still seek workarounds, which is why regular checks, clear rules, and open conversations about online safety should accompany any technical controls.
