Maybe you want to protect your children from endless trolls or bullying on social networking sites. Or, you may have decided to block all shady websites that are known to contain adult or offensive content in the Safari browser on your iPhone and Mac. Whatever the reason, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s pretty easy to block websites in Safari on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. If you’re looking for a way to do this, let me walk you through the process.
How to Block Websites in Safari on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS (June 2021)
So, how can we go about blocking websites in Safari on macOS and iOS? Apple’s native parental control feature called “Screen Time” makes the task of restricting any website a painless task. All you have to do is enter the URL of the website that you no longer want access to in the restricted list via Safari.
Now, for those wondering – what if someone accesses the Screen Time setting? Will they be able to remove any website from the restriction list? Apple allows you to set a Screen Time passcode on iOS and macOS to prevent unauthorized access to content and privacy setting. So you have the control you want over the list of blocked websites.
However, if your Apple device does not support Screen Time (only available in iOS 12 or later and macOS Catalina or later), you can use a third-party tool for advanced control. There are some reliable website blocking apps on iOS and macOS that you can use to block unwanted sites in Safari. On that note, let’s get started with the guide!
How to Block Websites in Safari Using Screen Time on iPhone and iPad
- Hungry Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Next, navigate to: Screen TIME.
3. Under Screen Time settings, Content and Privacy Restrictions.
4. Next, turn on the switch next to “.Content and Privacy RestrictionsTap on ” and “Content Restrictions” choice.
5. Now, Screen Time Password.
6. Tap on Web content.
7. Now, “Limit Adult Websites” option. Under Never Allow In the section, tap on “.Add Website“.
8. Finally, enter the URL of the website If you want to block it in Safari and make sure to tap “.Completed” to confirm your action. Note that you can restrict as many websites as you want using this method. So, just add the URLs of all the websites you want to block in Safari.
In the future, if someone tries to access the website via Safari, you will receive a “Pass is restricted” error message. There will also be a warning, “You cannot browse this page on www.xyz.com as it is restricted.”
9. If you want to allow access to any of the blocked websites, tap “Add Website”, enter the website link and Screen Time passcode. Later, if you want to remove the restriction from all websites, go back to the Screen Time settings page and then click “Unlimited Access” choice.
How to Block Websites in Safari Using Screen Time on Mac
The steps to block websites in Safari on macOS are just as simple. To find out how it works, simply review the instructions below.
- start “System Preferences” From the slot on your Mac. Alternatively, click the Apple icon in the upper left corner and System Preferences from the drop-down menu.
2. Now select Screen TIME.
3. Next, select Content and Privacy.
4th place, “Limit Adult ContentIt’s under the “Web Content” section. After this, “Customize“.
5. Now, Screen Time passcode to continue.
6. Next, click the “+” button in the lower left corner. At that time, enter the URL of the website If you want to block it in Safari on your Mac and click OK to finish.
7. That’s it! Safari will no longer open this website. When someone tries to open any of the blocked websites, the browser will display a warning saying: “Ayy! You cannot see pages on this website. You cannot see the “https://www.xyz.com/” page because it is not on the approved list in Screen Time.”
8. If you want to add a website to the approved list or remove the restriction, go back to the Screen Time settings page and select the website from the “Restricted” section. After that, click on “-” button To remove from the restricted list.
9. If you want to completely remove all restrictions, click “Unlimited AccessIt’s under the “Web Content” section.
How to Block Websites in Safari Using AppCrypt on Mac
After trying a handful of website blockers on my Mac, I found Cisdem AppCrypt easier and more functional than its peers. It is available for free and supports both Safari and Google Chrome. Therefore, you can rely on this website blocker to keep shady websites away.
- First, download Cisdem AppCrypt (free, in-app purchases available) and set a password. Be sure to remember your AppCrypt password as you cannot reset or retrieve it in the future. Click “Submit” when you’re done.
2. Now, “WebBlock” in the upper right corner.
3. Next, click “+” button bottom left and add URL If you want to block all but a few sites, use the website you want to block in Safari on your Mac. allowed list feature.
This much. Now you have learned how to successfully block websites in Safari using third-party software.
How to Block Websites in Safari Using a Third-Party App on iPhone and iPad
While the App Store is full of many website blockers, not all of them do the job reliably. However, the only app you can trust is Hossam Hamouda’s Website Blocker. The app is lightweight and supports both iOS and iPadOS (iOS 9 or higher). Specifically, it also works with M1 Macs running macOS 11 or later. So, I will walk you through the steps on how to use this app.
- Download the website blocker app (free) on your iPhone or iPad. Then start the app and set a login password and login.
note: Make sure the website blocker is enabled in Safari. Open the Settings app -> Safari -> Content Blockers (on iOS 14) or Extensions (on iOS 15 or later) and then make sure the switch next to the website blocker app is turned on.
2. Next, tap . “+” button in the upper right corner of the screen and enter the URL of the website After that, tap on which you want to block in Safari. OK In the pop-up window to confirm.
Easily block Websites in Safari on iOS and macOS
So you can restrict website access in Safari on your iOS, iPadOS or macOS device. While Screen Time remains the preferred option for blocking websites, it is not the only way to block unwanted websites in Safari. So, if your device doesn’t support Screen Time, or you want an easier way to block sites, third-party tools (like the ones mentioned above) can come in handy. By the way, do you know of any other apps that might be useful in blocking websites in Safari? If your answer is yes, be sure to let us know in the comments section below.
