How to Block Websites on iPhone and iPad

This guide shows you how to block specific websites on your iPhone or iPad using the built-in Screen Time feature. You can block sites in Safari and other browsers, restrict adult content, and even create a list of allowed websites for younger users. No extra apps or purchases are needed.

What You’ll Need

An iPhone or iPad running iOS 12 or later (the steps are the same on current versions)
The device passcode (the one used to unlock the device) or your Screen Time passcode if you already set one up
For family sharing: the family organizer’s Apple ID credentials if you are managing a child’s device

Step-by-Step

Open Settings. Tap the gray gear icon on your home screen.
Go to Screen Time. Scroll down and tap “Screen Time.” It is usually in the third group of settings, below “Do Not Disturb.”
Turn on Screen Time if it is off. If you see a screen explaining what Screen Time does, tap “Continue,” then “This is My iPhone” or “This is My Child’s iPhone.” If you have never used it, you will be asked to set a Screen Time passcode. This is different from your device passcode and prevents someone from changing your restrictions. Choose a 4-digit code you will remember, then enter it twice.
Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. This is about halfway down the Screen Time menu. If it is off, toggle it on. You will be asked for your Screen Time passcode.
Tap Content Restrictions. This is the second option in the list, below “iTunes & App Store Purchases.”
Tap Web Content. It is near the bottom of the list, under “Allowed Apps.”
Choose a restriction level. You have three options:
- Unrestricted Access: All websites are allowed. This is the default.
- Limit Adult Websites: Apple’s filter automatically blocks known adult content. You can then add specific sites to “Always Allow” or “Never Allow.”
- Allowed Websites Only: Only the sites in the list below are accessible. This is the strictest option, ideal for a child’s device. Any site not listed will be blocked.
To block a specific site (when using “Limit Adult Websites”): Tap “Never Allow” under the list. Tap “Add Website.” Type the full web address (for example, www.example.com) and tap “Done.” The site is now blocked in Safari and most other browsers.
To block a specific site (when using “Allowed Websites Only”): You cannot block a single site here because everything is blocked by default. Instead, tap “Add Website” under the “Only Allowed Websites” list and add the sites you want to permit. Every other site will be blocked automatically.
Exit Settings. Your changes are saved instantly. Try opening the blocked site in Safari to confirm it is no longer accessible.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting the Screen Time passcode. If you forget it, you will need to erase the device and restore from a backup, or use your Apple ID to reset it after a waiting period. Write it down somewhere safe.
Blocking the wrong address. Some sites use multiple domains. Blocking example.com may not block www.example.org or m.example.com. Add all the domains the site uses.
Assuming it works in every app. Screen Time’s web filter works in Safari and most browsers that use the system web engine. Some third-party apps with their own built-in browsers (like an in-app link viewer) may bypass it. There is no way to block sites inside those apps without blocking the app itself.
Not setting a passcode. If you enable restrictions without a Screen Time passcode, anyone can go into Settings and turn the restrictions off. Always set the passcode.
Using “Allowed Websites Only” without adding sites. If you pick this option and the list is empty, the browser will block everything, including the sites you want to use. Add your essential sites first.

Tips

Use the “Always Allow” list for trusted sites. When using “Limit Adult Websites,” you can add sites to “Always Allow” to make sure the filter never blocks them accidentally.
Set up Screen Time for a child’s device. If you are managing a child’s iPhone or iPad through Family Sharing, you can set up Screen Time remotely from your own device. Go to Settings > Screen Time > your child’s name, and adjust the web restrictions from there.
Block all adult content first. Instead of listing every site you want to block, choose “Limit Adult Websites” and let Apple’s filter do the heavy lifting. Then add any specific sites that slip through.
Use a downtime schedule. If you want to block sites only at certain times (like during homework), set up “Downtime” in Screen Time. During downtime, only apps and sites you explicitly allow will work.
Check the filter regularly. New sites appear all the time. Review the “Never Allow” list periodically to make sure it still matches what you want blocked.

Troubleshooting

The blocked site still opens. First, close Safari completely (swipe up from the bottom and swipe the Safari card away). Then reopen it. If it still works, go back to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Web Content and confirm your selection is saved. Also check if the site is in the “Always Allow” list by accident.
The “Never Allow” option is grayed out. This happens when you have selected “Allowed Websites Only.” In that mode, there is no “Never Allow” list because everything is blocked by default. Switch to “Limit Adult Websites” if you want to block only specific sites.
You forgot the Screen Time passcode. On the passcode entry screen, tap “Forgot Passcode?” You can then enter your Apple ID password to reset it, but you may have to wait up to a minute or longer. If that does not work, you will need to erase the device and restore from a backup made before the passcode was set.
The website is blocked but you want it allowed. Go to the same Web Content settings and remove the site from “Never Allow” or add it to “Always Allow.” Changes take effect immediately.
Restrictions are not applying to a specific app. Some apps have their own content filters that ignore Screen Time. For those, you may need to block the entire app using “App Limits” in Screen Time, or check the app’s own parental controls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does blocking a website in Screen Time work in Chrome or Firefox? Yes, for the most part. On iOS, all browsers are required to use Apple’s WebKit engine, so Screen Time’s web filter applies to them. However, some apps with embedded browsers may not be affected.

Can I block a website without using Screen Time? Not directly. There is no per-site block setting in Safari’s own preferences. Screen Time is the built-in method. Third-party apps like parental control apps can do it, but they usually require a subscription and may use a VPN profile.

Will the block work if the user clears Safari history or resets the device? The block is tied to your Apple ID and device settings, not to browser history. Clearing history does not remove the block. A full device erase and restore from a backup will keep the block. Setting up as a new device without restoring will remove it.

Can I block a website on my child’s iPhone from my own phone? Yes, if you are the family organizer and your child’s device is part of your Family Sharing group. Go to Settings > Screen Time on your device, tap your child’s name, then follow the same steps.

What does “Limit Adult Websites” actually block? Apple maintains a dynamic list of known adult content domains. It is not perfect, and some sites may slip through. That is why the “Never Allow” list exists. For stricter control, use “Allowed Websites Only.”

Does blocking a website stop it from showing up in search results? No. The site will still appear in search results in Safari or Google. When you tap the link, it will show a message saying it is blocked. To hide it from results entirely, you would need a separate search filter.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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