Question

How to Block Websites from Safari on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Posted on by William Zheng

Ever stumbled onto distracting or inappropriate sites while browsing on Safari and wished you could block them for good? Whether you’re a parent protecting your children, a student staying focused, or simply aiming for a distraction-free workspace, blocking websites on Safari can make a big difference.

This article walks you step-by-step through the simplest ways to block unwanted websites on Safari, with helpful tips tailored to different devices and needs. Take charge of your online experience today!

Related Video

How to Block a Website from Safari: Complete Guide

Blocking unwanted websites can help protect your focus, ensure your children’s safety online, and prevent accidental browsing. Whether you’re using Safari on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, there are reliable methods to block specific sites and maintain control over your browsing experience. This article walks you through the various ways to block websites in Safari, breaks down each method step by step, and shares essential tips and answers to common questions along the way.

Blocking Websites in Safari on iPhone and iPad

Apple devices make website blocking straightforward, especially if you need to enforce parental controls or simply wish to avoid distractions.

Using Screen Time to Block Websites

Screen Time is a built-in iOS feature that manages restrictions for content and privacy. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Open Settings

  2. Tap the “Settings” app from your Home screen.

  3. Go to Screen Time

  4. Scroll down and select “Screen Time.”

  5. Set Up Screen Time (if not already enabled)

  6. If you haven’t used Screen Time before, tap “Turn On Screen Time” and follow the prompts to set a passcode. This prevents children or other users from changing the settings.

  7. Content & Privacy Restrictions

  8. Tap “Content & Privacy Restrictions.”

  9. Toggle the switch to green (on).

  10. Web Content

  11. Tap “Content Restrictions.”

  12. Select “Web Content.”

  13. Choose Content Block Method

  14. Limit Adult Websites: Blocks known adult sites automatically. You can manually add sites to the “Never Allow” list.

  15. Allowed Websites Only: Only the sites you approve are accessible; all others are blocked.

  16. Adding Websites to Block

  17. Under “Limit Adult Websites,” tap “Add Website” below the “NEVER ALLOW” section.
  18. Enter the full URL (e.g., www.example.com) and tap “Done.”

Now, Safari will prevent access to any site on your blocked list.

Key Benefits

  • Built-In: No need to download extra apps or pay for services.
  • Customizable: Block specific sites, adult content, or limit access to only a preapproved list.
  • Child Safety: Great for parents managing device access for kids.

Challenges & Tips

  • Bypass Risks: Tech-savvy users might find workarounds, especially if they know the Screen Time passcode.
  • Third-Party Browsers: Restrictions apply mainly to Safari and Apple’s standard browser framework. Other browsers (Chrome, Firefox) may not follow these restrictions.

Practical Advice

  • Set a strong, memorable passcode for Screen Time settings.
  • Periodically review the blocked/allowed site list to ensure it matches your needs.
  • Remember that restrictions apply per device; you may need to set them individually on both iPhone and iPad.

Blocking Websites in Safari on Mac

On Mac computers, there are several ways to restrict website access. Let’s explore the most direct options.

Method 1: Using Screen Time (macOS Catalina and Later)

  1. Open System Settings

  2. Click the Apple menu and choose “System Settings” (or “System Preferences” on older macOS).

  3. Select Screen Time

  4. Click “Screen Time” in the sidebar.

  5. Choose the User

  6. Select the user account you wish to manage (such as a child’s account).

  7. Content & Privacy

  8. Click “Content & Privacy.”

  9. Ensure restrictions are enabled.

  10. Web Content

  11. Under “Web Content,” choose “Limit Adult Websites” or “Allowed Websites Only.”

  12. Click “Customize” beside “Limit Adult Websites.”

  13. Block Specific Websites

  14. Under “Restricted,” click the “+” button to add URLs of websites you want to block.

  15. Apply and Lock Settings

  16. When finished, click “OK.” Use your Screen Time passcode to prevent changes.

Method 2: Modifying the Hosts File (Advanced)

Tech-savvy users can block websites at the system level. This applies to all browsers, not just Safari.

