How to Block Sites on iPhone: Taking Control of Your Digital Space in Ways Apple Doesn't Always Make Obvious
I've been helping people manage their digital lives for over a decade, and one question keeps popping up with surprising regularity: how do you actually block websites on an iPhone? You'd think Apple would make this straightforward, but like many things in the iOS ecosystem, there's a bit of a dance involved.
The truth is, blocking websites on your iPhone isn't just about parental controls anymore. Maybe you're trying to break a doom-scrolling habit, or perhaps you need to focus during work hours without the siren call of social media. Whatever your reason, I'm going to walk you through every method I've discovered, including some that Apple doesn't exactly advertise.
The Built-in Screen Time Method (The One Apple Actually Wants You to Use)
Let me start with the official approach. Screen Time arrived with iOS 12, and while it was marketed primarily as a way for parents to manage their kids' device usage, it's actually quite powerful for self-regulation too.
To access Screen Time, you'll need to dive into Settings. Once there, tap on Screen Time – if you haven't set it up before, you'll need to enable it first. The system will ask if this is your iPhone or your child's. Even if you're setting this up for yourself, I sometimes recommend choosing "This is My Child's iPhone" because it gives you more restrictive options. A bit of a workaround, but it works.
Once you're in, look for "Content & Privacy Restrictions." This is where the magic happens. Enable it, and then tap on "Content Restrictions." From there, select "Web Content." You'll see several options, but the one you want is either "Limit Adult Websites" or "Allowed Websites Only."
Now, here's where it gets interesting. If you choose "Limit Adult Websites," you can actually add specific sites to a block list. Just scroll down and tap "Add Website" under the "Never Allow" section. Type in the URL of the site you want to block. The system is pretty smart about variations – if you block "facebook.com," it'll also block "m.facebook.com" and other subdomains.
One quirk I've noticed: sometimes you need to be specific about whether to include "www" or not. I usually add both versions just to be safe. It's a minor annoyance, but better safe than sorry when you're trying to avoid temptation.
The Nuclear Option: Allowed Websites Only
If you really need to lock things down, the "Allowed Websites Only" option is your friend. This flips the script entirely – instead of blocking specific sites, you're only allowing access to sites you've explicitly approved. It's extreme, but sometimes extreme situations call for extreme measures.
I once worked with a graduate student who was struggling to finish their dissertation. They set up their iPhone to only allow access to their university library, email, and a handful of research databases. It was digital minimalism at its finest, and it worked. They finished their dissertation two months ahead of schedule.
DNS-Based Blocking (The Power User's Choice)
Here's where things get a bit more technical, but stick with me – it's not as complicated as it sounds. DNS (Domain Name System) is basically the phone book of the internet. When you type in a website address, DNS translates it into the IP address your device actually connects to.
By using a custom DNS service that includes filtering capabilities, you can block websites at a deeper level than Screen Time allows. Services like OpenDNS, CleanBrowsing, or AdGuard DNS offer this functionality.
To set this up, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the "i" icon next to your connected network, then scroll down to "Configure DNS." Change it from "Automatic" to "Manual," delete any existing entries, and add the DNS servers from your chosen service.
The beauty of this method? It works across all browsers and apps on your device. The downside? It only works on that specific Wi-Fi network. When you switch to cellular data or a different Wi-Fi network, you'll need to configure it again. Also, savvy users can easily bypass this by switching back to automatic DNS, so it's more of a speed bump than a roadblock.
Third-Party Apps: The Wild West of Website Blocking
The App Store has dozens of apps claiming to block websites, but honestly, most of them are pretty limited due to iOS restrictions. Apple doesn't allow apps to have system-wide control over web traffic the way they can on Android or desktop operating systems.
That said, some apps work within these constraints cleverly. Apps like Freedom or BlockSite create VPN profiles that route your traffic through their servers, allowing them to filter out blocked sites. It's a bit like hiring a bouncer for your internet connection.
