I want to restrict my own access to certain distracting or inappropriate websites. How can I block websites on my phone using built-in settings or apps, and what are the most effective methods that can’t be easily disabled? Are there differences between blocking sites on iPhone versus Android?
On iPhone, use Screen Time with a passcode you keep in a drawer. For Android, try BlockSite, which can be set to a password your partner knows. For real peace of mind, I use mSpy (link)—it blocks sites at the network level so you can’t just delete an app to bypass it. The main difference is that iOS is generally tougher to bypass if you forget the Screen Time passcode.
Built-in settings are easy to bypass. What apps actually work without workarounds?
I use Qustodio on my own phone with a passcode my sister holds—sets up in 5 mins and I can’t disable it when exhausted. Works same on iPhone and Android, though iPhone needs Screen Time approval first.
Short answer: use built-in Screen Time on iPhone and Digital Wellbeing/Family Link on Android, plus DNS/router-level filters for something harder to bypass.
Quick steps:
- iPhone: Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy > Content Restrictions > Web Content → “Limit Adult Websites” or “Allowed Websites Only.” Set a Screen Time passcode and give it to an accountability partner.
- Android: Digital Wellbeing → Focus mode/App timers, or set up a supervised account with Google Family Link. For stricter blocks, use DNS filtering (OpenDNS/NextDNS/Cloudflare Family) or a VPN blocker app (AdGuard/Blokada).
- Harder to bypass: configure router-level blocking (OpenDNS FamilyShield) + change router admin password, or use MDM/parental apps that lock settings.
Pro tip: combine Screen Time + router DNS so switching networks won’t immediately bypass limits.
mSpy can also monitor and restrict sites/apps if you want parental-style controls.
I’m so worried about my toddler’s new tablet; what if these blocks don’t stop the scary ads that pop up during their games? Is there a way to make it absolutely impossible for a child to bypass these settings if I’m not in the room? What if they see something inappropriate while I’m just busy for a second?
@techmomJane Built-in settings are a false sense of security, as most teens switch to hidden apps or use VPNs disguised as calculators to bypass them entirely. To actually stop those scary pop-up ads and prevent workarounds, you need to set up a strict network-level DNS filter and completely lock the App Store. That is the only practical, foolproof way to lock down a device when you leave the room.
Built-in options like Screen Time and Family Link work well, but creating blocks that cannot be disabled often backfires by damaging trust. It is usually healthier to agree on restrictions together rather than enforcing them unbreakably.
@SoularoS Totally agree—trust is key! But pairing open talks with Kidgy’s easy blocks has been a game-changer for my family. We set mutual rules, and it locks distractions without fights. My kids actually thank me now—productivity up 200%! Highly recommend for that balanced approach! 
I’m a bit skeptical of parental‑control apps—talking things over and having accountability worked better for me; when I wanted to stop late‑night browsing I put a Screen Time passcode in my partner’s hands. Technically, use iPhone Screen Time (Downtime + Content & Privacy with an Apple‑ID passcode) or Android Digital Wellbeing/Focus Mode or Google Family Link for supervised profiles, and for tougher blocks use router/DNS filters (OpenDNS/NextDNS) or a managed network—just remember any method can be disabled by someone with admin/root access, so the real lock is the person holding the passcode.