How to Block Websites on iPhone: Taking Control of Your Digital Space

I've been thinking a lot lately about digital boundaries. You know that feeling when you catch yourself mindlessly scrolling through a website you promised yourself you'd avoid? Or maybe you're a parent watching your kid navigate the internet with all the grace of a bull in a china shop. Whatever brought you here, blocking websites on your iPhone isn't just about restriction—it's about intentionality.

The iPhone gives us this incredible portal to everything, everywhere, all at once. But sometimes, that's exactly the problem. I remember when I first realized I was spending three hours a day on news sites that were basically digital junk food for my brain. The solution wasn't willpower (spoiler alert: willpower is overrated). The solution was making it harder to access those sites in the first place.

The Built-in Arsenal: Screen Time

Apple's Screen Time feature is like having a bouncer for your digital life, except this bouncer works for you and doesn't judge your choices. Well, not out loud anyway.

To access Screen Time, you'll navigate to Settings, then tap Screen Time. If you haven't set it up yet, you'll need to tap "Turn On Screen Time." The system will walk you through some initial options—choose what makes sense for you. Don't overthink it; you can always change things later.

Once you're in, look for "Content & Privacy Restrictions." This is where the magic happens. Toggle it on, and you'll be asked to create a Screen Time passcode. Pro tip: make this different from your regular passcode. I learned this the hard way when my muscle memory kept entering my phone unlock code, defeating the whole purpose.

Under Content Restrictions, tap "Web Content." Here's where you get to play internet curator. You've got a few options:

Unrestricted Access basically means the wild west of the internet. Everything's fair game.

Limit Adult Websites does what it says on the tin, but it's not perfect. Apple's definition of "adult" might not match yours, and it sometimes blocks legitimate sites while letting questionable ones through. It's like those old V-chip ratings for TV—well-intentioned but often missing the mark.

Allowed Websites Only is the nuclear option. This creates a whitelist where only pre-approved sites work. It's fantastic for young kids but might feel suffocating for teens or adults trying to manage their own habits.

The sweet spot for most people is using "Limit Adult Websites" and then customizing it. You can add specific sites to either the "Never Allow" or "Always Allow" lists. Want to block that time-sucking social media platform? Add it to Never Allow. Need to ensure your work sites always function? Pop them in Always Allow.

The Third-Party Route

Sometimes Apple's built-in tools feel like using a sledgehammer when you need a scalpel. That's where third-party apps come in, and the landscape here is... interesting.

Apps like BlockSite, Freedom, and 1Blocker offer more nuanced control. They let you set schedules (block Reddit during work hours but allow it in the evening), create different blocking profiles, and even sync across devices. The downside? Most require subscriptions, and you're trusting another company with data about your browsing habits.

I've personally used Freedom for years, and it's been a game-changer. The ability to start a "focus session" that blocks distracting sites across all my devices feels like having a productivity superpower. But I get it—adding another subscription to the pile isn't always appealing.

These apps typically work by installing a VPN profile or content blocker. Don't let the technical terms scare you; the setup is usually straightforward. The app walks you through enabling the necessary permissions, and then you're off to the races.

The DNS Approach (For the Brave)

Here's where we venture into slightly geekier territory. You can block websites at the DNS level, which sounds complicated but is actually pretty clever. DNS is like the phone book of the internet—it translates website names into addresses your device can understand.

Services like NextDNS or AdGuard DNS let you create custom blocking rules that work across your entire device, not just in Safari. The setup involves going to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management and adding a DNS configuration. Once configured, any app trying to reach blocked domains gets shut down.

This method is powerful but comes with quirks. Some apps might behave strangely when they can't reach their servers. I once blocked a domain that my banking app used for analytics, and suddenly I couldn't check my balance. Lesson learned: start small and test thoroughly.

The Nuclear Option: Restrictions Through Your Router

If you really want to go all-in, you can block websites at the router level. This affects every device on your network, which is either brilliant or terrible depending on your living situation.

Most modern routers have parental controls or access restrictions. You'll need to log into your router's admin panel (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into your browser), find the appropriate section, and add the sites you want to block.

This approach has saved many a parent's sanity, but it's not foolproof. Kids these days know about VPNs and mobile data. It's an arms race, and honestly, having conversations about responsible internet use often works better than technological barriers alone.

The Human Element

Here's something the how-to guides often miss: blocking websites is as much about psychology as technology. I've watched people set up elaborate blocking systems only to disable them the moment they feel restricted. It's like going on a crash diet—too much restriction too fast usually backfires.

Start small. Maybe block your biggest time-waster during work hours. See how that feels for a week. Then gradually expand. The goal isn't to turn your iPhone into a glorified calculator; it's to create intentional friction between you and your digital vices.

Also, consider why you're reaching for these sites. Boredom? Anxiety? Habit? Sometimes the real solution isn't blocking the site but addressing what drives you there. I know, I know—I sound like a therapist now. But after years of playing digital whack-a-mole with distracting websites, I've learned that the most effective blocks are the ones supported by genuine desire for change.

When Things Go Wrong

Let's talk about what happens when website blocking gets overzealous. You're trying to research something for work, and suddenly you're hitting walls everywhere. Or worse, you've forgotten your Screen Time passcode. (Apple makes recovering this surprisingly difficult, by the way. You might need to reset your device entirely.)

Always keep a backup method for accessing important sites. Maybe that's a different browser with no restrictions, or perhaps it's knowing how to quickly disable blocks when necessary. The point of these tools is to serve you, not trap you.

I've also noticed that some websites get creative about circumventing blocks. They'll use different domains, embed content in ways that bypass filters, or constantly change their structure. It's frustrating, but it's also a reminder that technology isn't a complete solution. It's a tool, not a magic wand.

The Bigger Picture

After all this technical discussion, let me zoom out for a moment. We're living through an attention economy where every app, website, and service is optimized to capture and hold our focus. The fact that we need to actively block parts of the internet just to think clearly... well, that says something about where we are as a society.

But here's the empowering part: you get to choose. Every website you block is a small act of rebellion against the attention merchants. It's you saying, "Actually, I'll decide how I spend my time, thanks very much."

Whether you're blocking sites to boost productivity, protect your kids, or just preserve your sanity, remember that these tools are meant to enhance your life, not complicate it. Start simple, be patient with yourself, and don't be afraid to adjust your approach as you learn what works.

The internet isn't going anywhere, and neither are its distractions. But with the right tools and mindset, you can create a digital environment that serves your goals rather than sabotaging them. Your future self will thank you for taking the time to set these boundaries now.

And hey, if you find yourself reading this article instead of doing whatever you're supposed to be doing... maybe it's time to add a few more sites to that block list. Just saying.

Authoritative Sources:

Apple Inc. iPhone User Guide for iOS 15. Apple Inc., 2021.

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.

"Screen Time - Use Parental Controls on Your Child's iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch." Apple Support, Apple Inc., support.apple.com/en-us/HT208982.

"Understanding DNS Filtering." EDUCAUSE Review, EDUCAUSE, 2020, er.educause.edu/articles/2020/understanding-dns-filtering.