How to Block a Website on Safari: Taking Control of Your Digital Space

I've been using Safari since the days when it was still trying to convince Windows users it was worth a shot. Over the years, I've watched it evolve from a simple browser into something that actually understands our complicated relationship with the internet. And let's be honest – sometimes we need to put up boundaries.

Whether you're trying to keep your kids away from certain corners of the web, attempting to break your own Reddit addiction (guilty as charged), or managing a workplace where productivity matters, blocking websites on Safari has become an essential skill. The beautiful thing is, Apple has given us multiple ways to do this, each with its own personality and purpose.

The Built-in Screen Time Method: Apple's Gift to Digital Wellness

When Apple introduced Screen Time, I remember thinking it was just another parental control feature I'd never use. Boy, was I wrong. This tool has become my go-to method for website blocking, and not just for managing my nephew's YouTube habits.

To access Screen Time on your Mac, you'll need to venture into System Preferences (or System Settings if you're on Ventura or later – Apple loves keeping us on our toes with naming conventions). Click on Screen Time, and if you haven't set it up yet, you'll need to turn it on. Don't worry about the "This is a child's Mac" option unless, well, it actually is.

Once you're in, navigate to Content & Privacy. This is where the magic happens. Click on "Limit Adult Websites" and you'll see options to customize allowed and restricted websites. The interface is surprisingly intuitive – just click the plus button under "Restricted" and type in the URLs you want to block.

What I particularly appreciate about this method is its persistence. Unlike browser extensions that can be easily disabled, Screen Time restrictions require your system password to change. It's like having a bouncer for your browser who doesn't take bribes.

The iOS Safari Dance: Different Device, Similar Steps

On your iPhone or iPad, the process follows a similar rhythm but with that distinctly iOS flavor. Head to Settings, tap Screen Time, then Content & Privacy Restrictions. Make sure the toggle is on (it's one of those satisfying green switches), then tap Content Restrictions and Web Content.

Here's where iOS shows its mobile-first thinking. You get three options: Unrestricted Access, Limit Adult Websites, or Allowed Websites Only. That last option is nuclear – it blocks everything except your approved list. I once set this up for a friend's kid and forgot to add educational sites. Let's just say I learned the importance of thorough whitelisting that day.

The "Limit Adult Websites" option is more flexible. Below it, you can add specific sites to either the "Always Allow" or "Never Allow" lists. Pro tip: add the mobile versions of sites too (like m.facebook.com) because Safari on iOS is clever enough to redirect to mobile sites automatically.

Router-Level Blocking: The Nuclear Option

Sometimes you need to go beyond individual devices. Maybe you're running a small office, or perhaps you've got a household full of devices and don't fancy configuring each one individually. This is where router-level blocking becomes your best friend.

Every router is different – it's like snowflakes, but less poetic and more frustrating. Generally, you'll need to access your router's admin panel by typing its IP address into Safari (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's sticker).

Once you're in, look for sections labeled "Access Control," "Parental Controls," or "Website Filtering." My Netgear router hides this under "Security," because apparently blocking Facebook is a matter of national security. Add the domains you want to block, save your settings, and boom – every device on your network is affected.

The beauty of router-level blocking is its comprehensiveness. The downside? It's like using a sledgehammer to hang a picture. Everyone on your network gets the same restrictions, which can lead to some interesting dinner conversations when your partner can't access their favorite shopping site.

Third-Party Extensions: The Wild West of Website Blocking

Safari's extension ecosystem isn't as vast as Chrome's, but what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. Apps like 1Blocker, AdGuard, and BlockSite offer sophisticated blocking capabilities that go beyond simple URL filtering.

I've been using 1Blocker for years, initially for ad blocking, but its custom rules feature is phenomenal for website blocking. You can block entire domains, specific pages, or even elements within pages. Want to block just the comments section on news sites to preserve your sanity? 1Blocker's got you covered.

To install these extensions, you'll need to download them from the Mac App Store (yes, Safari extensions now come through the App Store – Apple's walled garden extends everywhere). Once installed, you'll need to enable them in Safari's preferences under the Extensions tab. Each extension has its own interface for adding blocked sites, usually accessible through a toolbar button or the extension's preferences.

The Parental Controls Legacy: A Blast from the Past

Before Screen Time came along, macOS had Parental Controls. While Apple has been pushing everyone toward Screen Time, the old Parental Controls still exist in some versions of macOS, lurking in System Preferences like a digital artifact.

If you're running an older version of macOS (pre-Catalina), you might find Parental Controls more straightforward for basic website blocking. Create a managed account, click on Web, and choose "Try to limit access to adult websites automatically." You can then customize the allowed and blocked sites lists.

The interesting thing about Parental Controls was its attempt at automatic filtering. It would try to identify and block adult content without explicit configuration. In practice, it was about as reliable as weather forecasts – sometimes spot on, often hilariously wrong. I once found it had blocked a cooking blog because of "hot" and "breasts" appearing in a chicken recipe.

Focus Modes and Website Blocking: The Productivity Angle

With iOS 15 and macOS Monterey, Apple introduced Focus modes, and while they don't directly block websites, they've changed how I think about digital boundaries. You can't specifically block Safari sites through Focus, but you can limit Safari entirely during certain Focus modes.

This indirect approach has actually been more effective for me than traditional blocking. When my Work Focus is on, Safari simply isn't available unless I've specifically allowed it. It's like hiding the cookie jar instead of putting a lock on it – sometimes the extra friction is all you need.

The Psychology of Blocking: Why We Need These Tools

Here's something the technical guides won't tell you: the act of blocking a website is as much about acknowledging our own weaknesses as it is about technical implementation. Every site I've blocked tells a story about a struggle with distraction, temptation, or digital overwhelm.

I've blocked and unblocked Twitter more times than I care to admit. Each time I block it, I feel empowered, taking control of my digital life. Each time I unblock it, usually to check something "important," I'm reminded that willpower is a finite resource. That's why these technical solutions matter – they're the digital equivalent of not keeping junk food in the house.

Limitations and Workarounds: The Honest Truth

Let's address the elephant in the room: determined users can bypass most of these blocks. Using a different browser, VPN services, or proxy sites can circumvent Safari-specific blocks. Router-level blocks can be defeated by mobile data. Screen Time can be reset if someone knows your password.

But here's the thing – perfect security isn't the goal. These blocks are speed bumps, not walls. They create friction, that moment of pause where you question whether you really need to access that blocked site. Often, that's enough.

I've found that the most effective approach combines multiple methods. Use Screen Time for system-wide protection, add router-level blocking for network-wide coverage, and throw in a browser extension for granular control. It's like layering clothes for winter – each layer adds protection.

The Mobile Web Challenge: When Safari Isn't the Only Door

On iOS devices, the challenge extends beyond Safari. Many apps have built-in browsers (I'm looking at you, Twitter and Facebook), and these can bypass Safari's restrictions. The only real solution here is to use Screen Time's app-level restrictions to block the apps entirely during certain times.

This interconnectedness of the modern web means that blocking a website often requires thinking beyond the browser. Want to truly block Facebook? You'll need to block the website, the app, Messenger, Instagram (owned by Facebook), and probably WhatsApp too. It's like playing digital whack-a-mole.

Making Peace with Digital Boundaries

After years of experimenting with website blocking, I've learned that the most successful approach isn't about creating an impenetrable fortress. It's about designing an environment that supports your goals.

Sometimes I block sites permanently (goodbye, certain news sites that only raise my blood pressure). Sometimes I use temporary blocks during work hours. And sometimes, I realize that the problem isn't the website – it's my relationship with it. In those cases, no amount of technical blocking will solve the underlying issue.

The tools Apple provides through Safari and macOS/iOS are sophisticated enough for most needs. Whether you're a parent trying to create a safer online environment, a professional seeking better focus, or just someone trying to build healthier digital habits, the combination of Screen Time, router controls, and third-party extensions offers a robust toolkit.

Remember, the goal isn't to turn the internet into a sterile, controlled environment. It's to create boundaries that serve your purposes. Use these tools wisely, adjust them as your needs change, and don't be too hard on yourself when you need to make exceptions. After all, the internet is a tool, and like any tool, it's most useful when we control how we use it, not the other way around.

Authoritative Sources:

Apple Inc. macOS User Guide. Apple Support, 2023. support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/welcome/mac.

Apple Inc. iPhone User Guide. Apple Support, 2023. support.apple.com/guide/iphone/welcome/ios.

Griffith, Eric. The Mac Security Bible. Wiley Publishing, 2022.

Pogue, David. macOS Ventura: The Missing Manual. O'Reilly Media, 2023.

Rosenzweig, Gary. MacMost Guide to Switching to the Mac. MacMost Publishing, 2022.