Have you ever felt that your iPhone was a distraction machine? Perhaps you wish to limit your social media use or protect your children from inappropriate content. Whatever the cause, blocking websites on your iPhone is an excellent method to recover control over your browsing experience.
Whether you want to monitor screen time and avoid particular websites, or you want to set certain limits on your child’s device, there is an easy way to block sites on your iPhone.
If it’s the former, you can set up parental controls on your iPhone, but bear in mind that they’re not a perfect answer. However, if you want to know how to filter websites so they do not appear in Safari, here’s an easy solution.
This guide will walk you through two methods for blocking websites on your iPhone: using Screen Time and configuring DNS settings.
Method 1: Using Screen Time
Screen Time is a built-in iPhone feature that allows you to manage app usage and set restrictions. Here’s how to use Screen Time to block websites:
- Open Settings and tap on Screen Time.
- If you haven’t already set up Screen Time, tap Turn On Screen Time. Otherwise, proceed to the next step.
- Choose This is My iPhone or This is My Child’s iPhone.
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions by tapping the toggle switch.
- Tap Content Restrictions.
- Now, you have two options for blocking websites:
- Limit Adult Websites: This option automatically filters out websites that Apple identifies as adult content.
- Block Specific Websites: To block specific websites, tap on Web Content and then Never Allow. Here, you can add the URLs of the websites you want to block. Tap Add Website and enter the URL.
Method 2: Configuring DNS Settings
This method involves changing your DNS settings to a service that blocks specific websites. It’s a more technical approach, but it can be effective if you need more granular control over what websites are blocked.
Important Note: Before proceeding with this method, it’s important to be aware that some Wi-Fi networks may not allow you to change DNS settings.
Here’s a general guideline for configuring DNS settings (consult your internet service provider for specific instructions):
- Open Settings and tap on Wi-Fi.
- Tap the ⓘ icon next to your connected Wi-Fi network.
- Tap on Configure DNS.
- Choose Manual.
- Enter the IP addresses of the DNS servers you want to use. You can find a list of DNS servers with website blocking capabilities through a web search.
Remember: Blocking websites is just one way to manage your iPhone usage. Consider combining it with other techniques, such as setting app time restrictions or installing website blocks on your computer.
By using these steps, you can gain control over your iPhone browsing and create a more focused and productive digital experience.