I've had mixed experiences with these apps. Freedom, in particular, has been reliable for me, but it does come with a subscription fee. The free alternatives often bombard you with ads or have limited functionality. You get what you pay for, as they say.
The Safari-Specific Approach
If you primarily use Safari and don't need system-wide blocking, you can use Safari's built-in restrictions. This is actually buried in the Screen Time settings too, under Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Web Content.
But here's a lesser-known trick: you can also use Safari's Reader View as a sort of soft block. For sites that distract you with their design or sidebar content, automatically enabling Reader View can make them less appealing to browse mindlessly. It's not a true block, but sometimes reducing the dopamine hit is enough.
Focus Modes: The Newest Kid on the Block
With iOS 15, Apple introduced Focus modes, and while they don't directly block websites, they can be configured to limit which apps you can access during certain times. It's a more holistic approach to digital wellness.
I've set up a "Deep Work" focus that only allows access to specific apps. While it doesn't block websites within Safari, it does hide Safari entirely during my focused work sessions. Sometimes the best way to avoid temptation is to make it slightly inconvenient.
The Reality Check
Let's be honest for a moment. Any blocking system you set up on your own device can be bypassed by... you. It's like hiding cookies on the top shelf – you know where they are, and you can get them if you really want to.
The real value in these blocking methods isn't creating an impenetrable fortress. It's about adding friction to behaviors you want to change. Every extra step between you and that distracting website is a moment for your better judgment to kick in.
I've found that the most effective approach is often a combination of methods. Use Screen Time for the heavy lifting, add DNS filtering for an extra layer, and maybe throw in a Focus mode for good measure. It's like wearing both a belt and suspenders – redundant, perhaps, but effective.
A Personal Note on Digital Boundaries
Over the years, I've noticed that people often feel embarrassed about needing to block websites. There's this idea that we should all have perfect self-control, that needing technical assistance is somehow a failure.
That's nonsense. We live in an age where billion-dollar companies employ teams of neuroscientists and behavioral psychologists to make their platforms as addictive as possible. Using tools to level the playing field isn't weakness – it's wisdom.
I still block Reddit during my work hours. Not because I hate Reddit, but because I know myself well enough to recognize that "just checking one thread" can turn into an hour-long rabbit hole. The block isn't perfect – I could disable it anytime – but it's enough to make me pause and reconsider.
The Unexpected Benefits
What surprises many people is how blocking websites can actually improve their relationship with those sites. When you can only access social media during designated times, you tend to use it more intentionally. Instead of mindless scrolling, you engage more meaningfully.
One friend described it as the difference between having a glass of wine with dinner versus keeping an open bottle on your desk all day. Same substance, completely different relationship.
Looking Forward
Apple seems to be gradually expanding these features with each iOS update. The introduction of Focus modes and the expansion of Screen Time features suggest they're taking digital wellness more seriously. I wouldn't be surprised if future versions of iOS include more granular website blocking options.
Until then, we work with what we have. And honestly? What we have is pretty good, once you know where to look and how to combine the available tools.
The key is to start somewhere. Pick one method, try it for a week, and see how it feels. You can always adjust, add more restrictions, or loosen them as needed. The goal isn't perfection – it's progress.
Remember, you're not just blocking websites. You're reclaiming your time, attention, and mental space. In a world designed to distract us, that's a radical act of self-care.
Authoritative Sources:
Apple Inc. iPhone User Guide for iOS 15. Apple Support, 2021. support.apple.com/guide/iphone/welcome/ios.
Alter, Adam. Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked. Penguin Press, 2017.
Newport, Cal. Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World. Portfolio, 2019.
Pang, Alex Soojung-Kim. The Distraction Addiction: Getting the Information You Need and the Communication You Want, Without Enraging Your Family, Annoying Your Colleagues, and Destroying Your Soul. Little, Brown and Company, 2013.