The simplest way to block a website on iPhone

You can block websites on iPhone using the built-in Screen Time feature, which lets you restrict access to specific sites across Safari and apps. Open Settings, tap Screen Time, then Content & Privacy Restrictions, then Web Content, and add the sites you want to block to the "Never Allow" list. This works for any website you type into Safari or any app that opens web pages.

The block applies to anyone using that iPhone unless they know your Screen Time passcode — a four-digit code you create separately from your regular passcode. If you forget this passcode, you will need to erase the iPhone and set it up again, so write it down somewhere safe.

This method blocks the site itself, not just hiding it from view. When someone tries to visit a blocked site, they see a message saying the site is restricted, and Safari will not load the page.

Key Takeaways

  • Screen Time's Web Content restrictions block specific websites across Safari and all apps that open web pages.
  • You set a separate Screen Time passcode to prevent someone from removing the blocks without your permission.
  • Blocked sites show a restriction message instead of loading, so the block is visible rather than hidden.
  • You can allow certain sites while blocking everything else, or block specific sites while allowing everything else.
  • If you need to block content on someone else's iPhone, you must have access to their passcode or be their parent in Family Sharing.

Setting up Screen Time restrictions step by step

Start by opening the Settings app on the iPhone. Scroll down and tap Screen Time. If this is your first time using Screen Time, tap "Continue" and choose whether this is your own iPhone or a child's device — this affects how the passcode works.

Once you are in Screen Time, tap Content & Privacy Restrictions near the bottom. You will see a toggle at the top — make sure it is turned on (it should be green). Then tap Web Content.

You now see three options: "Unrestricted Access", "Limit Adult Websites", and "Allowed Websites Only". Choose based on what you want to do. If you want to block a few specific sites while allowing everything else, choose "Limit Adult Websites" and scroll down to "Never Allow". If you want to block almost everything except a few sites, choose "Allowed Websites Only" and add only the sites you trust.

Tap the option you chose, then tap "Add a Website" or the plus button. Type the exact web address — for example, facebook.com or youtube.com. Do not include "https://" or "www." unless the site specifically requires it. Add each site you want to block one at a time.

Creating a Screen Time passcode to lock your restrictions

After you add sites to block, you need to create a Screen Time passcode so someone cannot remove the blocks by going back into Settings. This passcode is separate from your regular iPhone passcode.

While still in Screen Time settings, scroll to the top and tap Use Screen Time Passcode. Enter a four-digit code twice to confirm it. Write this code down in a safe place — if you forget it, you cannot change your restrictions without erasing the entire iPhone.

If you set up Screen Time as a parent managing a child's device, you will also create an Apple ID password for that child's account. This adds another layer of security and lets you manage restrictions from your own iPhone through Family Sharing.

Blocking websites in Safari-only mode

If you only want to block sites in Safari and not in other apps, you can use Safari's built-in Frequently Visited blocking feature, though this is less reliable than Screen Time. Open Safari, tap the Bookmarks icon (the open book), then tap the History tab. Long-press any site you want to remove from suggestions and tap "Remove".

This does not actually block the site — it just removes it from Safari's suggestions. Someone can still type the address directly and visit it. For real blocking, Screen Time is the only built-in option.

Some third-party apps like 1Blocker or AdGuard offer more advanced blocking through content filters, but these require Screen Time permission to install and work differently than the native method. They are useful if you need to block ads or trackers across all apps, not just specific websites.

What happens when someone tries to visit a blocked site

When a blocked site is accessed, Safari shows a message saying "This website is restricted" and displays a note about Screen Time restrictions. The page does not load at all. The person cannot bypass this by refreshing, opening a private tab, or trying a different browser — the block applies system-wide.

If the site is blocked because you chose "Allowed Websites Only", the message is the same. If someone knows your Screen Time passcode, they can go back into Settings and remove the block, so keep that passcode private.

Removing or changing blocked sites later

To change your blocked sites, open Settings, tap Screen Time, then Content & Privacy Restrictions, then Web Content. Find the site you want to remove in the "Never Allow" list and swipe left on it, then tap the red Delete button. You will need to enter your Screen Time passcode to make changes.

If you want to switch from blocking specific sites to blocking everything except certain sites, tap Web Content again and choose "Allowed Websites Only" instead of "Limit Adult Websites". This changes the entire restriction mode, so plan which approach works better for your situation before you switch.

If you forget your Screen Time passcode and need to change restrictions, you must erase the iPhone using a computer with Finder (on Mac) or iTunes (on Windows), then set it up again. This erases all data, so recovery is not straightforward — this is why writing down your passcode matters.

Using Family Sharing to manage blocks on someone else's iPhone

If you are a parent and want to manage restrictions on your child's iPhone, set up Family Sharing through Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing. Add your child's Apple ID, then on their iPhone, go to Settings > Screen Time and choose "This is my child's iPhone". This links their device to your account.

Once linked, you can manage their Screen Time restrictions from your own iPhone without needing their passcode. Open Settings > Screen Time, tap "Family", select your child's name, and adjust their Web Content restrictions. Changes sync automatically to their device.

Family Sharing also lets you see how much time they spend on apps and set daily limits. If they try to change restrictions on their own iPhone, they will need your approval, and you can deny it remotely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone unblock a website if they know my passcode?

Yes. If someone has your Screen Time passcode, they can go into Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Web Content and remove any site from your blocked list. Keep your passcode private and do not share it. If you are managing a child's device through Family Sharing, they cannot change restrictions without your approval, even if they know the passcode.

Does blocking a website in Screen Time also block it in apps?

Yes. Screen Time blocks the website across Safari and any app that opens web pages, including social media apps, email, and messaging apps. The block applies system-wide, not just in Safari.

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

Open Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Web Content, find the site in your blocked list, swipe left on it, and tap Delete. You will need your Screen Time passcode. The site will be unblocked when ready.

Can I block a website on someone else's iPhone without their passcode?

Only if you are their parent and they are linked to your Family Sharing account. Otherwise, you need either their Screen Time passcode or physical access to their iPhone to set up restrictions. You cannot manage restrictions remotely without Family Sharing.

Does "Limit Adult Websites" actually block adult content automatically?

It attempts to filter adult sites using Apple's content classification, but it is not perfect. Some adult sites slip through, and some legitimate sites get blocked by mistake. For more precise control, use "Never Allow" to manually add specific sites you want blocked.