The simplest way to block sites on iPad

You can block websites on iPad using the built-in Screen Time feature, which lets you restrict access to specific sites without installing anything extra. Open Settings, tap Screen Time, then Content & Privacy Restrictions. Turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions, go to Web Content, and choose Limit Adult Websites or Allowed Websites Only. If you choose Limit Adult Websites, you can add specific sites to a blocklist. If you choose Allowed Websites Only, you create a list of sites you can visit and block everything else.

The blocklist approach works when ready — when someone tries to visit a blocked site, Safari shows a message saying the site is restricted. This method works across all browsers on that iPad, including Safari, Chrome, and Firefox, because the restriction happens at the device level, not in any single app.

Key Takeaways

  • Screen Time's Content & Privacy Restrictions block sites across all browsers on your iPad without needing extra apps or passwords to manage.
  • You can either block specific sites you name, or allow only sites you name and block everything else.
  • Setting a Screen Time passcode prevents someone from turning off the restrictions or changing the blocklist without your permission.
  • If you forget your Screen Time passcode, you must erase the iPad and set it up again — Apple cannot reset it for you.

Setting up a blocklist for specific sites

To block individual websites, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Web Content and select Limit Adult Websites. Scroll down to the Never Allow section and tap the plus sign. Type in the web address of the site you want to block — use the full address like example.com, not just "example." You can add as many sites as you need.

This method lets people visit most of the internet freely but stops them from reaching the sites you named. It works well if you want to block a handful of specific sites — a gaming site, a social media platform, or a shopping site — while keeping the rest of the web open. The block applies whether someone uses Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or any other browser.

Using Allowed Websites Only to restrict browsing

If you want tighter control, choose Allowed Websites Only instead of Limit Adult Websites. This approach blocks everything except the sites you specifically permit. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Web Content, select Allowed Websites Only, and tap Add Website under the Allowed Websites section. Type in each site you want to allow.

This method is more restrictive and requires more maintenance — you have to add every site someone might want to visit. It works well for children's iPads or shared devices where you want to limit browsing to educational sites, news outlets, or a small set of approved destinations. Anyone trying to visit a site not on your list will see a blocked message.

Protecting your restrictions with a passcode

Once you set up your blocklist, create a Screen Time passcode so someone cannot turn off the restrictions or change which sites are blocked. In the Screen Time settings, tap Change Screen Time Passcode and choose Set Up Screen Time Passcode. Enter a four-digit code twice. Do not use your iPad's regular unlock code — use something different that only you know.

Without this passcode, anyone with access to Settings can open Screen Time and remove your blocks. With the passcode in place, they cannot change the restrictions without entering the code. If you forget your Screen Time passcode, the only way to reset it is to erase the entire iPad and set it up again — Apple does not have a way to recover a forgotten passcode.

What happens when someone tries to visit a blocked site

When a blocked site is accessed, Safari (or another browser) shows a message saying the site is restricted and cannot be opened. The message does not explain why — it just says the site is blocked. The person cannot bypass this block by typing the address differently, using a different browser, or clearing the browser history.

If you used Allowed Websites Only, the same blocked message appears for any site not on your list. There is no way around the restriction without the Screen Time passcode. This makes the feature reliable for enforcing the boundaries you set, though it also means you need to maintain the list as needs change.

Other ways to block sites if Screen Time does not fit your needs

Some people use a router-level filter instead, which blocks sites for all devices on your home network rather than just one iPad. Your router's settings let you block domains before they reach any device. This approach works across phones, computers, and tablets without setting up restrictions on each device separately, but it requires access to your router's admin panel and affects everyone on the network.

Third-party apps like 1Blocker, Pricetag, or Weblock offer more advanced filtering — they can block sites based on category, time of day, or keyword. These apps cost money and require installation, but they give you more granular control than Screen Time. For most situations, Screen Time is enough and does not require a subscription.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone unblock a site if they know the Screen Time passcode?

Yes. If someone has your Screen Time passcode, they can open Settings, go to Screen Time, and remove any site from your blocklist or turn off Content & Privacy Restrictions entirely. The passcode is the only protection — keep it private and use something nobody can guess.

Will blocking a site stop it from appearing in search results?

No. Blocking a site prevents access to the site itself, but it does not hide the site from Google search results or other search engines. Someone can still see the site listed in search results — they just cannot open it. If you want to hide search results too, you need a different tool like a router filter or a third-party app.

Does blocking a site on iPad also block it on iPhone?

Only if both devices use the same Apple ID and you have turned on iCloud sync for Screen Time. Otherwise, restrictions are device-specific. You must set up the blocklist separately on each device. Check Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud to see if Screen Time is synced across your devices.

What if I block a site by mistake and need to unblock it?

Open Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Web Content. Find the site in your Never Allow list (or Allowed Websites list if you are using that mode), tap Edit, and swipe left on the site name to delete it. You will need your Screen Time passcode to make changes.

Can I block sites only during certain hours?

Screen Time's blocklist does not have a time-based option — blocked sites stay blocked all day. However, Screen Time does have App Limits and Downtime features that restrict all app and web use during certain hours. If you need time-based blocking for specific sites, a third-party app or router filter may work better.