How to Block Websites on an iPhone with Simple DIY Steps

In this post, I will be showing you how to block websites on an iPhone with very simple steps that you can actually carry out yourself, even if you have no technical skills. I will also show you how to restrict websites on an iPhone using the Safari browser, especially those that are fraudulent. Without wasting much of your time, let us get started. Remember, you have to read to the end to get the full details.

Blocking or restricting certain websites on your devices, allows you to have more control over the content your children can gain access to. To be specific, iOS has a feature that blocks adult content, and you can insert the URL of all websites you will like to restrict. The ability to block illicit content (especially for children) on an iPhone is a very useful feature. I had previously written on how to set parental controls on an iPhone, you can check out the content and see what it takes.

By mere using your iPhone or iPad, there are many ways you can limit access to content without having to download any third-party apps.

The good thing about these websites’ restrictions on the iPhone is that they apply to all browsers including Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. Therefore, you do not need to go back and access each browser’s settings to set the blocks individually.

Now, let me show you the step-by-step guide on how to block websites on an iPhone or even an iPad.

How to Block Websites on an iPhone

If you want to learn how to block websites on your iPhone, then follow this step-by-step guide.

Utilize Screen Time Options for iOS 12 or Higher

iOS has a Screen Time tab feature that keeps track of how you use your apps. In addition, this is where you can block certain websites and set more usage restrictions for specific apps. Follow this step if you want to achieve this.

Step 1

• 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’ll be presented with a comprehensive menu from which you can block or restrict almost anything on your phone.

Step 2

• 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 Adult Websites

When you select the “Limit Adult Websites” option, you can limit access to as many adult websites automatically. Specific allowed and restricted websites can be added 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, HowStuffWorks, National Geographic, Discovery Kids,– 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 will like to allow.

You can add additional websites by tapping on “Add Website” but it is 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

“Unrestricted Access”, enables you to access any website you want from your iPhone.

How to Restrict Websites on an iPhone with iOS 11 or Earlier

The steps I listed above applies to iPhones and iPads that are using iOS 12 or later. Before the introduction of iOS 12, there was no Screen Time options, and you have to set 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 will need to do this twice.
• Then you tap “Allowed Content” and tap “Websites” to access the settings.
• Then, you will be taken to the menu where you can block particular URLs. Similar to iOS 12, you get to choose All Websites, Limit Adult Content, and “Allowed Websites Only”.

Also read: What is Screen Time on iPhone? Learn How to turn it Off and On

How to Block Websites on iPhone – Safari Settings

If you want to learn how to block websites on an iPhone using the Safari browser, then let me show you.

Like we already know, Safari is the default browser on iPhones. When you might have finished blocking websites using Screen Time, you may also make sure that your Safari browser settings are set to provide protection against fraudulent websites. To do this, follow this step

• Tap “Settings” to open the Settings app
• Scroll down and tap “Safari”
• Make sure that the “Fraudulent Website warning option” is toggled to on.

Conclusion

These are the simple DIY ways on how to block websites on an iPhone, but if you are not satisfied with the iOS options, there is another option for you. You can simply check out some of the third-party parental control apps, then download and install them on your iPhone. Another good news s that some carriers like T-mobile and Verizon have their own apps that allow you to block and manage online content. Just choose an option that you desire.