How to Block Websites on iPhone: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Blocking websites on your iPhone restricts access to specific sites or adult content using Apple’s built-in Screen Time settings. You’ll set a passcode to lock these restrictions, then choose to block individual sites, filter adult content, or create a “safe list” of allowed websites. Here’s how to block websites on iPhone:

  1. Settings → Screen Time → Turn on Screen Time (if disabled).
  2. Set a Screen Time Passcode (required!).
  3. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions → Enable it.
  4. Go to Content Restrictions → Web Content → Choose a blocking method.

Why Block Websites on Your iPhone?

Blocking websites helps you:

  • Protect kids from inappropriate content.
  • Avoid distractions (social media, games).
  • Stop phishing/scam sites.
  • Save data by blocking heavy video sites.

These settings apply to Safari only. For other browsers (Chrome, Firefox), use iPhone Screen Time restrictions.

What You’ll Need

  • Your iPhone (iOS 14 or later).
  • A 4-digit Screen Time passcode (never share this!).
  • 5 minutes.

How to Block Websites on iPhone

Step 1: Turn On Screen Time & Set a Passcode

  1. Open Settings (gray gear app).
  2. Scroll to Screen Time → Tap it.
  3. If Screen Time is off, tap Turn On Screen Time.
  4. Tap Use Screen Time Passcode.
    • Create a passcode (not your iPhone unlock code).
    • Re-enter it to confirm.
    • (Optional) Add your Apple ID to reset a forgotten passcode.

Passcode Tip: Make it complex! "1234" is easy to guess. Use random numbers like "3845".

Step 2: Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions

  1. In Screen Time, tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
  2. Toggle the switch to ON (green).
  3. Enter your Screen Time passcode when asked.

Step 3: Block Websites (3 Methods)

Method 1: Block Specific Websites

Best for blocking sites like Facebook, YouTube, or Netflix.

  1. Tap Content Restrictions → Enter passcode.
  2. Tap Web Content.
  3. Select Limit Adult Websites.
  4. Under NEVER ALLOW, tap Add Website.
  5. Enter the full URL (e.g., youtube.com, instagram.com).
  6. Tap Done.
    • Repeat to add more sites.

Test it: Open Safari → Try visiting a blocked site. You’ll see:
“You cannot browse this page because it is restricted.”

Method 2: Automatically Block Adult Sites

Blocks adult content using Apple’s filter.

  1. In Web Content, select Limit Adult Websites.
    • Blocks sites with explicit material.
    • No URLs needed.

Method 3: Only Allow Certain Websites (Safe List)

Perfect for kids: Blocks all sites except ones you approve.

  1. In Web Content, select Allowed Websites Only.
  2. Under ALWAYS ALLOW, delete pre-loaded sites (e.g., "Apple") if unwanted.
  3. Tap Add Website → Enter safe URLs (e.g., pbskids.org, wikipedia.org).
Method Best For Setup Time
Block Specific Sites Social media, distractions 1 minute
Block Adult Sites Automatic adult content filtering 20 seconds
Allow Websites Only Kids’ iPhones/school devices 2 minutes

How to Unblock Websites

  1. Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions.
  2. Tap Content Restrictions → Web Content.
  3. For Never Allow sites: Swipe left on a URL → Tap Delete.
  4. For Allowed Websites Only: Switch back to Limit Adult Websites or Unrestricted Access.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Site not blocked? Double-check the URL format. Use site.com (no https://).
  • Forgot passcode? Go to Screen Time → Change Screen Time Passcode → Tap Forgot Passcode? (requires Apple ID).
  • Blocking other browsers? Use iPhone restrictions to disable Chrome/Firefox.
  • Sync across devices? Yes! Blocks apply to all iPhones/iPads using your Apple ID.

Extra Protection Tips

  • Lock settings: Enable Lock Screen Time Settings (Screen Time → Scroll down) to prevent changes.
  • Block spam calls: Stop scammers with this guide.
  • Disable pop-ups: Manage ads using pop-up blocker settings.
  • VPN for safety: Hide your browsing with a VPN setup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if I forget my Screen Time passcode?
A: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode. Tap Forgot Passcode? and enter your Apple ID (the one you used during setup). This resets your passcode. If you didn’t save an Apple ID, you’ll need to erase your iPhone and restore from a backup.

Q2: Do these blocks work on Chrome or Firefox?
A: No. Restrictions only apply to Safari. To block websites in other browsers:

Q3: Why can I still visit a site I blocked?
A: Double-check:

  • Did you enter the exact URL (e.g., tiktok.com, not www.tiktok.com)?
  • Is Content & Privacy Restrictions still toggled ON?
  • Did you select the right method (Never Allow vs. Allowed Websites Only)?

Q4: Will blocking sync to my child’s iPad?
A: Yes! If they use the same Apple ID, restrictions apply across all devices. To manage this, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing and set up parental controls.

Q5: Can I block websites without a passcode?
A: No. A Screen Time passcode is mandatory to prevent others from changing your settings. For quick temporary blocks, use Focus Modes to silence distractions.

Conclusion

Blocking websites on your iPhone is simple, powerful, and essential for safety or focus. Just remember:

  1. Set a strong Screen Time passcode (and don’t lose it!).
  2. Pick your method:
    • Block specific sites (e.g., social media).
    • Auto-block adult content.
    • Create a safe list for kids.
  3. Test immediately in Safari.

For more iPhone security: