Block websites on iPhone using Screen Time settings

You can block websites on Safari through your iPhone's Screen Time feature, which lets you restrict access to specific sites without needing a separate app. The blocked site will show an error message when anyone tries to visit it, and they cannot bypass the block without knowing your Screen Time passcode.

This method works whether you want to block sites for yourself, for a child using your phone, or for a family member's device that you manage. The block applies across all browsers on the device, not just Safari.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap Screen Time, then Content & Privacy Restrictions to block individual websites by URL.
  • You must create a Screen Time passcode before you can block websites, and you cannot change blocked sites without entering this passcode.
  • Blocked websites show an error page in Safari and cannot be accessed even in private browsing mode.
  • If you forget your Screen Time passcode, you must reset your entire iPhone to remove website blocks.
  • Website blocks work on the device itself — they do not affect the same website on other devices or networks.

Step-by-step: blocking a website in Screen Time

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap Screen Time (usually near the top of the list).

Step 2: Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. If you see a message saying this feature is off, toggle it on first.

Step 3: You will be asked to create a Screen Time passcode if you have not already. This is a four-digit code that protects your restrictions — write it down somewhere safe. If you already have a passcode, skip to the next step.

Step 4: Scroll down and tap Web Content under the Content section.

Step 5: Tap Limit Adult Websites. This option shows a list of websites you have already blocked.

Step 6: Tap the plus sign (+) at the top left, then type the website address you want to block. Enter only the domain name — for example, type "facebook.com" not "www.facebook.com" or "https://facebook.com".

Step 7: Tap Add, then Done. The website is now blocked.

What happens when someone tries to visit a blocked site

When you or anyone else tries to open a blocked website in Safari, the browser shows a message saying the site is restricted and cannot be accessed. The page does not load at all. This block stays in place even if the person switches to private browsing mode or tries a different browser on the same iPhone.

The person can tap "Ask for Screen Time Passcode" to request access, but this sends a notification to whoever set up Screen Time on the device. If you are the one who set it up, you will see the request and can approve or deny it.

Unblocking a website or changing your blocked list

To remove a website from your blocked list, go back to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Web Content > Limit Adult Websites. Find the website you want to unblock, swipe left on it, and tap Delete. You will need to enter your Screen Time passcode to confirm.

If you want to change which websites are blocked but cannot remember your passcode, you will need to reset your iPhone. There is no way to recover or bypass a forgotten Screen Time passcode without erasing the device and setting it up again from scratch.

Using Restrict Adult Websites instead of manual blocking

Screen Time also offers a built-in option called Restrict Adult Websites, which automatically blocks sites that contain adult content without you having to list them individually. This is a faster option if you want general protection but do not need to block specific sites.

To turn this on, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Web Content and toggle on Restrict Adult Websites. You can still add your own blocked sites on top of this automatic filter. The automatic filter is not perfect — some adult sites slip through, and some legitimate sites may be blocked by mistake.

Why you might see a website you did not block

If a website appears blocked but you did not add it to your list, it may have been blocked by the Restrict Adult Websites filter. Check your Web Content settings to see which option is turned on. You can toggle off Restrict Adult Websites if you want to unblock these automatically-filtered sites.

Another reason a site might be blocked is if someone else set up Screen Time on your device — for example, a parent or guardian. In this case, you would need their passcode to change the blocked list.

Blocking websites on a family member's iPhone

If you manage a family member's device through Family Sharing, you can block websites on their iPhone from your own phone. Open Settings on your device, tap Family Sharing, select the person, then tap Screen Time. From here you can set up or change their website restrictions without needing their passcode.

The person whose device you are managing will see that Screen Time is active and may be able to see which sites are blocked, but they cannot change the restrictions without your approval. This method works for children and other family members you have set up in Family Sharing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone get around a blocked website by using a VPN?

A VPN can sometimes bypass website blocks because it routes traffic through a different server. However, if you have turned on Content & Privacy Restrictions and set a passcode, the person would need that passcode to change VPN settings or turn off Screen Time entirely. For stronger protection against tech-savvy users, combine website blocks with app restrictions that prevent VPN apps from running.

What if I block a website but it still loads sometimes?

This usually happens if you entered the domain name incorrectly. Make sure you typed it exactly as it appears in the address bar — for example, "youtube.com" not "youtubecom" or "youtube.co.uk". If the site has multiple domain names, you may need to block each one separately. Try visiting the site again after a few minutes, as Safari sometimes caches pages.

Can I block a website only during certain hours?

Screen Time's website blocking does not have a time-based option — blocked sites stay blocked all day. However, you can use App Limits to restrict Safari itself during certain hours, which prevents access to any website during that time window. Go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits to set this up.

Will blocking a website on my iPhone block it on my iPad too?

No. Website blocks are specific to each device. If you want to block the same site on multiple devices, you need to set up the block on each one separately. If you use Family Sharing, you can manage blocks for family members' devices from your phone, but your own devices are independent.

What do I do if I forgot my Screen Time passcode?

There is no way to recover a forgotten Screen Time passcode. You must erase your iPhone and set it up again as a new device or restore it from a backup. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings, then follow the setup process. This will remove all website blocks and other Screen Time restrictions.