How to Block Websites on iPhone Without Screen Time: Alternative Methods and Apps

Using built-in iPhone features to block websites

To block websites on Safari without Screen Time, you can use alternative methods. While Screen Time is the primary built-in feature to block websites on iPhone, there are other ways to restrict access to certain websites. For permanently restricting websites on iPhone, you can use the "Never Allow" list in Screen Time or explore third-party solutions for blocking specific websites on iOS.

Built-in methods to block websites on iPhone iOS

Using Screen Time to block websites on Safari

• Enable Screen Time: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Turn On Screen Time > Continue > Choose "This is My [Device]" or "This is My Child's [Device]" > Set a passcode

• Set content restrictions:

  • Navigate to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions
  • Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions
  • Tap on Content Restrictions > Web Content

• Block adult content:

  • Select "Limit Adult Websites" to create a blanket ban on generally considered adult websites, including porn and gambling

• Block specific websites:

  • Choose "Allowed Websites Only" or "Limit Adult Websites"
  • Add specific URLs to the "Never Allow" list to permanently restrict websites on iPhone
  • Repeat the process for each site you want to block
  • Remember to block mobile versions of sites separately

• Whitelist only specific websites:

  • Select "Allowed Websites Only"
  • Add permitted sites to the "Allowed Websites" list
  • This effectively blocks all other websites on Safari

Additional considerations for blocking websites on iPhone iOS

• Passcode protection: Ensure you set a strong passcode for Screen Time to prevent unauthorized changes

• Sync across devices: If you use multiple Apple devices, enable "Share Across Devices" in Screen Time settings to apply restrictions universally

Alternative third-party solutions to block websites on iPhone without Screen Time

While not built-in, these options offer additional features for blocking certain websites on iOS:

• Freedom: An all-in-one distraction blocker that works across multiple devices and platforms, offering features like Locked Mode, Block All, and scheduling to block websites on Safari without Screen Time

• StayFocusd: A Chrome extension that allows setting time limits for specific websites, useful for blocking websites on iPhone iOS

• Limit: A free Chrome extension for setting daily time limits on distracting websites, providing an alternative method to block certain websites on iOS

Third-party apps for website blocking on iPhone

The best apps to block websites on iPhone are Google Family Link and one sec. These apps offer effective ways to block websites on iPhone without using Screen Time. Both Google Family Link and one sec provide free versions to block websites on iPhone for free, featuring customizable content filtering, app blocking, and parental controls to manage online activities and improve productivity.

Best apps to block websites on iPhone

• Google Family Link:

  • Free app to block websites on iPhone without restrictions, available for iOS 11.0 or later
  • Allows parents to monitor activity, set screen time limits, and manage app permissions
  • Can block specific websites and apps, including social media platforms

• one sec:

  • Free app with in-app purchases for blocking websites on iPhone
  • Blocks websites and apps like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube without using Screen Time
  • Requires users to complete a 10-second breathing exercise to unlock blocked sites
  • Offers a pre-defined list of websites to block and allows adding custom sites

• BrowseControl:

  • One of the best apps to block websites on iPhone based on content categories
  • Allows creating allowed and blocked lists for specific URLs
  • Features time-based policies for scheduling internet access

• Focus:

  • Blocks whole websites or allows specific pages without using Screen Time
  • Sets time limits and blocks time-wasting apps
  • Offers a customizable schedule for blocking distractions

Setting up parental control apps on iPhone

1. Enable Screen Time:

   • Open Settings > Screen Time
   • Turn on Screen Time and set a passcode

2. Set app limits:

   • Go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits
   • Select apps and set time limits

3. Enforce Downtime:

   • Navigate to Settings > Screen Time > Downtime
   • Set scheduled periods for limited app access

4. Restrict content:

   • Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & privacy restrictions
   • Turn on restrictions and set password requirements for purchases

5. Manage allowed apps:

   • Open Settings > Screen Time > Always allowed
   • Add or remove apps from the allowed list during Downtime

Customization options for blocking websites on iPhone

• URL filtering: Create allowed or blocked lists for specific websites without using Screen Time
• Category-based filtering: Block websites on iPhone based on predefined categories like social media or adult content
• Keyword filtering: Block sites containing specific words or phrases
• Time-based policies: Schedule internet access and control browsing based on time of day
• Location-based blocking: Set restrictions that only apply when the device is in a specific location

