It is crucial to remember that the internet should not be navigated without caution. It contains scams, explicit content, and graphic media, some of which can inadvertently be accessed by young users. Even those who are aware of these risks can occasionally encounter inappropriate material. For this reason, parents should proactively limit the content their children can access online, prioritizing safety and healthy development. Usually, this means blocking websites that display explicit material, gambling, and other adult-oriented content. In this article, we provide a clear, step-by-step guide to permanently blocking adult websites on your phone by using several effective and user-friendly methods.
Best Ways to Block Adult Websites on My Phone
There are numerous websites labeled as “18+” for a reason. These sites can be particularly harmful to young users, exposing them to content that can negatively affect their mental well-being. Below are effective strategies that work for both Android and iOS devices, ensuring that adult websites remain blocked permanently:
1. Enabling Google Safe Browsing
Safe Browsing is a feature offered by browsers such as Google Chrome. It helps prevent explicit or inappropriate images, videos, and links from appearing in your search results, adding an important layer of safety. While the process might differ slightly depending on the browser you use, the general steps remain consistent: For browsers like Opera, Safe Browsing can also be enabled following a similar process. Although minor steps may vary, the fundamental concept remains the same and the protection is just as effective.
2. Turn on SafeSearch
In addition to Safe Browsing, Google provides SafeSearch—a dedicated feature for its search engine, available through the Google app and web browser. SafeSearch specifically filters search results to exclude explicit or adult content, promoting a safer browsing experience by systematically blocking or filtering content that may be inappropriate for all audiences.
3. Activate Store Restrictions
Even if adult websites are blocked, children may still access inappropriate apps from your device’s app store. Store restrictions are essential for preventing downloads of adult-themed apps and games.
For Google Play Store:
For App Store:
On iPhone devices, store restrictions can be managed through the Settings menu without any need to access the App Store directly.
4. Set Up OpenDNS On Your Phone
A DNS server acts as the internet’s phone book, translating website names into IP addresses. When you type a website URL, your device uses the DNS server to find the correct IP address and display the website. OpenDNS improves upon standard DNS servers by offering content filtering. This feature allows you to block specific websites, preventing access even if the site address is entered directly. OpenDNS gives you the flexibility to block entire categories or specific keywords related to adult content. You can also manually add websites to your blacklist, providing robust control over your family’s browsing safety. Setting up OpenDNS is a highly effective strategy for safeguarding your family from inappropriate online content.
For Android Users
For iPhone Users
OpenDNS provides both free and paid DNS plans, each with pre-configured settings to block adult content or enable custom filtering to meet your specific needs.
5. Try A Parental Control App
Several Parental Control apps are available for both Android and iOS. Installing one can greatly enhance your family’s digital safety by offering options for web filtering, device monitoring, and screen time management. Popular choices, such as Google Family Link and Norton Family Parental Control, allow you to filter mature content, monitor device activity, and set usage restrictions. While paid parental control apps offer comprehensive features, Google Family Link is a highly capable, free solution for setting up parental controls.
To ensure your child cannot change the parental control settings you’ve set up.
How To Block Adult Websites On iPhones
Unlike Android, iOS includes a powerful built-in content filter named Screen Time. This tool lets iPhone users restrict access to specific websites or other inappropriate media right from their device settings. To enable content filtering using Screen Time, follow these instructions: Head to Content Restrictions > Web Content
