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How Can I Block a Website on Safari? Easy Methods for Mac…

Posted on by William Zheng

Ever find yourself or your kids spending too much time on distracting websites? You’re not alone. With so much online content just a click away, controlling access to certain sites is a growing priority for many people.

Blocking websites in Safari can help boost productivity, encourage safer browsing, or simply create some peace of mind. In this article, you’ll discover straightforward steps and practical tips to block unwanted websites on Safari, whether you’re using a Mac, iPhone, or iPad.

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How Can I Block a Website on Safari? A Step-by-Step Guide

Blocking unwanted or distracting websites on Safari is a straightforward process once you know your options. Whether you want to prevent children from accessing inappropriate sites, increase your productivity, or just eliminate distractions, Safari offers several ways to restrict certain websites—on both Mac and iOS devices. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about how to set up these restrictions, the benefits, and some handy tips to get the most out of these features.

Why Block Websites on Safari?

Blocking certain websites can offer multiple benefits:

  • Protecting children: Keep kids safe from inappropriate content.
  • Boosting productivity: Cut down on time-wasting sites when you need to focus.
  • Preventing malware: Reduce the risk of stumbling onto malicious sites.
  • Customizing web experience: Limit distractions during study or work.

Whatever your motivation, Safari makes it possible to tailor your browsing experience with parental controls, built-in settings, and third-party tools.

Methods to Block Websites on Safari

There is no single “block site” button in Safari, but you can successfully block websites using several methods on both your Mac and your iPhone/iPad.

1. Blocking Websites on Safari for Mac

A. Using Screen Time

Apple’s Screen Time feature, introduced in macOS Catalina and later, is your main tool for restricting website access.

To block websites using Screen Time:

  1. Click on the Apple menu and select System Settings (or System Preferences in older versions).
  2. Choose Screen Time.
  3. Select the user account you want to restrict in the sidebar.
  4. Click on Content & Privacy.
  5. If it’s your first time, enable Screen Time and set up a passcode for extra security.
  6. Select Web Content.
  7. Under Restrict Web Content, choose Limit Adult Websites.
  8. Click Customize… next to this option.
  9. Under Never Allow, click the + button to add individual sites you want blocked. Type the URL and press Enter.

Now, whenever someone tries to visit the blocked site, Safari will block it and display a warning.

B. Using Third-Party Apps

Sometimes you need more flexibility or advanced features.

  • App examples: Many apps provide content filtering, schedule-based blocking, and detailed reports.
  • Popular choices: Look for reputable parental control or productivity apps from the Mac App Store.

  • Setup: Install the app, follow the setup instructions, and add websites to your block list as needed.

  • Note: Some of these apps are free; others may require a purchase or subscription.*

C. Modifying the Hosts File (Advanced)

Tech-savvy users can block sites at the system level by changing the hosts file.

  1. Open Terminal.
  2. Enter sudo nano /etc/hosts and type your password.
  3. Add a new line: 127.0.0.1 website-to-block.com
  4. Save and exit (Control + O, Enter, then Control + X).

  5. Restart your Mac or flush the DNS cache.

  6. This blocks the site in all browsers, not just Safari!*

2. Blocking Websites on Safari for iPhone & iPad

A. Using Screen Time (iOS 12 and newer)

Screen Time is also available on your iPhone or iPad, allowing you to manage website access easily.

To set up website blocking:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Screen Time.
  3. If this is your first time, tap Turn On Screen Time and set a passcode.
  4. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and turn it on.
  5. Tap Content Restrictions.
  6. Select Web Content.
  7. Choose Limit Adult Websites.
  8. Under the NEVER ALLOW section, tap Add Website.
  9. Enter the website URL you want to block and tap Done.

Anyone trying to visit the blocked site on Safari will see a message that access isn’t permitted.

B. Guided Access for Temporary Blocking

If you only want to limit browsing to a particular site for a short session:

  1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access.
  2. Enable Guided Access and set a passcode.
  3. Open Safari and navigate to the allowed site.
  4. Triple-click the Side or Home button, start Guided Access, and restrict touch areas if needed.

This is handy for kids, tests, or rehabilitation settings.

C. Using Third-Party Parental Control Apps

Some apps offer even greater control, such as scheduling, monitoring, and blocking entire content categories.

  • Popular parental control and filtering apps include extra monitoring tools.
  • Install the app from the App Store, set it up, and add sites or categories to block.

Benefits of Blocking Websites on Safari

  • Peace of mind: Keep your family safe from unsuitable or dangerous sites.
  • Fewer distractions: Increase efficiency when working, studying, or relaxing.
  • Customization: Tools let you whitelist (allow) or blacklist (block) specific sites, adjusting to individual needs.
  • Flexibility: Add or remove blocked sites anytime with just a few steps.

Challenges and Considerations

While blocking websites is effective, you may face a few challenges:

  • Tech-savvy users can bypass blocks: Especially with simple browser-level restrictions.
  • Syncing across devices: If you use multiple Apple devices, blocking on one may not block on all unless you sync Screen Time with your Apple ID.
  • False positives: Sometimes, helpful sites might get blocked accidentally.
  • Maintenance: You’ll need to update your block list as needed, as websites can change their addresses.

Practical Tips and Best Practices

  • Set a Screen Time passcode that others can’t guess. This prevents children or other users from changing restrictions.
  • Update your block list occasionally. Online content evolves, so review what’s allowed or blocked from time to time.
  • Communicate with children. If you’re blocking sites for kids, explain why.
  • Use “Always Allow” judiciously. Make sure essential sites are not blocked.
  • Double-check on all devices. If you have iCloud and Screen Time enabled, your settings may sync automatically; check all your Apple devices to ensure the blocks are active.

Cost Tips

Blocking websites using built-in Screen Time is 100% free and included with your Apple device. Third-party apps may charge a one-time fee or a monthly subscription. Consider starting with Apple’s tools, and only invest in premium apps if you need more advanced features like detailed tracking, scheduling, or blocking entire categories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I block websites on Safari without third-party apps?

Yes! The built-in Screen Time feature on both Mac and iOS lets you block individual websites in Safari quickly and easily—no extra downloads needed.

What happens when I try to visit a blocked website in Safari?

Safari will display a message stating that the website is restricted or not allowed, and the page won’t load. On devices with a Screen Time passcode, only entering that code will grant access.

Does blocking a site in Safari block it in other browsers too?

Not always. If you use Screen Time or Safari-specific settings, the block only applies in Safari. If you need to block sites in all browsers, use the hosts file method or a third-party app that operates at the system level.

How do I unblock a website after it’s blocked?

Go back to your Screen Time settings, find the blocked site in your list, and remove it. The changes will take effect immediately, and the site will become accessible again.

Can my child bypass these blocks?

Most children cannot, especially if you have set a strong Screen Time passcode. However, very tech-savvy users or those with admin access to the device might find workarounds. Keep your passcodes secure and periodically review device settings.

Conclusion

Blocking websites on Safari is an excellent way to customize your web experience, stay focused, and keep users of all ages safe online. Whether you use Mac or an iPhone/iPad, Apple’s Screen Time features offer a powerful, easy-to-use solution that doesn’t require any extra cost. For advanced needs, third-party apps are available.

Start with the built-in options—see how well they fit your needs, and remember to keep those passcodes safe! With thoughtful use of website blocking, you can take control of your digital world and shape an internet experience that works best for you and your family.

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