The fastest way to block websites on iPhone

You can block websites on iPhone using the built-in Screen Time feature, which lets you restrict access to specific sites across Safari and in-app browsers. Open Settings, tap Screen Time, then Content & Privacy Restrictions, and add sites to the blocked list. This works for anyone on the device — including you, if you set a Screen Time passcode that only someone else knows.

The block happens at the device level, not just in Safari, so it catches the site whether someone tries to visit it through a link, a search result, or within an app. If you forget your Screen Time passcode, you'll need to reset your iPhone or contact Apple Support, so write it down somewhere safe if you're setting this up for someone else.

Key Takeaways

  • Screen Time's Content & Privacy Restrictions let you block specific websites and require a passcode to change the settings.
  • Blocked sites show an error message when accessed, and the block applies across Safari and in-app browsers, not just one app.
  • You can allow certain sites while blocking everything else, or block specific sites while allowing the rest of the web.
  • A forgotten Screen Time passcode requires an iPhone reset or Apple Support intervention, so store it securely if you're managing someone else's device.
  • DNS-based blocking through apps like OpenDNS or Cloudflare offers a second layer but requires a subscription and works differently than Screen Time.

Setting up website blocking in Screen Time

Start in Settings and scroll down to Screen Time. Tap it, then tap Content & Privacy Restrictions near the bottom. You'll see a toggle — turn it on. A passcode prompt will appear; enter a four-digit code that you'll remember (or that someone else will remember if you're setting this up for a child or teen). Confirm the passcode when prompted.

Once Content & Privacy Restrictions is on, tap Content Restrictions, then tap Web Content. You'll see three options: Unrestricted Access, Limit Adult Websites, or Allowed Websites Only. If you choose Limit Adult Websites, you can then tap Never Allow and add specific sites you want blocked. If you choose Allowed Websites Only, only the sites you add to the Allow list will load; everything else is blocked.

To add a site to the blocked list, tap the + button under Never Allow, type the full web address (for example, example.com), and tap Add. The site will appear in the list. If you want to remove a site from the blocked list later, swipe left on it and tap Delete — but you'll need to enter your Screen Time passcode first.

What happens when someone tries to visit a blocked site

When a blocked site is accessed, the browser shows an error message saying the site is restricted and offers a button to request access. If you've set a Screen Time passcode that only you know, the person using the device can tap Request Access, but the request goes to you — they can't bypass the block on their own.

This works the same way whether someone types the address directly, clicks a link, or tries to reach the site through an app. The block is enforced at the device level, not just in Safari, so it catches attempts across the whole phone. If the site has multiple web addresses (for example, both example.com and www.example.com), you may need to block each variation separately.

Blocking all websites except a specific list

If you want to restrict access to only certain approved sites — useful for younger children — choose Allowed Websites Only instead of Limit Adult Websites. This flips the logic: everything is blocked by default, and only sites you add to the Allow list will load.

Tap the + button under Allowed Websites Only and add each site you want to permit. You can add as many as needed. Any site not on the list will show the restriction message. This approach takes more setup but gives you complete control over what's accessible. Keep in mind that some apps (like YouTube or TikTok) may not work properly if their parent websites aren't on the allow list.

Using DNS filtering as a second layer of protection

Screen Time blocks sites at the app level, but a determined person can sometimes work around it by changing the device's DNS settings or using a VPN. If you need stronger protection, you can add a DNS filtering service like Cloudflare for Families, OpenDNS, or Quad9. These services intercept web requests before they reach Safari and block sites based on their own databases.

To set up DNS filtering, you'll usually install a configuration profile from the service's website, which requires your Screen Time passcode if Content & Privacy Restrictions is on. The service then routes all web traffic through their servers, which filter out blocked categories (malware, adult content, gambling, and so on). Most DNS services offer a free tier with basic filtering and a paid tier with more control. Unlike Screen Time, DNS filtering works across all apps and browsers on the device, including in-app browsers.

The tradeoff is that DNS filtering can be slower than direct browsing, and some sites may not load correctly if the service's filter is too aggressive. It also requires you to trust the DNS provider with visibility into all web traffic from the device.

Recovering a forgotten Screen Time passcode

If you set a Screen Time passcode and forget it, you cannot retrieve it through Settings or Apple ID. Your options are to reset the iPhone (which erases all data unless you restore from a backup) or contact Apple Support to verify your identity and request help.

To reset the iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. You'll be asked to enter your Apple ID and password. After the reset, you can set up the device again and create a new Screen Time passcode. If you have a recent backup, you can restore your data, but the Screen Time settings will be reset as well.

To avoid this situation, write down your Screen Time passcode and store it somewhere secure — a password manager, a locked drawer, or a trusted person's contact information. If you're managing a child's device, consider using a shared Apple ID family group, which lets you manage Screen Time from your own device without needing to remember a separate passcode.

Blocking websites on a family member's device

If you're setting up restrictions for a child or teen, use Family Sharing instead of a personal Screen Time passcode. In Settings > Family Sharing, add the person as a family member, then manage their Screen Time from your own device. This way, you don't need to remember a passcode on their phone — you control restrictions from yours.

When you manage Screen Time through Family Sharing, you can see their usage reports, set downtime schedules, and block apps and websites from your own Settings. Changes sync across devices, and the person being managed can request access to blocked content, which sends a notification to you. This approach is cleaner than sharing a passcode and gives you a central place to manage multiple devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone bypass a blocked website using a VPN?

Yes, if they know the Screen Time passcode or can change the device's network settings. A VPN routes traffic through an external server, which can circumvent Screen Time blocks. If you need to prevent VPN use, you can disable VPN installation in Content & Privacy Restrictions under Allowed Changes. However, this only prevents new VPNs from being installed — existing ones may still work.

Will blocking a website in Screen Time affect other users on the same iPhone?

Yes. Screen Time restrictions apply to the entire device, not to individual user accounts. If you block a site, it's blocked for everyone who uses that iPhone. If you need per-user restrictions, you would need separate devices or to use a different method like parental control apps that offer user-level filtering.

Do I need to block a site on both Safari and Chrome separately?

No. Screen Time blocks sites at the device level, so the block applies to Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and any other browser or in-app web view. You only need to add the site to the blocked list once.

What's the difference between Limit Adult Websites and Allowed Websites Only?

Limit Adult Websites blocks only the sites you specify while allowing the rest of the web. Allowed Websites Only does the opposite — it blocks everything except the sites you specify. Use Limit Adult Websites for general restrictions and Allowed Websites Only when you want to tightly control what's accessible, such as for young children.

Can I block a website on just one app, like Instagram?

No, Screen Time doesn't offer per-app website blocking. You can block the entire Instagram app using App Limits or Downtime, but you can't block specific websites only within Instagram. If you need that level of control, you would need a third-party parental control app that offers in-app filtering.