The main ways to block websites on Android
You can block websites on Android through your phone's built-in settings, a third-party app, or your router. The easiest method depends on whether you want to block sites on your device only or across your whole home network. Built-in parental controls work if your phone runs Android 7 or newer. Third-party apps give you more control over which sites to block and when. Router-level blocking affects every device on your Wi-Fi, so it works even if someone tries to uninstall an app.
Each method has a trade-off: built-in controls are simple but limited, apps are flexible but can be uninstalled, and router blocking is strongest but requires access to your router settings. If you are blocking sites for yourself, an app usually works best. If you are blocking sites for a child or teenager, router blocking combined with an app gives you the most coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Android's built-in Family Link app lets you block websites through Google Play, but only if the device is set up as a child account.
- Third-party apps like OpenDNS, Mobicip, and Net Nanny let you block specific websites and set time limits, and they work on any Android phone.
- Router-level blocking through your Wi-Fi settings affects all devices on your network, making it harder to bypass than phone-only blocks.
- DNS filtering apps redirect website requests to a blocking page without needing to install a full VPN, though some do use VPN technology.
Using Android's built-in Family Link
Google Family Link is Android's official parental control tool. It only works if the phone is registered as a child account under a parent's Google account. To set it up, the parent creates a Family Link account in the Family Link app on their own phone, then adds the child's device. Once linked, the parent can see which apps are installed and block websites through the Google Play Store settings.
The limitation is that Family Link blocks apps and app content, not the web browser directly. If a child opens Chrome or Firefox, Family Link does not automatically block specific websites — it only restricts which apps can be downloaded. For direct website blocking, you need a separate app or router settings. Family Link also requires the child's device to stay connected to the internet and linked to the parent account, so it does not work offline.
Blocking websites with a third-party app
Apps designed for website blocking give you a list of sites to block and often let you set schedules. OpenDNS Home (free version available) redirects blocked websites to a notice page. Mobicip blocks sites by category — you can turn off access to social media, gambling, adult content, or custom URLs. Net Nanny offers similar features with time-based blocking, so you can allow certain sites during homework hours and block them at night.
Most of these apps work by running a VPN or DNS filter in the background. A VPN routes your traffic through the app's servers, which check each website against a blocklist. A DNS filter intercepts web address lookups before they reach the site. Both methods work in any browser, including Chrome, Firefox, and Samsung Internet. The trade-off is that these apps consume battery and data, and a determined user can uninstall them if they have the phone's unlock code.
To install a blocking app, open Google Play Store, search for the app name, tap Install, and follow the setup steps. Most apps ask for permission to manage your network settings or install a certificate — this is normal and required for the blocking to work. After setup, open the app and add the websites you want to block to a blocklist.
Blocking websites through your router
Your Wi-Fi router has built-in controls that block websites for every device connected to it. This method is stronger than phone-only blocking because it works even if someone uninstalls an app or switches browsers. To access router settings, open a web browser on any device connected to your Wi-Fi, type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), and log in with your router's admin password.
Once logged in, look for a section called Parental Controls, Content Filtering, or Access Control. The exact menu name varies by router brand — Netgear, TP-Link, Asus, and Linksys all use different layouts. Add the websites you want to block to a blacklist, or enable a whitelist mode that only allows specific sites. Some routers let you set schedules so blocking turns on and off at certain times.
If you do not know your router's admin password, check the sticker on the back of the router or the manual that came with it. If you have changed the password and forgotten it, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, though this erases all your custom settings. Router blocking works on Wi-Fi only — it does not block websites when the phone is on mobile data.
Using DNS filtering without a VPN app
DNS filtering is a method that does not require installing an app on your phone. Instead, you change your phone's DNS settings to point to a filtering service like Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 for Families, Quad9, or OpenDNS. When your phone looks up a website address, the request goes to the filtering service first, which checks it against a blocklist and either allows or blocks the connection.
To set this up, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced > Private DNS on most Android phones. Enter the DNS server address provided by the filtering service. Different services block different categories — Cloudflare for Families blocks adult content and malware, while Quad9 focuses on malware and phishing. This method is lighter on battery than a VPN app, but it only works on your phone's Wi-Fi and mobile data connections, not on other devices.
The downside is that DNS filtering offers less control than an app — you usually cannot block individual websites, only categories. If you need to block one specific site while allowing others in the same category, an app or router settings are better choices.
What to do if someone bypasses the block
If you are blocking sites for a child and they find a way around it, the most common methods are using mobile data instead of Wi-Fi, switching to a different browser, or uninstalling the blocking app. Router blocking stops the Wi-Fi workaround. Combining router blocking with an app on the phone itself covers both Wi-Fi and mobile data, and makes it harder to bypass.
If the child uninstalls the app, you can use Family Link to prevent app uninstallation, or set a PIN on the phone's Settings menu so they cannot change network or app settings. Some routers also let you set a PIN on the admin panel so the blocklist cannot be changed without your password. The strongest setup uses all three: router blocking, a phone app, and Family Link restrictions on the child account.
Comparing the methods side by side
| Method | Setup Time | Works on Mobile Data | Can Be Bypassed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Link | 5 minutes | Yes | Yes, if child knows unlock code | Blocking apps, not websites |
| Third-party app | 10 minutes | Yes | Yes, by uninstalling | Specific website blocking on one device |
| Router blocking | 15 minutes | No | Harder, requires router access | Blocking across all home devices |
| DNS filtering | 3 minutes | Yes | Yes, by changing DNS settings | Blocking categories without an app |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I block websites without the person knowing?
Router blocking is invisible to the user — they see a blocked page but cannot tell where the block came from. App-based blocking shows the app is running if they check Settings. If you are blocking sites for someone else, tell them first and explain why. Hidden blocking can damage trust and may not be legal depending on your relationship and location.
Will blocking websites slow down my internet?
Router blocking has no noticeable effect on speed. App-based blocking and DNS filtering add a small delay (usually under 100 milliseconds) because each website request is checked against a list. On most connections, this is not noticeable. VPN-based apps use more battery than DNS filtering because they encrypt all traffic.
Can I block websites only during certain hours?
Some apps like Net Nanny and Mobicip let you set schedules. Router blocking also supports time-based rules on many models — check your router's manual for the Parental Controls or Scheduling section. DNS filtering does not have built-in scheduling, so you would need to change the DNS settings manually or use an app on top of it.
What if I forget my router's admin password?
Reset the router by holding the reset button on the back for 10 seconds. This erases all settings, including Wi-Fi password and blocked websites, and returns the router to factory defaults. You can then log in with the default password (usually printed on the router) and set up blocking again. If you do not want to reset, contact your internet provider — they may be able to help you recover the password.
Do I need to block websites on both my phone and router?
It depends on your goal. If you are blocking sites for yourself on your own phone, one method is enough. If you are blocking for a child or teenager, using both router and app blocking is stronger because it covers Wi-Fi and mobile data, and makes it harder to bypass. Router blocking alone is sufficient if the child only uses Wi-Fi at home.