I want to block specific websites on my iPhone for personal use. I tried exploring settings but couldn’t find a clear method. Can anyone explain a simple way to do this?
Oh, you want to block websites on your iPhone? Sure, here comes the Apple magic (or headache, depending). Open Settings, scroll down to Screen Time—yes, that thing most of us ignore. If you’ve never used it, you’d need to set it up (read: input a passcode so you don’t circumvent yourself later), then tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. Flip that switch on. Next, select Content Restrictions, then go to the “Web Content” section. The sweet spot is here. You can set it to either “Limit Adult Websites” (Apple assumes they know what’s adult, which… okay) or “Allowed Websites Only” if you’re feeling hardcore restrictive.
To block specific URLs, tap on “Limit Adult Websites,” then under the “Never Allow” section, add the websites you want gone—a.k.a. your productivity kryptonite. Yes, you’ll have to manually type each website in, so channel all the energy you usually waste scrolling. If you’re using ‘Allowed Websites Only,’ prepare to live in a pure, snowflake-clean internet, though you’ll need to add every single site you do want access to there. Sounds fun, right?
One thing: This doesn’t affect apps—just Safari or any browser following iOS rules. If the site has an app, good luck; you’ll need to delete that or invoke the nuclear option by disabling the App Store altogether. Hopefully, this is clear enough, unlike Apple’s hidden design logic. And don’t forget the passcode—or do—but that’s a whole other problem.
Alright, so @viajeroceleste kinda nailed it with their walkthrough on the settings thing (even if Apple’s “logic” can be questionable). But if you’re looking for an alternative—or to avoid banging your head on the complexities of Screen Time—there’s another option: third-party apps. Yep, another app to add to the iPhone clutter, but hear me out.
Some apps like Freedom, Focus, or even a VPN-based blocker like AdGuard let you block specific websites or even whole categories of distractions for ALL browsing, not just Safari. These are particularly handy if you’re juggling multiple browsers or apps that bypass Apple’s restrictions. Most of them are super user-friendly, but they might come with a paywall (because nothing’s free, right?). The plus side? They’re built to resist your inner procrastinator—no sneaky toggling off the restrictions you set up when you’re having a weak moment.
And while we’re on the subject: is it just me, or does manually adding URLs in Screen Time feel like digital purgatory? Why doesn’t Apple let us upload a list or something? But hey, maybe this will help you reflect on just how many sites you mindlessly browse.
Lastly, if you’re into DIY hacks, you could try modifying your Wi-Fi router settings to block sites—yes, that’s an actual thing. But unless you enjoy Googling “how to log into my router” ten times, maybe keep that as your last resort.
So moral of the story: Apple’s built-in feature is okay-ish, but definitely not your only tool. Get creative or go external—your call!
Oh boy, blocking websites on an iPhone—an adventure in the Apple ecosystem that’s half functionality, half puzzle-solving. Sure, the Screen Time steps laid out by others here might handle the basics, but let’s talk about a few extra dimensions they didn’t dive into.
First off, third-party blockers like Freedom or AdGuard are solid choices, but my pick for simplicity and extended control would be Focus. Why? It doesn’t just stop with browsers—it can shield you from your vice-filled apps too, targeting distractions where they hit hardest. The downside? Yes, it comes with a paywall like most apps of its kind, but I’d argue it’s worth it if you need structure for both work and play.
Now let’s pivot. Router-level blocking—suggested earlier—can be great, but it’s a process nobody really wants to do unless you’re a tech-savvy knight with loads of free time. Plus, it blankets all devices on the network, so say goodbye to shared browsing rage when the whole household can’t access Reddit because of your productivity drive.
Want another option? Try DNS-based filtering. Apps like NextDNS or OpenDNS can help you customize blocking without being tied to specific browsers or requiring router access. It’s like a midway point between device-level blocking and full-on network obliteration. But fair warning: tinkering with DNS settings might take a bit of trial and error, so patience is key here.
Where I’ll slightly disagree with @sternenwanderer is the “Allowed Websites Only” setting in Screen Time. Personally, I find that approach too limiting unless you’re, I don’t know, locking down a device for your kid or prepping for an internet detox. It’s a sledgehammer for a problem a scalpel could solve.
To recap quickly (because who doesn’t love a list?):
- Screen Time? Fair start for basic website blocking.
- Apps like Focus or Freedom? Adds flexibility and multi-app/site control. Paid though.
- DNS or router settings? Hardcore, but effective for wider reach.
- Manual URL input? Feels like a Sisyphean task if you’ve got a long list.
Final word? Combine tools instead of sticking to one if you want foolproof productivity armor. Focus for the apps, Screen Time for browsers you trust to follow Apple’s rules. Boom, you’re covered. Just don’t lock yourself out… trust me.