How to Block a Website on Any Device: 9 Effective Solutions

The internet offers a wealth of information and entertainment, but not everything online is suitable for every audience. Whether you’re a parent wanting to restrict access to certain websites for your children or a business owner looking to improve productivity by limiting distractions, knowing how to block a website can be extremely useful. In this guide, we’ll cover nine effective solutions to block websites on various devices, from computers to mobile phones, and even network-wide methods.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a thorough understanding of how to block a website across different platforms, along with the tools that make this process easy and efficient. We’ll also highlight places where you can integrate useful links to further enhance your blocking capabilities.

1. Blocking a Website via Your Router

Blocking websites at the router level is one of the most efficient ways to restrict access to certain content across an entire network. When you block websites at the router, every device connected to your Wi-Fi will be affected. This is a great option for parents and businesses alike.

How to block a website using your router:

1. Access your router’s settings by entering its IP address into a browser (typically something like 192.168.1.1).
2. Log in using your admin credentials (these can often be found on the router).
3. Navigate to the parental control or website filtering section.
4. Enter the URLs of the websites you want to block.
5. Save the changes, and reboot the router if necessary.

This method is especially useful for businesses or households with multiple devices. Once you know how to block a website at the router level, you can prevent users from bypassing the block, even if they switch devices.

Benefits of router-level blocking:

• Network-wide protection
• Centralized control
• No need for individual device configuration
• Difficult for users to bypass

Potential Drawbacks:

• Some routers have limited blocking capabilities
• Requires access to router settings
• May affect all users on the network, even those who need access

You can read a detailed guide on accessing and modifying router settings from popular router brands:

• Netgear
• TP-Link
• Linksys

2. Using Built-in Parental Controls

Most modern devices come with built-in parental controls that can help you block websites without any third-party software. Whether you’re using an iPhone, Android, Windows PC, or a Mac, there are straightforward methods for blocking unwanted websites.

On iPhones and iPads:

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time.
2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions, then turn on the restrictions.
3. Under Web Content, choose Limit Adult Websites, or manually add specific sites to the Never Allow list.

On Android Devices:

1. Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.
2. Set up parental controls and choose specific websites or types of content to block.

On Windows 10/11:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & Other Users.
2. Add a family member and set up parental controls.
3. Use Microsoft Family Safety to manage web browsing and block specific sites.

On macOS:

1. Go to System Preferences > Screen Time.
2. Click Content & Privacy.
3. Select Limit Adult Websites or add specific sites to the restricted list.

Learning how to block a website using built-in controls can be a quick and efficient solution for families. It’s an easy-to-use tool that doesn’t require any extra downloads or configurations.

Advantages of Built-in Parental Controls:

• No additional software required
• Often integrated with other device management features
• Regular updates from device manufacturers

Limitations:

• May not be as customizable as third-party solutions
• Controls can sometimes be bypassed by tech-savvy users
• Features may vary between different operating systems

You can read about setting up and customizing parental controls here:

• IOS
• Android
• Windows
• MacOs

3. Browser Extensions for Website Blocking

For those looking to block websites on a browser-by-browser basis, using an extension is one of the easiest methods. Popular extensions like BlockSite and StayFocusd let you block distracting or harmful sites on Chrome, Firefox, and other browsers.

Steps to block a website using browser extensions:

1. Open your browser’s extension store (e.g., Chrome Web Store for Google Chrome).
2. Search for and install a website blocker like BlockSite or StayFocusd.
3. Once installed, follow the extension’s instructions to add websites to your block list.

Knowing how to block a website with an extension is especially useful if you only want restrictions within a single browser. It’s a simple, lightweight solution that works well for personal productivity or content filtering.

Advantages of Using Browser Extensions:

• Easy to set up and use
• Often free or low-cost
• Can be customized for different browsing sessions or times of day
• Works across different devices if you sync your browser settings

Potential Drawbacks:

• Only works within the specific browser
• Can be disabled or removed by the user
• May slow down browser performance slightly

4. Modifying the Hosts File on Windows

For a more advanced solution, you can block websites directly from your Windows computer by editing the hosts file. This method doesn’t rely on any software and works system-wide, making it a powerful tool for those who want more control over which sites can be accessed.

Steps to Block a Website Using the Hosts File:

1. Open Notepad as an administrator.
2. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts.
3. At the bottom of the file, add the following line:

4. Save the file and restart your computer.

Once you understand how to block a website via the hosts file, you can manage blocks on a deeper level, bypassing browser extensions or parental controls. It’s ideal for IT administrators or advanced users.

Advantages of Using the Hosts File:

• Works system-wide across all browsers and applications
• No additional software required
• Difficult for non-technical users to bypass
• Can improve system performance by reducing DNS lookups

Potential Drawbacks:

• Requires administrative access to modify
• Can be complex for non-technical users
• Blocking many sites can make the file unwieldy
• Doesn’t work for blocking specific subpages of a website

5. Blocking Websites on Android with Third-Party Apps

For those who need more flexibility than Android’s built-in parental controls offer, third-party apps provide advanced options to block websites.

Popular third-party apps:

• BlockSite: The Android app version of this popular extension allows users to block websites and apps with ease.
• AppBlock: helps block distracting websites and apps during work hours.
• Safe Browser: Focuses on parental controls and filtering out harmful content.

Learning how to block a website using an app gives you more options, such as scheduling and blocking specific categories of websites. These apps are available on the Google Play Store and are user-friendly.

Features to Look for in Website Blocking Apps:

1. Customizable Block Lists: Ability to add and remove websites easily.
2. Scheduling: Set specific times for blocking to be active.
3. App Blocking: Block not just websites, but also distracting apps.
4. Password Protection: Prevent unauthorized changes to settings.
5. Sync Across Devices: Maintain the same block list on multiple devices.

