The fastest way to block a website on iPhone

You can block websites on iPhone using the built-in Screen Time feature, which prevents Safari from loading specific sites even if you know the URL. This works across all browsers on your phone — not just Safari — because the restriction happens at the system level. The block stays in place until you remove it or disable Screen Time entirely.

The process takes about two minutes and requires you to set a Screen Time passcode (different from your phone's unlock code). Once that's done, you add websites to a blocklist, and they won't load no matter how many times you try to visit them.

Key Takeaways

  • Screen Time's "Limit Adult Websites" feature blocks specific sites you choose, and the restriction applies across Safari, Chrome, and any other browser on your phone.
  • You must set a Screen Time passcode before you can block websites — this is a separate code from your phone's lock screen password.
  • Blocked sites show an error message instead of loading, and you cannot bypass the block without entering your Screen Time passcode.
  • If you forget your Screen Time passcode, you will need to reset your entire iPhone to remove the blocks.

How to set up Screen Time and create a passcode

Open Settings and tap Screen Time. If this is your first time using Screen Time, tap "Continue" and choose "This is My iPhone." Then tap "Set Up Screen Time Passcode" and enter a four-digit code twice. This passcode is what you will need to add, remove, or change website blocks later.

Write this passcode down somewhere safe — not in your phone's notes app. If you lose it, you cannot change your website restrictions without resetting your iPhone through a computer or Apple's Find My service. Apple does not have a way to recover a forgotten Screen Time passcode.

Adding websites to your block list

Once Screen Time is set up with a passcode, go back to Settings and tap Screen Time. Scroll down and tap "Content & Privacy Restrictions." Toggle this on if it is not already enabled. Then tap "Content Restrictions" and scroll down to "Web Content."

Tap "Limit Adult Websites." You will see a list of websites Apple has already flagged as adult content. Below that list is a section called "Never Allow" — this is where you add any website you want to block. Tap the plus sign, type the web address (for example, reddit.com or youtube.com), and tap "Add."

The website will appear in your Never Allow list immediately. The next time you or anyone else tries to visit that site on this iPhone, it will not load.

What happens when someone tries to visit a blocked site

When a blocked website is accessed, Safari or any other browser shows an error message saying the site is restricted. The message explains that the restriction is due to Screen Time settings. There is no way around this block without the Screen Time passcode — typing the URL differently, using a different browser, or clearing the cache will not work.

If you set up Screen Time on your own iPhone for your own use, you control the passcode and can unblock sites whenever you choose. If a parent or guardian set it up on your phone, only they can remove blocks.

Removing or changing blocks

To remove a website from your block list, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Web Content > Limit Adult Websites. Find the site in your Never Allow list, tap the minus sign next to it, and tap "Remove." You will be asked to enter your Screen Time passcode to confirm.

You can also modify the list by tapping "Edit" in the upper left corner of the Never Allow section, then tapping the red minus sign next to any site you want to delete. The change takes effect immediately.

Blocking websites without Screen Time

If you do not want to use Screen Time, some third-party apps in the App Store offer website blocking, though these are less reliable because they run as separate apps rather than system-level restrictions. These apps can be closed or uninstalled more easily than Screen Time blocks, so they work better for reminding yourself not to visit a site than for preventing access entirely.

Your Wi-Fi router also has built-in blocking features that prevent any device on your network from reaching certain sites. This approach blocks websites across all devices connected to that Wi-Fi, not just your iPhone. You access router settings by opening a web browser and typing your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and logging in with your router's admin password.

What to do if you forget your Screen Time passcode

If you set up Screen Time with a passcode and forget it, you cannot reset it without erasing your iPhone. You have two options: use iCloud to erase your phone remotely through Find My iPhone, or connect to a computer and erase it through Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows). Both methods wipe your entire phone, so you will need a backup to restore your data afterward.

Before you erase, try signing in with your Apple ID — if you set up Screen Time using your Apple ID, you may be able to reset the passcode through your account settings. Go to Settings > Screen Time and look for an option to reset using your Apple ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I block a website on just one app instead of across my whole phone?

No. Screen Time blocks websites at the system level, so the restriction applies to Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and any other browser. You cannot block a site in one app but allow it in another using built-in iPhone tools.

Will the person using the phone know the website is blocked?

Yes. When they try to visit a blocked site, they see a message that says the site is restricted due to Screen Time. They will know a block is in place, though they will not see which passcode holder added it.

Can I block websites on my child's iPhone without them knowing?

You can set up Screen Time on their phone, but they will see the restriction message when they try to visit a blocked site. They will know something is preventing access. If you want to monitor their activity without them knowing, that requires a different approach outside of Screen Time.

Does blocking a website also delete it from my browser history?

No. Blocking a website only prevents it from loading going forward. Any history of past visits remains in Safari's history. You can delete history separately by going to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.

What if I block a website but then need to visit it for work or school?

You will need to enter your Screen Time passcode to temporarily allow access or remove the site from your Never Allow list. If someone else set up Screen Time on your phone, you will need to ask them for the passcode.