  1. Open Terminal

  2. Use the Spotlight search to find and open “Terminal.”

  3. Edit Hosts File

  4. Type:
    sudo nano /etc/hosts

  5. Enter your password when prompted.

  6. Add Block Entries

  7. On a new line, add:
    127.0.0.1 www.blockedwebsite.com

  8. Repeat for each site you wish to block.

  9. Save and Exit

  10. Press Control + O to save, then Control + X to exit.

  11. Flush DNS Cache

  12. In Terminal, type:
    sudo dscacheutil -flushcache

  13. Restart Safari

  14. Changes take effect after you restart your browser.

Note:

  • Changing the Hosts file requires administrator permissions.
  • This method is reversible but not as straightforward as Screen Time.

Key Benefits

  • Comprehensive: Blocks domains across all browsers for the user or the entire Mac.
  • Device-Wide: Hosts file changes cover all user accounts unless otherwise specified.

Challenges & Practical Tips

  • Complexity: Editing the Hosts file can be daunting for beginners.
  • Persistence: Changes might be undone by system updates or incorrect edits. Always back up the original hosts file before making changes.

Best Practices

  • For most users, Screen Time’s website restrictions are simpler and safer.
  • Use Hosts file edits selectively, especially if sharing your computer with others.

Using Third-Party Tools and Extensions

If built-in options aren’t sufficient—such as when needing detailed site filtering, scheduling, or reports—third-party apps and browser extensions can help.

Popular Third-Party Solutions

  • Parental Control Apps: Tools like Net Nanny or Qustodio offer advanced web filtering, scheduling, monitoring, and detailed reports.
  • Website Blocker Extensions: Extensions like “BlockSite” let you create block lists for work or study sessions.

Considerations

  • Cost: Many parental control apps are subscription-based. Evaluate your needs before purchasing.
  • Compatibility: Always check that the tool works with Safari and your version of macOS or iOS.

Cost-Saving Tips

  • Start with built-in solutions before exploring paid options.
  • Some apps offer free versions with basic website-blocking features.

Common Benefits of Blocking Websites in Safari

Blocking websites isn’t just for kids. Here’s why users of all ages choose to manage their online access:

  • Boosts Productivity: Reduces temptation to browse distracting or time-wasting sites.
  • Enhances Safety: Prevents access to harmful or inappropriate content.
  • Peace of Mind: Parents can safeguard their child’s web activity.
  • Protects Focus: Ideal for students or remote workers.
  • Customizable Controls: Personalized lists make blocking as strict or flexible as you want.

Challenges or Limitations

  • Persistent Users May Find Workarounds: Especially if restrictions are not set up with secure, unique passcodes.
  • Applies Mainly to Safari: Other browsers might not honor Screen Time restrictions unless similarly configured or uninstalled.
  • Device-Specific Settings: Website restrictions set on one device don’t automatically sync to all Apple devices; they need to be set individually.

Practical Tips & Best Practices

To get the most out of website blocking on Safari:

  • Regularly review and adjust your blocked site list—it’s easy to add or remove entries as needs change.
  • Keep your devices updated to ensure the latest security features and content filtering improvements.
  • If sharing devices, make sure Screen Time passcodes remain private.
  • For kids’ safety, periodically check browsing history for any attempts to bypass restrictions.
  • Consider using “Allowed Websites Only” for young children to minimize overall internet exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if I try to visit a blocked website in Safari?
You will see a message indicating that the site is restricted, or Safari simply won’t load the page. If using Screen Time, you may need to enter the passcode to access the blocked site.

2. Does blocking a website on one Apple device block it on all my other devices?
No, website restrictions are set per device. You will need to set up the block list individually on each iPhone, iPad, or Mac you use.

3. Can I use these methods to block websites in browsers other than Safari?
Screen Time’s controls apply mainly to Safari, but Hosts file editing blocks domains across all browsers. Some third-party parental control apps offer browser-independent blocking as well.

4. How do I unblock a website after adding it to my blocked list?
Simply return to your Screen Time or Hosts file settings and remove the website from the block list. Save or apply the changes, and the site will become accessible again.

5. What’s the best method for parents to ensure their children can’t bypass website restrictions?
Set a strong, unique Screen Time passcode and keep it private. Regularly review restricted content settings and device usage, and consider using third-party parental control apps for comprehensive monitoring.

Summary

Blocking websites in Safari is a practical and effective way to control web access on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Apple’s built-in tools like Screen Time make it simple for most users, while system-level methods and third-party solutions provide additional control when required. With clear setup steps and solid best practices, you can take command of your browser experience, keep distractions at bay, and make browsing safer for yourself and your family.

Post Views: 4