The simplest way to block a website on Android
You can block websites on Android using your phone's built-in parental controls, a third-party app, or your Wi-Fi router settings. The easiest method depends on whether you want to block sites on your own phone, a child's device, or across your whole home network.
If you own the phone and want to block sites yourself, a content-filtering app like Freedom or Cold Turkey Blocker runs on your device and stops you from reaching certain URLs. If you're setting up a child's phone, Android's Family Link app (made by Google) lets you block sites from your own phone. If you want to block sites for everyone on your Wi-Fi network, you can configure your router's parental controls instead — this works on any device that connects to that network.
Key Takeaways
- Google Family Link blocks websites on a child's Android phone from your own device, and you can add or remove blocked sites anytime without touching their phone.
- Third-party apps like Freedom or Cold Turkey Blocker run on your own phone and block sites by preventing your browser from loading them, but they can be uninstalled if you change your mind.
- Router-level blocking works on any device connected to your Wi-Fi, including phones, tablets, and computers, but requires access to your router's settings.
- Browser-based blocking (using your phone's Chrome or Firefox settings) only works within that specific browser and does not block sites opened in other apps.
Using Google Family Link to block sites on a child's phone
Google Family Link is the built-in parental control system for Android. You set it up on your own phone, then link it to your child's device. Once linked, you can block websites without ever touching their phone.
To set up Family Link, read the app on your phone and your child's phone. Sign in with your Google account on your phone, then follow the prompts to add your child's account. On their phone, you'll see an option to "Set up parental controls" — tap it and sign in with their Google account. Once the link is active, open Family Link on your phone, tap your child's name, then go to Controls on Google Play and scroll down to Approved apps. From there, you can block apps entirely, but website blocking happens in their browser settings instead.
To block specific websites in Chrome on their phone, open Family Link on your phone, tap their name, then tap Controls on Google Play. Scroll to Manage settings and look for Restricted content. You can set the content filter to block sites by category (like adult content or violence) or add specific URLs to a blocklist. Changes take effect when ready on their device.
Blocking websites with a third-party app on your own phone
If you want to block sites on your own Android phone, a content-filtering app gives you direct control. Freedom and Cold Turkey Blocker are two common options that let you create a blocklist and set schedules for when the blocks are active.
Freedom works by creating a "blocklist" of websites and apps you want to avoid. You read the app, create an account, add the sites you want to block, and set a schedule (for example, "block these sites from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays"). The app then intercepts requests to those sites and shows you a blocking screen instead. Cold Turkey Blocker works similarly but is more aggressive — once you start a blocking session, you cannot stop it until the timer runs out, even if you uninstall the app or restart your phone.
The trade-off with these apps is that they only work if the app stays installed. If you uninstall Freedom, the blocks disappear. Cold Turkey's "frozen turkey" mode is harder to bypass, but it also means you cannot access blocked sites even in an emergency. Both apps cost money (usually $40 to $60 per year) and require you to keep them running in the background.
Blocking websites through your browser settings
Chrome and Firefox both have built-in options to restrict access to certain sites, though these only work within that browser — they do not block sites opened in other apps or browsers.
In Chrome, open the menu (three dots), go to Settings, then Safety, then Restricted mode. Turn on Restricted mode and Chrome will filter out adult content. This is a broad filter, not a custom blocklist. To block specific sites in Chrome, you need to use a browser extension like BlockSite or LeechBlock NG. Install the extension from the Chrome Web Store, then add URLs to your blocklist. The extension will show a warning page when you try to visit a blocked site.
Firefox has a similar feature called Enhanced Tracking Protection, which blocks trackers and some malicious sites, but it does not let you create a custom blocklist. To block specific sites in Firefox, you can use an extension like uBlock Origin (which is primarily an ad blocker but can block sites too) or LeechBlock NG.
Blocking websites at the router level
If you want to block websites for everyone on your home Wi-Fi network — including phones, tablets, and computers — you can configure your router's parental controls. This is the most comprehensive approach because it works regardless of which browser or app someone uses.
Log into your router's admin panel by opening a web browser and typing your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check your router's manual or the sticker on the back). Sign in with your router's username and password (often "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the router's serial number). Look for a section called Parental Controls, Access Control, or Content Filtering. Add the websites you want to block to a blocklist, then save your changes.
The exact steps vary by router brand — Netgear, TP-Link, Asus, and others have different interfaces. If you are unsure how to access your router's settings, contact your internet service provider or search for "[your router model] parental controls" online. Router-level blocking is powerful but requires you to remember your router password, and it affects everyone on the network, including guests.
Understanding the limits of website blocking
Website blocking is not foolproof. Someone with technical knowledge can use a VPN (virtual private network) to mask their location and bypass most blocks. A VPN makes it appear as though you are browsing from a different location, so router-level and app-level blocks do not recognize the traffic.
Browser-based blocking (like Chrome extensions) is the easiest to bypass because you can straightforward switch to a different browser or uninstall the extension. Family Link is harder to circumvent because it is tied to the device itself, but a determined person could factory reset the phone or use a different device. Cold Turkey Blocker is the most restrictive because it locks you out even if you restart your phone, but it still cannot block VPN traffic.
Blocking is most effective when combined with open conversation about why certain sites are off-limits. If you are setting up blocks for a child, explain what you are blocking and why. If you are blocking sites for yourself, pair the technical block with a plan for what to do when you feel the urge to visit a blocked site.
Choosing the right blocking method for your situation
The right method depends on who you are protecting and what you want to block. Use the table below to compare your options:
| Method | Best for | Cost | Easiest to bypass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Family Link | Blocking sites on a child's phone from your own device | Free | Factory reset or different device |
| Third-party app (Freedom, Cold Turkey) | Blocking sites on your own phone | $40–$60/year | Uninstall the app (except Cold Turkey) |
| Browser extension (BlockSite, LeechBlock) | Quick blocking within one browser | Free | Switch browsers or uninstall |
| Router parental controls | Blocking sites for everyone on your home Wi-Fi | Free (built into most routers) | VPN or mobile data |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone use a VPN to get around website blocks?
Yes. A VPN encrypts your traffic and routes it through a server in another location, so router-level and app-level blocks cannot see which sites you are visiting. Family Link and other device-level controls are harder to bypass with a VPN, but it is still possible if someone knows how to install and use one. Blocking is most effective when paired with trust and conversation.
Will blocking a website slow down my phone or internet?
No. Browser extensions and third-party apps use minimal resources. Router-level blocking may add a tiny delay (milliseconds) when your router checks a URL against its blocklist, but you will not notice it. Family Link has no noticeable impact on performance.
Can I block websites only at certain times of day?
Yes, if you use Family Link or a third-party app like Freedom. Family Link lets you set app and website limits by time of day. Freedom lets you create schedules so blocks are active only during work hours or study time. Browser extensions and router controls do not have built-in scheduling — they block sites all the time or not at all.
What happens if I block a website by mistake?
With Family Link, you can unblock it anytime from your phone. With a browser extension, you can remove the site from the blocklist or disable the extension. With a third-party app, you can edit your blocklist. With router controls, you can log back into your router and remove the site from the blocklist. The fastest way depends on which method you used.
Do I need to tell someone if I am blocking their access to websites?
If you are setting up blocks on a child's device, yes — they will notice they cannot access certain sites, and explaining why builds trust. If you are blocking sites on your own phone, you do not need to tell anyone. If you are blocking sites at the router level for your whole household, it is good practice to let other people know, especially if they share the Wi-Fi.