How to Set Up BlockSite on Android:

1. Download and install BlockSite from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and grant necessary permissions.
3. Tap the “+” button to add websites or apps to block.
4. Enable the VPN feature when prompted to ensure system-wide blocking.
5. Optionally, set up a schedule or enable the strict mode for stronger blocking.

Advantages of Third-Party Blocking Apps:

• More features and flexibility compared to built-in controls
• Often include productivity tools and statistics
• Can block both websites and apps
• Regular updates and improvements

Potential Drawbacks:

• Some features may require in-app purchases
• May impact device performance or battery life
• Privacy concerns with apps that require extensive permissions

Remember to read the app’s privacy policy and user reviews before installing to ensure it meets your needs and security standards.

6. Using OpenDNS for Network-Wide Website Blocking

For those who want to block websites across an entire network, using a service like OpenDNS is a great solution. OpenDNS allows you to filter websites at the DNS level, meaning every device connected to your network will be subject to the restrictions.

How to Block a Website with OpenDNS:

1. Sign up for a free OpenDNS account.
2. Change your network’s DNS settings to use OpenDNS.
3. Configure your web filters in the OpenDNS dashboard by adding websites to the block list.

Learning how to block a website with OpenDNS is a highly effective method for parents and businesses. Since the blocking happens at the DNS level, this method covers all connected devices, including mobile phones, computers, and smart TVs.

Advantages of Using OpenDNS:

• Network-wide protection without configuring individual devices
• Customizable filtering options
• Additional security features like phishing protection
• Can be implemented on home routers or corporate networks

Potential Limitations:

• Requires changing DNS settings, which may be challenging for some users
• Free version has limited customization options
• May slightly impact internet speed due to DNS lookups

Alternative DNS Filtering Services:

1. Cloudflare Family: Offers malware blocking and optional adult content filtering.
2. AdGuard DNS: Focuses on blocking ads and tracking, with optional parental controls.
3. Quad9: Provides security-focused DNS with malware and phishing protection.

When setting up DNS-based filtering, it’s important to configure it on your router to ensure all devices on the network are protected. Some services also offer apps or configuration guides for individual devices, which can be useful for mobile devices that frequently switch between networks.

7. Blocking Websites on iPhone with Third-Party Apps

If iOS’s built-in controls aren’t sufficient, third-party apps like Freedom or Focus provide enhanced blocking options across apps and websites.

How to Block a Website on iPhone Using Freedom:

1. Download the Freedom app from the App Store.
2. Set up an account and create blocking sessions.
3. Add websites you want to block to the list and start your session.

Freedom allows cross-platform blocking, making it easy to manage blocked sites across devices. Learning how to block a website using these apps can be beneficial for individuals who work on multiple devices or platforms.

How to Block a Website on iPhone Using Focus:

1. Download the Focus app from the App Store.
2. Set up your Focus Sessions, which allow you to block websites during specific timeframes.
3. Choose the websites you want to block, and the app will prevent access during the session.

Focus is particularly useful for managing productivity by blocking distracting websites during work hours or study periods. With its scheduling feature, it helps users stay focused on their tasks.

Additional Features of Website Blocking Apps for iOS:

• App Blocking: Block not just websites, but also distracting apps.
• Customizable Schedules: Set specific times for blocking to be active.
• Distraction-Free Modes: Some apps offer modes that limit all but essential functions.
• Usage Statistics: Track your productivity and app usage patterns.
• Sync Across Devices: Maintain consistent blocking across your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Considerations When Choosing an iOS Blocking App:

1. Privacy: Ensure the app’s privacy policy aligns with your comfort level, especially regarding data collection.
2. VPN Usage: Some apps use VPN profiles to function, which may impact your device’s performance or conflict with other VPN services.
3. Battery Life: Be aware that constant background operation may affect battery life.
4. Ease of Use: Look for apps with intuitive interfaces and easy setup processes.
5. Cost: While many apps offer free versions, advanced features often require subscriptions.

By using either Freedom or Focus, you can gain greater control over how and when websites are blocked, ensuring a more streamlined experience across your devices. Remember to periodically review and adjust your blocked websites list to ensure it remains relevant to your needs.

8. Using Google SafeSearch

While not a direct method for blocking specific websites, Google SafeSearch helps filter explicit or inappropriate content in search results. Enabling SafeSearch is a useful tool for parents who want an extra layer of protection when children browse the web.

How to Enable Google SafeSearch:

1. Go to the Google Search Settings page.
2. Toggle on, turn on SafeSearch.
3. Save your changes.

Although not a complete solution, learning how to block a website using SafeSearch can complement other blocking methods by filtering harmful content from search engines.

9. Using Enterprise-level Content Filtering Tools

For businesses that need comprehensive content filtering, tools like Cisco Umbrella or Barracuda Web Security offer advanced controls to block websites, monitor usage, and protect against malicious sites.

Benefits of Using Enterprise Tools:

• Ability to block website categories.
• Real-time monitoring of web traffic.
• Protection against phishing and malware.

Knowing how to block a website using enterprise-level tools can help businesses maintain productivity and security in the workplace.

Conclusion

Blocking websites is an essential tool for anyone looking to control the content accessible on their devices or networks. Whether you’re using a router, parental controls, browser extensions, or enterprise tools, knowing how to block a website effectively is key to managing the internet experience in a safe and productive way.

Need assistance with website management or other tech-related solutions? Feel free to contact us through our website, Devolysis for expert help and support! We’re here to ensure your digital experience is safe and efficient.