How to Block Websites on the iPhone

This article explains how to block websites on iPhones, and how to add and remove sites on an approved list.

How to Block Websites in iOS 12 and Up

The iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch include built-in tools that control which websites kids can visit. The feature allows adults to block access to websites, and the settings are protected by a passcode, so a child can't change them.

1. On the iPhone Home screen, tap Settings.

2. Tap Screen Time.

3. Select Content & Privacy Restrictions.

4. Enter a passcode when instructed to do so. It can be any four-digit combination.

   This passcode prevents your children from changing the restrictions you set in place.

5. Turn on the Content & Privacy Restrictions toggle switch. You may be prompted to enter your system passcode to continue.

6. Tap Content Restrictions.

7. Select Web Content.

8. Tap Limit Adult Websites.

9. Exit the Settings app to save the Screen Time settings.

How to Block Websites in iOS 8 Through iOS 11

In iOS 8 through iOS 11, the feature is located in the Restrictions settings.

1. On your iOS device, open the Settings app.

2. Tap General.

3. Tap Restrictions.

4. Enter a four-digit passcode to protect the settings. Use something your kids won't be able to guess.

5. Tap Enable Restrictions. Enter the passcode again to confirm it.

6. On the Restrictions screen, go to the Allowed Content section and tap Websites.

7. Tap Limit Adult Content.

8. Leave the Settings app. Your choice to block adult sites is automatically saved, and the passcode protects it.

While blocking adult content this way is helpful, it's broad. You may find that it blocks sites that aren't adult and lets other sites slip through. Apple can't rate every website on the internet, so it relies on third-party ratings, which aren't perfect. If you're unsatisfied, set up a list containing only the websites they are approved to visit.

Restrict Web Browsing to Approved Sites Only 

Instead of relying on Screen Time (or Restrictions) to filter the entire internet, use the feature to create a set of websites that are the only ones your kids can visit. It gives you more control and is suitable for young children.

This feature is located on the same screen as Limit Adult Content, reachable by following the instructions in either section above.

To add new sites to this list, follow these steps:

1. Scroll to the bottom of the approved websites list and tap Add Website.

2. In the Title text box, enter the name of the website.

3. In the URL text box, enter the website address.

4. Tap Web Content (or Websites) to go back to the previous screen. Repeat for as many sites as you want.

5. Exit the settings. The sites you added are automatically saved. 

Remove Websites From the Approved List

The iPhone is preconfigured with a set of websites that are suitable for children, including Apple, Disney, PBS Kids, National Geographic - Kids, and others.

To remove sites on this list:

1. In the restricted websites screen, tap Allowed Websites Only in iOS 12 (or Specific Websites Only in iOS 8 through iOS 11).

2. Swipe left on any website you want to remove from the approved list, then tap Delete.

3. Repeat for every site you want to delete.

If your kids go to a website not on the approved list, they see a message saying the site is blocked. It contains an Allow Website link so you can add it to the approved list if they ask and you agree, but they can't add it themselves without the passcode.

Other Content Blocking Options

Blocking adult websites isn't the only control you can use on your kids' iPhone or iPad. In these same settings, you can block music with explicit lyrics, prevent in-app purchases, and more using the built-in features available in the Screen Time and Restrictions settings.