Tech Reference

How to block websites and set content restrictions on an iPhone or iPad

looking at phone iphone apple
You can block websites on an iPhone in a few different ways. Jeff Chiu/AP
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With the full swing of the digital age, it's not uncommon to have children under the age of 12 with an iPhone or iPad. 

If you want to set up an iPhone and iPad for your child, you may consider restricting access to any websites that you'd rather not end up in front of young eyes.

Here's what you need to know to block websites on an iPhone or iPad. 

How to block websites on an iPhone and iPad

There are various ways you can block websites on an iPhone so your child doesn't visit them.

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Scroll down and tap Screen Time.

The iPhone Settings app, with the “Screen Time” option highlighted.
Tap "Screen Time."  Stefan Ionescu

3. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.

The “Screen Time” settings on iPhone, with the "Content & Privacy Restrictions” option highlighted.
Tap "Content & Privacy Restrictions."  Stefan Ionescu

4. Tap the toggle for Content & Privacy Restrictions to switch it to the right (a green background will appear around the switch).

The "Content & Privacy Restrictions” settings on iPhone, with the toggle for "Content & Privacy Restrictions” highlighted.
Turn on the toggle for "Content & Privacy Restrictions."  Stefan Ionescu

5. Tap Content Restrictions.

The "Content & Privacy Restrictions” settings on iPhone, with the "Content Restrictions” option highlighted.
Tap "Content Restrictions."  Stefan Ionescu

6. Tap Web Content.

The "Content Restrictions” settings on iPhone, with the "Web Content” option highlighted.
Tap "Web Content."  Stefan Ionescu

7. Choose how you want to limit web access. 

The "Web Content” settings on iPhone, with the "Web Content” option highlighted.
After you select "Limit Adult Websites," you can add websites you'd like to always or never allow.  Stefan Ionescu
  • Limit Adult Websites: This option blocks sites known to be adult in nature (like nudity and pornography). You can also add more sites that will always be blocked or allowed. 
  • Allowed Websites Only: This option allows you to create a customized list of the only sites that will be allowed.

How to block searches and explicit language on an iPhone and iPad

You should also consider blocking websites that contain explicit language.

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Scroll down and tap Screen Time.

The iPhone Settings app, with the “Screen Time” option highlighted.
Go to the "Screen Time" settings.  Stefan Ionescu

3. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.

The “Screen Time” settings on iPhone, with the "Content & Privacy Restrictions” option highlighted.
Choose "Content & Privacy Restrictions" from the list of options.  Stefan Ionescu

4. Tap Content Restrictions.

The "Content & Privacy Restrictions” settings on iPhone, with the "Content Restrictions” option highlighted.
Choose "Content Restrictions" from the list of options.  Stefan Ionescu

5. Tap Explicit Language.

The "Content Restrictions” settings on iPhone, with the "Explicit Language” option highlighted.
Tap "Explicit Language."  Stefan Ionescu

6. Tap Don't Allow.

Alt text: The "Explicit Language” settings on iPhone, with the "Don’t Allow” option highlighted.
Tap "Don't Allow."  Stefan Ionescu

How to set up a passcode to protect your content restrictions 

While you're at it, you should also set up a screen time passcode. This will prevent any semi-savvy child from undoing any of the settings he or she doesn't like. 

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Scroll down and tap Screen Time.

The iPhone Settings app, with the “Screen Time” option highlighted.
In the Settings App, tap "Screen Time."  Stefan Ionescu

3. Tap Use Screen Time Passcode.

The “Screen Time” settings on iPhone, with the "Use Screen Time Passcode” option highlighted.
Tap "Use Screen Time Passcode."  Stefan Ionescu

4. Enter and re-enter the passcode.

5. Enter your Apple ID username and password so you can recover the passcode if you forget it and tap OK in the bottom right corner of the pop-up.

Now whenever anyone tries to change the Screen Time settings they'll have to enter the passcode to get through.

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Steven John has been a freelance writer for more than a dozen years and has been a regular contributor to Business Insider since 2017. His work includes a focus on the tech world, covering companies including Apple, Microsoft, Meta, Google, and others. He also reviews restaurants, shares how-to cooking articles, and writes general interest pieces.Steven also writes for publications including Architectural Digest, The Daily Beast, Forbes, and more. In the past, he also wrote for New York Magazine, Mashed, U.S. News & World Report and other outlets. He runs his own outdoor lifestyle site, Dad Gear Review, and co-hosts the Fact Trekkers podcast with his son. He has had two novels published, Three A.M. and Outrider. He graduated from Emerson College with a degree in communications focused on filmmaking.He is an avid outdoorsman and can be frequently found in a kayak or on a mountain trail, often with his family along for the adventure.Expertise:Tech industryTech hardwareOutdoorsCookingRestaurantsDIYPopular articles:Microsoft: A history of the software giant co-founded by Bill Gates, its products and services, jobs, layoffs, and moreYouTube is a major entertainment force. Here's the platform's history, plus how to create a channel and upload videos.Inside the life and career of Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, billionaire, and philanthropistTim Cook net worth: How the Apple leader earns and spends his moneyBecoming an Amazon seller is a simple process. Here's what's involved, plus how you make money and get paid.