Blocking websites on an iPhone is a breeze, and it’s something you can do in just a few taps. Whether you’re trying to limit distractions, prevent kids from accessing inappropriate content, or just want to take a break from social media, this guide will walk you through the steps to block websites on your iPhone.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Block Websites on iPhone
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re about to do. Blocking websites on an iPhone involves tweaking some settings in the ‘Screen Time’ feature. This feature allows you to control content and manage what can be accessed on your device. Ready to get started? Let’s go!
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone.
In the ‘Settings’ app, you’ll see a lot of options, but don’t worry, I’ll guide you to the right place.
Step 2: Tap Screen Time
Scroll down and tap on ‘Screen Time’.
‘Screen Time’ is a nifty tool that helps you track and manage your device usage. But today, we’re using it for a different purpose – to block websites.
Step 3: Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
After tapping on ‘Screen Time’, tap on ‘Content & Privacy Restrictions’.
You might need to enable ‘Content & Privacy Restrictions’ by toggling the switch at the top of the screen.
Step 4: Enter Your Screen Time Passcode
If prompted, enter your Screen Time passcode.
This step is crucial because it keeps your restrictions secure and prevents others from changing them without your permission.
Step 5: Tap Content Restrictions
Once you’re in the ‘Content & Privacy Restrictions’ menu, tap on ‘Content Restrictions’.
This is where the magic happens. You’ll find all sorts of content controls here, but we’re focusing on websites.
Step 6: Tap Web Content
Scroll down and tap on ‘Web Content’.
‘Web Content’ is the area where you can control what type of content is viewable in your browser.
Step 7: Tap Limit Adult Websites or Allowed Websites Only
Choose ‘Limit Adult Websites’ to automatically block many adult websites or ‘Allowed Websites Only’ to only allow access to websites you specify.
If you choose ‘Allowed Websites Only’, you’ll need to manually add websites you want to allow. This is a great option for younger users.
Step 8: Add Websites to Block or Allow
Under ‘NEVER ALLOW’, tap ‘Add Website’ to block specific websites, or under ‘ALWAYS ALLOW’, tap ‘Add Website’ to allow specific websites.
Type in the URL of the website you want to block or allow, and you’re all set!
After you complete these steps, the websites you’ve specified will either be blocked or allowed on your iPhone. This means you (or your kids) won’t be able to access these sites unless you go back into the settings and change them again.
Tips: How to Block Websites on iPhone
- Always set a Screen Time passcode to prevent others from changing your content restrictions.
- Regularly update the list of blocked websites as you discover more sites you want to block.
- If blocking websites for a child, consider using the ‘Family Sharing’ feature to manage their device usage remotely.
- Remember to block not just websites but also content on apps that might have integrated browsers.
- Check the ‘Always Allowed’ section to make sure essential websites and apps are not accidentally blocked.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I unblock a website on my iPhone?
To unblock a website, go back into the ‘Web Content’ settings and remove the website from the ‘NEVER ALLOW’ list.
Can I block specific websites on Safari only?
The changes you make in the ‘Content Restrictions’ section apply to all browsers on the device, not just Safari.
What if I forget my Screen Time passcode?
You might need to reset your device’s settings or contact Apple Support if you forget your Screen Time passcode.
Can I block websites on my child’s iPhone remotely?
Yes, you can use ‘Family Sharing’ and ‘Screen Time for Family’ to manage content restrictions on a family member’s device remotely.
Will website blocking work while using a VPN?
Website blocking may not be effective if a VPN is used to bypass content restrictions.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Tap Screen Time
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
- Enter Screen Time Passcode
- Tap Content Restrictions
- Tap Web Content
- Tap Limit Adult Websites or Allowed Websites Only
- Add Websites to Block or Allow
Conclusion
In today’s digital age, knowing how to block websites on iPhone can be incredibly useful, whether you’re a parent trying to protect your children or an individual aiming to improve productivity by eliminating distractions. The process is straightforward and customizable, giving you the power to control the content that can be accessed through your device. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a safer and more focused digital environment. Just remember, as much as we aim to restrict certain content, it’s equally important to educate about responsible internet usage and the potential risks online. Happy browsing—safely, of course!
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.