This guide covers three main methods: using Apple’s built-in Screen Time, using Third-Party Apps, and Network-Level blocking.

Method 1: Using Built-in Screen Time (Standard)

Apple’s Screen Time is the most reliable way to block websites because it works across all browsers installed on your device (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc.).

1. Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap on Screen Time.
  3. If you haven’t enabled it yet, tap Turn On Screen Time.
  4. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and toggle the switch to On.
  5. (Optional but Recommended) Set a Screen Time Passcode to prevent others (or yourself) from easily reversing these changes.

2. Configure Web Content Filtering

  1. Inside the Content & Privacy Restrictions menu, tap Content Restrictions.
  2. Tap Web Content. You will see three options:
    • Unrestricted Access: No websites are blocked.
    • Limit Adult Websites: Automatically filters out many adult-themed sites.
    • Allowed Websites Only: This is the “White List” mode. It blocks everything except for a few sites you explicitly allow.

3. Block Specific URLs (Blacklisting)

If you want to block a specific site (like Facebook or a news outlet) while leaving the rest of the web open:

  1. Select Limit Adult Websites.
  2. Scroll down to the Never Allow section.
  3. Tap Add Website.
  4. Type in the URL (e.g., www.example.com) and tap Done.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps (For Focus & Productivity)

If you find Screen Time too easy to bypass or if you need features like “Scheduled Blocking,” third-party apps are a better choice.

  • AppBlock & Refocus: These apps allow you to set “Quick Blocks” for specific times of the day. For example, you can block distracting websites only during work hours (9 AM – 5 PM).
  • One Sec: This app is unique because it forces you to take a deep breath before opening a distracting site. It breaks the “instant gratification” loop of mindless browsing.
  • Freedom: One of the most popular cross-platform tools that can block websites across your iPhone, Mac, and Windows computer simultaneously.

Method 3: DNS Filtering (Network-Level)

If you want to block content without configuring every single device manually, you can change your DNS settings. This is particularly effective for blocking adult content or malware across your entire home network.

  1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
  2. Tap the “i” icon next to your connected network.
  3. Tap Configure DNS and select Manual.
  4. Add a family-safe DNS server, such as Cloudflare for Families:
    • Primary: 1.1.1.3
    • Secondary: 1.0.0.3
  5. This will automatically block malware and adult content for that specific Wi-Fi connection.

Summary Table

GoalBest MethodPros
Parental ControlScreen TimeFree, built-in, hard to bypass with a passcode.
ProductivityThird-Party AppsFlexible schedules, focus modes, better UI.
Privacy/SecurityDNS FilteringBlocks trackers and malware at the source.
Total Lockdown“Allowed Websites Only”Maximum safety; only specifically chosen sites work.

Pro-Tip: Check Your Browser Extensions

Starting with iOS 15, Safari supports extensions. You can download “Content Blockers” from the App Store that work specifically within Safari to hide ads or block specific domains with a single tap.