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How to Block Websites on iPhone – User Guide

With so much adult content on the web, many parents want to block their kids from visiting those websites on the iPhone. The iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch include built-in tools that control which sites kids can visit. These tools are flexible and can go beyond blocking specific websites. These tools can also be used to create a set of sites that are the only websites kids can use. In this article, we are going to tell you How to Block Websites on iPhone – User Guide. Let’s begin!

Blocking specific websites allows you to have more control over the content your children can access on their iPhones. In fact, iOS has a feature that blocks adult content and you can manually insert URLs for all websites you’d like to disable. Often used for children, the ability to block illicit content on an iPhone is a useful new tool.

Using your iPhone or iPad there are several ways to limit content without having to download any third-party applications.

Utilize Screen Time

iOS features a Screen Time tab that keeps track of your app usage. In addition, this is where you can block many websites and set more usage restrictions for specific apps. Here is what you need to do.

  • Launch the Settings app and tap Screen Time to access more options – You can also pull down from the main screen in Settings to access the search bar, then type Screen Time and go directly to the next step. Then, tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. And you will be presented with a comprehensive menu from which you can block or restrict almost anything on your phone.
  • To restrict websites and other online content, tap on Content Restrictions. Select Web Content and choose “Limit Adult Websites” or “Allowed Websites Only” to set restrictions.

Limit Adults Sites | Block Websites on iPhone

If you select the Limit Adult Websites option, then you can limit access to many adult websites automatically. Specific allowed and restricted websites that you can add below.

Below that will be Always Allow and Add Website – that you can tap to add websites you want to always allow even if they are blocked by the general restriction on adult sites.

And below that, you will find Never Allow and Add Website – where you can add websites you want to block in addition to the ones blocked by the general restrictions on Adult sites. Never Allow is where you add websites you specifically want to block.

Allowed Websites Only

The Allowed Websites Only blocks all websites except for a list of child-friendly websites such as Disney, Discovery Kids, HowStuffWorks, National Geographic – Kids, PBS Kids, and other kid-friendly sites. If you scroll to the end of the list of allowed websites, you can Add Websites that you’d like to allow.

You can include more by tapping on Add Website but it’s important to note that all other online websites will be blocked other than the ones listed there. Typically Allowed Websites only is used for an iPhone used by a child.

Unrestricted Access | Block Websites on iPhone

Unrestricted Access, of course, enables you to access any website you want from your iPhone.

Block Sites with iOS 11 OR Earlier

The previous steps apply for iPhones and iPads that are using iOS 12 or later. Prior to iOS 12, there were no Screen Time options and you had to access restrictions in a different way.

If your iPhone is running iOS 11, open Settings and select the General tab, then tap Restrictions.

Next, tap Enable Restrictions and provide the passcode you use to unlock your iPhone. You’ll need to do this twice.

That out of the way, you should tap Allowed Content and tap Websites to access the settings.

Then, you’ll be taken to the menu where you can block particular URLs. Similar to iOS 12, you get to choose All WebsitesLimit Adult Content, and Allowed Websites Only.

Other Screen Time Restriction | Block Websites on iPhone

Apart from blocking specific websites, Screen Time offers two more restrictions you might find useful, especially if a child is using the phone.

Downtime allows you to set a schedule and limit the phone and app usage. To be precise, during the Downtime period only calls and allowed apps are at the user’s disposal. And you can also choose to set blocks for specific types of applications.

Tap on App Limits, choose “Add Limit” and select the app category – Games, for example. Hit Next at the top right of the screen and set the timer to the desired number of hours and minutes. There is an option to customize the days of the week when you want the limit to be effective. Once you do that, hit Add and you are good to go.

Screen Time passcode is an extra layer of protection that can ensure your child doesn’t change the settings. Tap the “Use Screen Time Passcode” and select a four-digit code that you’ll use to change the settings once the limit expires. It is advisable to use a code different than the one that unlocks your iPhone but also one that you won’t forget.

Screen Time for Family | Block Websites on iPhone

From iOS 12 onwards, it has become super easy to set parental controls on an iPhone. The system gives you the option to add existing Apple IDs of your kid’s accounts and keep track of their browsing habits and phone usage from your device. Of course, you can also create an account for your child and sync it with his or her iPhone.

This way, there is no need to snatch the child’s device to make changes and you can set all the restrictions remotely. The best thing about Screen Time for Family is that the interface is super easy to use even if you are not really tech-savvy.

Choose one of the options from the initial screen and follow the setup wizard. Once you are done, you will get notifications about the child’s screen time and usage.

If you’d like to let your child play a little longer they can send a request to your phone or you can type your passcode into their phone to allow them more time without removing the restrictions.

Turning off Screen Time is pretty easy as well. Accessing the Screen Time settings, all you need to do is scroll to the bottom and click on the red “Turn Off Screen Time.” You will be prompted to put in the passcode you’ve set to disable to feature. All limits will remove until you decide to turn it back on.

Safari

Safari is the default web browser we use on an iPhone. When you do blocking a website using Screen time. You might as well make sure that your Safari web browser settings are set to provide some protection against fraudulent websites. To do this tap ‘Settings’ to open the Settings app, scroll down, and then tap Safari.

Make sure that the Fraudulent Website warning option is toggled to on.

Apps to Block websites on iPhone

If you are not satisfy with the native iOS options. Then you can always check out one of many third-party parental control apps. What’s more, some carriers like Verizon and T-mobile have their own apps. That allows you to block and manage online content.

If you are not satisfiy with the native solution, it’s advisable to go with the one from your carrier, if available. Whatever you choose. Make sure that the app allows decent restriction options without any hidden fees.

Conclusion

Alright, that was all Folks! I hope you guys like this Block Websites on iPhone article and find it helpful to you. Give us your feedback on it. Also if you guys have further queries related to this article. Then let us know in the comments section below. We will get back to you shortly.

Have a Great Day!

Also See: Looking For Files By Keyword In Spotlight On macOS

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Windy Moore

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