How To Block Websites On Safari Ipad

People are currently reading this guide.

Hey there, iPad user! Are you looking to reclaim control over your Browse experience or ensure a safe digital environment for your family? Blocking websites on your iPad's Safari browser is a fantastic way to do just that. Whether it's to boost your productivity, limit distractions, or protect your kids from inappropriate content, you've come to the right place.

Let's dive right in and get those unwanted websites out of your Safari view!

Step 1: Understanding the Power of Screen Time

The primary tool you'll be using to block websites on your iPad is Apple's built-in feature called Screen Time. It's not just for monitoring usage; it's a robust parental control system that allows you to manage content, apps, and various settings on your device.

Why Screen Time? Screen Time is ideal because it's deeply integrated into the iPad's operating system, meaning it provides a consistent and effective way to apply restrictions across Safari and other apps. It's also accessible directly from your iPad's settings, so you don't need to download third-party apps for basic blocking.

Before we proceed, make sure you're ready to set a Screen Time Passcode. This passcode is crucial as it prevents others (especially curious kids!) from changing your restrictions. Choose something memorable but not easily guessable.

Step 2: Activating Content & Privacy Restrictions

This is the gatekeeper to all your website blocking capabilities.

How to get there:

Open the Settings app on your iPad. It's the grey icon with gears.
Scroll down and tap on Screen Time.
If you haven't used Screen Time before, you'll see an option to "Turn On Screen Time." Tap it and follow the prompts. You'll be asked if it's "This is My iPad" or "This is My Child's iPad." Choose the appropriate option.
Once Screen Time is active (or if it already was), tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
If prompted, enter your Screen Time passcode. If you haven't set one up yet, you'll be guided to create one now. Seriously, don't skip this part! This passcode is vital for securing your settings.
Toggle the Content & Privacy Restrictions switch to the On (green) position.

Congratulations! You've now unlocked the ability to control what content can be accessed on your iPad.

Step 3: Navigating to Web Content Settings

Now that Content & Privacy Restrictions are enabled, we can get specific about web content.

Within the "Content & Privacy Restrictions" menu, tap on Content Restrictions. You might need to scroll down a bit to find it.
In the "Content Restrictions" menu, tap on Web Content.

You'll now see three main options for web content access:

Unrestricted Access: This allows access to all websites without any filtering. This is likely not what you want if you're here to block sites!
Limit Adult Websites: This is a fantastic middle-ground. iPadOS will automatically attempt to filter out known adult websites. While highly effective, it's not foolproof and may still allow some content through.
Allowed Websites Only: This is the most restrictive option. When selected, your iPad will only allow access to the websites you explicitly add to an "Allowed Websites" list. All other websites will be blocked. This is ideal for young children where you want to curate a very specific list of safe sites.

Step 4: Blocking Specific Websites (The "Never Allow" List)

This is where you directly tell your iPad which websites to block. This method works best when you select "Limit Adult Websites" in the previous step.

Select the Limit Adult Websites option.
Below this option, you will see a section titled "NEVER ALLOW" and "ALWAYS ALLOW."
To block a specific website, tap on Add Website under the "NEVER ALLOW" section.
A new screen will appear. In the "URL" field, carefully type the full URL of the website you wish to block (e.g., www.example.com or facebook.com).
Tap Done on the keyboard.

Pro Tip: Make sure you type the URL correctly. Even a small typo can mean the site isn't blocked! You might also want to add both example.com and www.example.com to ensure comprehensive blocking.
Repeat this step for every website you want to add to your blocked list.

Step 5: Allowing Only Approved Websites (The "Allowed Websites Only" Option)

This method is for when you want maximum control and only want specific sites to be accessible.

Select the Allowed Websites Only option.
When you select this, your iPad will automatically pre-populate a few family-friendly websites (like Apple, PBS Kids, etc.) under the "ALWAYS ALLOW" section.
To add a website you want to allow, tap on Add Website under the "ALWAYS ALLOW" section.
Enter the website's name (optional, but helpful for identification) and its full URL (e.g., www.schoolportal.org).
Tap Done.
Any website not on this "ALWAYS ALLOW" list will be blocked automatically.

Important Consideration: If you use this option, be prepared to add every single website that will be needed. This can be time-consuming, but it offers the highest level of restriction.