Effectiveness of parental control apps to block websites on iPhone

• Parental control tools' effectiveness depends on factors such as parent and child age, digital skills, and parental involvement
• Apps like Google Family Link offer comprehensive monitoring and control features for parents to block websites on iPhone
• Some apps, like one sec, use behavioral interventions (e.g., breathing exercises) to reduce impulsive app usage
• Time statistics features in apps like Focus help kids track their progress and build good habits

Advanced methods to block websites on iPhone

DNS filtering is the most effective method to block websites on iPhone without Screen Time. To block websites on iPhone without Screen Time, DNS filtering and parental control software are the most effective methods. Use Quad9 DNS for system-wide filtering or install dedicated apps like Kaspersky Safe Kids to block apps and websites on iPhone more permanently and with granular control.

DNS filtering to block websites on iPhone

• Quad9 DNS: Set up DNS over HTTPS (DoH) for secure filtering without Screen Time. Go to Settings > [your name] > Password & Security > Advanced, toggle on Use Custom DNS, and enter https://dns.quad9.net/dns-query as the DNS Server to permanently block websites
• DNS over TLS (DoT): Choose this option if mainly connecting to Wi-Fi networks you control or corporate networks where DoT is allowed for blocking websites on iPhone
• Limitations: The App Store and some terminal commands do not use encrypted DNS by design, which may affect website blocking

Parental control software to block apps and websites on iPhone

• Comprehensive solutions: Install apps like Kaspersky Safe Kids, Norton Family, or Qustodio for advanced features including app management, content filtering, and screen time limits to block websites on iPhone without Screen Time
• iOS-specific features: Look for solutions tailored to Apple's ecosystem, offering content filtering, app restrictions, and family-sharing settings to permanently block websites
• Cloud-based options: Consider cloud-deployed solutions for easier management across multiple devices when blocking apps and websites on iPhone

App blocking without Screen Time

• Third-party app blockers: Install dedicated app blocking solutions for more granular control to block apps and websites on iPhone
• VPN with built-in filters: Use a VPN service that offers website blocking features as an alternative to Screen Time

Permanently block a website on iPhone

• Router-level blocking: Configure your home router to block specific websites, affecting all connected devices and permanently blocking websites
• DNS filtering: Use DNS filtering methods to permanently block websites on iPhone without relying on Screen Time
• Hosts file modification: For jailbroken devices, edit the hosts file to permanently block specific domains without Screen Time

Effectiveness comparison of website blocking methods

• DNS filtering vs. app blocking: DNS filtering is more effective at blocking malware, phishing sites, and inappropriate content across all apps and browsers without Screen Time
• Real-time protection: DNS filtering provides better real-time protection against emerging threats compared to app-specific blocks when blocking websites on iPhone
• Granular control: Parental control software often offers more detailed customization options than basic DNS or app blocking for permanently blocking websites

Market trends for website and app blocking solutions (as of September 04, 2024)

• The global parental control software market, which includes solutions to block websites on iPhone without Screen Time, is expected to reach $5.49 billion by 2032, growing at a 12.44% CAGR from 2023
• iOS operating system held the largest share in the parental control software market in 2023, indicating a high demand for methods to block apps and websites on iPhone
• Increasing adoption of smartphones and tablets among children is driving market growth for solutions to permanently block websites on mobile devices

FAQ

What are the best free apps to block websites on iPhone?

The best free apps to block websites on iPhone are Google Family Link and one sec. Both offer customizable content filtering and app blocking features without cost.

How can I permanently restrict access to certain websites on my iPhone?

To permanently restrict websites on iPhone, use the 'Never Allow' list in Screen Time settings or set up DNS filtering using services like Quad9 DNS. These methods provide long-term blocking solutions.

Is it possible to block websites on iPhone without using Screen Time or restrictions?

Yes, it's possible to block websites on iPhone without Screen Time by using third-party apps like Freedom or StayFocusd, or by implementing DNS filtering. These methods offer alternative ways to restrict website access.

Can I use DNS filtering to block websites on my iPhone?

Yes, you can use DNS filtering to block websites on your iPhone. Set up DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT) using services like Quad9 DNS for system-wide website filtering.

How do I block specific apps and websites on my iPhone?

To block specific apps and websites on iPhone, use Screen Time settings or install parental control software like Kaspersky Safe Kids or Norton Family. These tools offer granular control over app and website access.