How to Block Websites on Phone: iOS & Android Solutions

Can I block certain websites on my phone?

The short answer is yes, it’s possible to block any website on mobile via settings or specifically designed third-party applications. Whether you’re using an iPhone or Android, there are a couple of ways to do that with no hustle (more about the most effective methods to block sites a bit later). 

But note that the steps you need to take depend heavily on why you want to limit access to a particular website. So first, let’s discuss the key reasons to block sites on a phone.

Why block websites on your phone? Key reasons explained

Here’s why phone websites restrictions are important:

• To stay away from inappropriate content: You want you and your family members (particularly children) to stay away from unsuitable sites.
• To avoid distractions: You might be looking to avoid addictive websites, like social media, that distract you and waste your time.
• To stay focused at work: You’ve decided to some entertainment sites to be more productive while working.
• To enhance your online security: You strive to avoid sketchy and potentially dangerous sites that may put your personal data at risk or infect your mobile device with viruses.

With that in mind, let’s consider the most common methods to block sites on mobile devices.

How to block websites on phone with a third-party app

One of the easiest ways for phone blocking websites by using a specific third-party app for iOS or Android. While there are many such applications out there, let’s look at some of the most famous examples:

• BlockSite. This browser extension is designed to block inappropriate and distracting websites for better productivity. BlockSite is available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, while the app supports Android, iOS, and Windows devices. 
• AdGuard. This versatile ad-blocker comes with additional privacy protection and parental control functionality. The app has a free and premium version available for both Android and iOS.
• Ublock Origin. This popular ad-blocker also comes with website-blocking functionality along with features designed to prevent tracking and malware.

For instance, here’s how to restrict websites on phone with the BlockSite app:

1. Download the BlockSite app from the App Store or Google Play Store and install it on your device.
2. Choose the desired mode (for instance, work mode) to block certain sites, such as distracting pages, adult content, and so on.
3. If there are any specific URLs you want to block, add them to the blocklist by pressing the plus button at the bottom of your screen.

But note that third-party applications don’t come without downsides. Unverified apps may compromise your privacy by sharing your data with third parties. Also, beware of malicious programs pretending to be legitimate. In particular, never download apps from non-official digital marketplaces.

Don’t want to install questionable website blockers on your device? Luckily, it’s also possible to block sites without third-party solutions. Here are several alternative ways to block websites on Android and iOS.

How to block websites on Android without an app

First, let’s find out how to block websites on Android phone without downloading any applications.

1. Google SafeSearch

SafeSearch is Google’s feature that allows you to remove inappropriate content from your search results. While it’s not completely accurate, it can still prevent you (or your kids) from seeing most of the unwanted websites and pages. Here’s how to enable Google SafeSearch on Android:

1. Open the Google app on your phone.
2. Tap your profile picture and select Settings.
3. Head to the General section.
4. Toggle SafeSearch on.

Note that SafeSearch only works with Google, so it won’t affect the appearing results in other search engines.

2. Safe Browsing on Google Chrome

This online safety feature on Google Chrome let you avoid many unwanted search results while browsing the web. Safe Browsing is designed to block potentially harmful and malicious websites. Here’s how to activate this feature on an Android device:

1. Head to Google Chrome and open Settings.
2. Select Privacy and security.
3. Tap Safe Browsing and choose the Enhanced protection option.

Now it’s time to discuss how to block websites on iOS devices.

How to block websites on iPhone without an app

iPhone users can also block unwanted websites without downloading third-party apps. Let’s consider the two easiest methods to do that.

1. Screen Time

Apple Screen Time is a hassle-free way to block websites on an iPhone. While designed to help you track your device usage statistics, this feature also allows you to boost your iPhone security, particularly by blocking potentially harmful URLs. Here’s how to do that in several simple steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone and head to Screen Time.