Step 6: Testing Your Restrictions

Once you've made your changes, it's crucial to test them to ensure they're working as expected.

Exit the Settings app.
Open Safari.
Try to navigate to one of the websites you've blocked.
If successful, you should see a message indicating that the site is restricted, or it simply won't load.
If you used "Allowed Websites Only," try navigating to a site not on your allowed list. It should be blocked.

What if it's not working? Double-check your Screen Time passcode, ensure "Content & Privacy Restrictions" is turned on, and verify the URLs you've entered are correct. Sometimes, websites have different mobile URLs (https://www.google.com/search?q=m.example.com) that you might also need to block.

Removing or Editing Blocked/Allowed Websites

Life changes, and so do your Browse needs! You can easily modify your lists:

Go back to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Web Content.
Enter your Screen Time passcode.
Under either "NEVER ALLOW" or "ALWAYS ALLOW" (depending on your chosen restriction level), you'll see your lists.
To remove a website, swipe left on its entry and tap Delete.
To edit a website, tap on it, make your changes, and tap Done.

Advanced Considerations and Alternatives

While Screen Time is excellent, there are other considerations and methods for comprehensive web filtering:

Router-Level Blocking: Many modern Wi-Fi routers offer built-in parental control features that allow you to block websites for all devices connected to your home network. This is a powerful solution as it applies universally, regardless of the device's individual settings. You'd access your router's settings via a web browser (check your router's manual for its IP address and login details).
DNS Filtering Services (e.g., OpenDNS): For the more tech-savvy, changing your iPad's DNS settings to a filtered DNS service can block categories of websites (like adult content, social media, etc.) at the network level. This can be done in your iPad's Wi-Fi settings for individual networks.
Third-Party Parental Control Apps: While Screen Time is robust, dedicated parental control apps often offer more granular control, advanced reporting, and cross-platform capabilities. These usually involve installing an app on the child's device and managing settings from a parent's device. Popular options include Bark, Qustodio, and Mobicip.

10 Related FAQ Questions

How to disable all website access on Safari iPad?

To completely disable Safari and prevent web Browse, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps and toggle Safari to Off. This will remove the Safari icon from the Home Screen.

How to block YouTube on Safari iPad?

Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Web Content. Select "Limit Adult Websites" (or "Allowed Websites Only") and then under "NEVER ALLOW," tap "Add Website" and enter youtube.com and www.youtube.com.

How to allow specific websites for school on Safari iPad?

Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Web Content. Choose "Allowed Websites Only," then under "ALWAYS ALLOW," tap "Add Website" and enter the URLs for all required school websites.

How to remove website blocking on Safari iPad?

Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Web Content. Enter your Screen Time passcode. You can then change the "Web Content" setting to "Unrestricted Access" or swipe left and delete specific websites from the "NEVER ALLOW" or "ALWAYS ALLOW" lists.

How to check if website blocking is active on Safari iPad?

Open Safari and try to access a website you believe should be blocked. If it's blocked, you'll see a message indicating it's restricted. You can also review your settings in Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Web Content.

How to set a Screen Time passcode for website blocking on iPad?

When you first enable Screen Time, you'll be prompted to create a passcode. If you skip this, go to Settings > Screen Time and look for the "Use Screen Time Passcode" option. Tapping this will allow you to set or change your passcode.

How to bypass website blocking on Safari iPad?

There is no legitimate way to bypass Screen Time restrictions without the Screen Time passcode. Attempts to do so often involve resetting the device or exploiting software vulnerabilities, which are not recommended and can lead to data loss or security risks.

How to block pop-ups on Safari iPad (not website blocking)?

While not directly website blocking, pop-ups can be annoying. Go to Settings > Safari and toggle Block Pop-ups to On. You can also explore content blockers in the App Store for more comprehensive ad and pop-up blocking.

How to block websites on Safari iPad for a specific time?

Screen Time's web content filtering doesn't offer time-based blocking for specific websites directly. However, you can use "Downtime" in Screen Time (Settings > Screen Time > Downtime) to block all apps (including Safari) during scheduled periods.

How to block websites on Safari iPad for multiple users with Family Sharing?

If you use Family Sharing, the family organizer can set up Screen Time for each child's device remotely. On the organizer's device, go to Settings > Screen Time, select the child's name under "Family," and then proceed with the "Content & Privacy Restrictions" steps as outlined above.

4566240802082354022