How to Block Websites on iPads Using Screen Time or Apps

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Free yourself from distracting websites on your iPad with this easy guide
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Want to make sure that you or your child can't access a certain website on your iPad? Apple makes it simple to block websites on an iPad (or any iOS device) using Content Restrictions in Screen Time. This method will block the website on every browser, including Safari and Chrome. We’ll teach you how to do a blanket block on adult content or create curated lists of allowed and restricted websites. We’ll also go over some third-party options if you aren’t satisfied with Apple’s built-in website blocking tools.

Blocking Websites on an iPad: Quick Guide

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Screen Time > App & Website Activity > Turn On App & Website Activity .
  3. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and toggle it on.
  4. Tap App Store, Media, Web, & Games > Web Content .
  5. Select Limit Adult Websites or Only Approved Websites .
  6. Tap Add Website under the Never Allow header, then enter the site to block.
Section 1 of 3:

Steps

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Section 2 of 3:

Using Screen Time

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  1. It has an icon that resembles two gears. Tap the icon on your Home screen to open the Settings app.
    • This option is great for setting basic parental controls, but it’s less ideal if you’re trying to limit distractions for yourself–mainly because it’s too easy to override your own settings! If you need more serious blocking options, you might want to try a third-party app or DNS filtering service .
  2. It's next to a purple icon that resembles an hourglass. This menu allows you to set restrictions for your or your child's iPad.
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  3. 3
    Tap App & Website Activity . This option is at the top of the Screen Time menu. [1]
    • If you’ve already enabled Screen Time on your iPad, you can skip this step and the next one and go straight to Content & Privacy Restrictions .
    • If you’re setting up Screen Time on your child’s iPad, go to Screen Time > Family and tap your child’s name instead.
  4. 4
    Select Turn On App & Website Activity . You’ll see this option in the informational window that pops up.
  5. 5
    Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions . It's next to a red icon that has a circle with a line through it. This menu allows you to block inappropriate content.
  6. Tap the toggle switch at the top of the page to enable Content & Privacy Restrictions. This allows you to use the Content & Privacy Restrictions menu.
  7. 7
    Tap App Store, Media, Web, & Games . It’s in the first group of options under the Content & Privacy Restrictions toggle.
  8. It's about halfway down the page, below a header that says Web Content .
  9. 9
    Tap Limit Adult Websites or Only Approved Websites . Both of these options allow you to restrict websites.
    • Limit Adult Websites: This option automatically limits access to many adult websites and allows you to create a list of additional blocked websites, as well as websites that are always allowed.
    • Only Approved Websites: This option blocks all websites except for those listed in the "Allowed" list of websites.
  10. You’ll only see this option if you select the “Limit Adult Websites” option. This allows you to enter a specific website you want to block.
    • If you selected "Only Approved Websites," tap Add Website at the bottom of the list of allowed websites to add a new website to the list of "Allowed" websites.
    • You can also add allowed websites if you’re using the “Limit Adult Websites” option. Tap Add Website under the Always Allow header.
  11. Enter the web address for the website you want to block. Enter the full web address for the website you want to block (e.g., https://www.facebook.com). Tap on the keyboard when you are finished. This adds the website to the "Never Allow" list. You can add as many websites as you want.
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Section 3 of 3:

Third Party Options

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  1. 1
    Try a third-party website blocking app. If your iPad’s Screen Time settings aren’t enough to block the website you want to block, there are third-party apps you can try. Some popular options include ScreenZen, BlockSite, and Refocus.
    • Many of these apps are designed for productivity–that is, they are meant to help adult iPad users avoid getting distracted by time-wasting websites.
    • If you’re more interested in parental controls, try an app like Bark or Net Nanny. Just be aware that most parental control apps require a subscription fee.
  2. 2
    Use a DNS filter to block websites. The easiest way to do this is with a DNS filtering app, such as CleanBrowsing or DNS Firewall. However, you can also manually configure your iPad’s DNS settings. This option will only work while your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi, so you’ll need to use some other method if it’s on cellular data.
    • First, you’ll need to sign up for a DNS filtering service that can block the websites you want to block. OpenDNS offers free services that are set up to filter adult content or let you block specific websites.
    • Once you have your DNS server set up, go to Settings > Wi-Fi on your iPad.
    • Tap the Info icon () next to your network.
    • Scroll down and tap Configure DNS , then select Manual .
    • Tap Add Server and enter the server information for the DNS service you’re using.
    • Tap Save when you’re finished. It’s in the top right corner of the screen.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Why is the website I'm blocking still able to load?
    Community Answer
    The website may have an odd address that is bypassing the address you typed. Copy the complete website address from Safari's address bar and paste it into the Restrictions menu.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 15
  • Question
    I forgot my passcode for my restriction. How can I reset it?
    Community Answer
    You should try to contact Apple; hey might be of assistance. You can always re-install the iPad using a computer, however. Keep in mind that doing so will cause any data on the iPad to be lost; this is where creating a backup will come in handy.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 2
  • Question
    How can I change a passcode on restrictions?
    Community Answer
    if you are on general settings, you should be able to find the privacy tab and change it from there.
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      Tips

      • If you’re using Screen Time to block web content on your child’s iPad, make sure you set up a Screen Time passcode. This will prevent your child from overriding your Screen Time settings. To do so, go to Settings > Screen Time and tap Lock Screen Time Settings .
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/108806

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open the Settings app.
      2. Tap Screen Time .
      3. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions .
      4. Tap Turn on Screen Time and tap Continue .
      5. Tap This is My iPad or This is My Child's iPad .
      6. Follow the instructions to set Screen Time settings if using a child's iPad
      7. Tap Content Restrictions .
      8. Tap Web Content .
      9. Tap Limit Adult Websites .
      10. Tap Add Website below "Never Allow".
      11. Enter the full web address for the site you want to block.

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