2. Select Content & Privacy Restrictions and toggle it on.

3. Tap Content Restrictions > Web Content.

4. Choose one of the available options: 

• Unrestricted (allow access to all websites); 
• Limit Adult Websites (block websites containing adult content); 
• Allowed Websites (allow access to websites that are safe for kids, plus you can add more websites to the list).

Note that if you opted for the Limit Adult Websites mode, you can also add more websites to the restricted list. Just find the Never Allow option and add the unwanted URLs manually:

How to block a URL on Safari?

Unfortunately, there’s no way you can block websites directly from Safari. But no worries – all the websites you’ve blocked through Screen Time settings will be blocklisted for Safari, as well as other browsers on your iPhone.

Okay, now you’ve learned how to block sites on a phone. But that’s the least you can do to safeguard your online experience. Internet threats come in many different forms, from spoofed links and phishing emails to malicious ads and malware-infected pop-ups. So, what are the basic things you can do when browsing the web on your mobile phone?

Essential tips to boost your phone’s security and privacy

Here are several essential online safety tips for smartphone users, whether you prefer iOS or Android:

• Avoid questionable apps. Download applications only from the official marketplaces – the App Store (for Apple) and Google Play Store (for Android). Also, if you notice some unknown or suspicious apps on your phone, make sure to remove them.
• Configure privacy settings on your phone. Check which data can be tracked by the apps and websites you’re using. Luckily, both iOS and Android allow you to manage the information you share, so you can block access to your location, microphone, camera, and other private info. To learn more, feel free to go through our detailed overview of Android and iOS privacy settings.
• Use strong passwords. Create strong and unique passwords for all your accounts, from Google and Facebook to PayPal and Amazon. Also, don’t reuse passwords for several accounts, as it makes it easier for hackers to compromise your security.
• Be aware of phishing scams. Never click on suspicious links in emails and text messages since they may take you to a malicious website striving to steal your data. Avoid downloading unverified files and responding to sketchy messages, especially if the sender’s address doesn’t look legit.
• Learn about security breaches. Your data may be at risk if a website or service you’re using has been compromised or its databases have been leaked. A cybersecurity tool like VeePN’s Breach Alert will inform you when your private details are noticed in any known breaches, letting you quickly change your passwords and stay protected.
• Use powerful antivirus software. A premium tool like VeePN Antivirus for Android is another essential component of your phone’s online security toolkit. With its help, you can run scheduled scans, detect malicious software on your device, and instantly remove it.
• Use a virtual private network (VPN). This solution will enhance your phone’s protection by encrypting your traffic and keeping your online activities hidden from prying eyes. Also, a VPN spoofs your IP address, preventing websites and online services from monitoring your location. On top of that,  a reputable VPN service comes with a bunch of additional security features, from ad-blocking functionality to IP and DNS leak protection.

Boost your online privacy and security with VeePN

VeePN is a powerful VPN solution available for most devices and operating systems, including Android and iOS. Apart from blocking unwanted sites, leverage VeePN’s premium security perks to safeguard your phone:

• Powerful encryption. Cover your entire traffic, including all apps and browsers you’re using, with reliable AES-256 encryption. Make sure nobody can snoop on you online. 
• Digital privacy. Protect your personal information from unwanted monitoring and conceal your identity. Hide your digital footprint from trackers, nosy advertisers, and other third parties.
• Unrestricted browsing. Browse the web freely and privately with VeePN. Access any websites you need, even while at school, at work, or abroad.
• Protection on public Wi-Fi. Shield your sensitive data from hackers lurking on unprotected public Wi-Fi networks. Safeguard your device from man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, browser hijacking, malware distribution, and other threats when connecting to a Wi-Fi spot in a hotel, Airbnb apartment, airport, restaurant, or elsewhere.

Download a VPN for Android or a VPN for iOS and strengthen your phone’s security risk-free with a money-back guarantee!

Written by VeePN Research Lab VeePN Research Lab is dedicated to provide you latest posts about internet security and privacy.

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