How to Block Adult Websites on Your Phone Permanently
In today’s digital world, accessing the internet is easier than ever, especially with smartphones in our pockets. While this convenience brings countless benefits, it also presents challenges, particularly when it comes to inappropriate content. Adult websites, in particular, can be problematic, especially if you’re looking to create a safe browsing environment for yourself or others, like children. The good news is that there are ways to block adult websites on your phone permanently. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this.
Use Built-in Parental Controls
Most smartphones come with built-in parental controls, designed to restrict access to adult content.
On iPhone (iOS):
1. Go to Settings > Screen Time.
2. Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
3. Turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
4. Under Content Restrictions, tap Web Content.
5. Select Limit Adult Websites. You can also add specific websites to always allow or never allow.
This setting will block most adult websites and restrict explicit content in apps like Safari, and it can be protected with a passcode so only you can change the settings.
On Android:
Android phones don’t have a direct “adult website” blocking feature, but you can set up restrictions using Google Play’s parental controls.
1. Go to Settings > Google > Parental Controls.
2. Turn on Parental Controls and create a PIN.
3. You can restrict apps, movies, and more to an appropriate rating.
To block adult websites specifically, using a third-party app may be necessary (more on that below).
Use Third-Party Apps
There are many apps available that allow you to block websites, including adult content. Some of the most popular options include:
Net Nanny: A well-known parental control app that can filter out adult content and monitor internet activity.
Qustodio: This app offers similar features to Net Nanny, including blocking adult content, monitoring apps, and setting screen time limits.
BlockSite: Available on both Android and iOS, BlockSite lets you block websites and apps easily. You can create a list of websites to block or allow, ensuring that no adult content slips through.
These apps typically allow you to create a password so that changes can’t be made without your permission.
Use a Secure DNS
A DNS (Domain Name System) is what helps your phone translate website addresses into IP addresses. By using a secure or filtered DNS, you can block access to adult websites at the network level.
One popular option is OpenDNS:
1. Sign up for a free account at OpenDNS.
2. Configure your phone’s Wi-Fi settings to use OpenDNS. This can be done in the Wi-Fi settings by manually setting the DNS servers to OpenDNS’ servers:
208.67.222.123
208.67.220.123
3. You can configure OpenDNS to block adult content by choosing the FamilyShield settings.
This will block adult websites not only on your phone but also on any device connected to your Wi-Fi.
Install a Safe Browser
Instead of relying on blocking adult websites on your default browser, you could install a dedicated safe browser. These browsers are designed with built-in content filtering to prevent access to adult websites:
Safe Browser for Kids: A highly rated browser specifically designed for safe browsing.
SPIN Safe Browser: This free browser automatically blocks adult content, making it a great choice for a more controlled internet experience.
Carrier Restrictions
Most mobile carriers offer content filtering services that can block adult websites at the network level. This means that as long as you’re using your carrier’s data network, access to adult content will be restricted.
For Verizon: Visit the Verizon Smart Family app, which allows you to filter and block adult content.
For AT&T: Use the AT&T Secure Family app for similar features.
For other carriers: Check with your mobile provider, as most offer some form of parental control or content filtering.
Router-Level Blocking
If you want to ensure that adult content is blocked on every device connected to your home Wi-Fi, including your phone, you can configure your router to block specific websites or types of content.
1. Log into your router’s settings. This is usually done by typing the router’s IP address into your browser’s address bar (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
2. Look for a section labeled Parental Controls, Content Filtering, or Website Blocking.
3. Enter the URLs of adult websites or use built-in content filtering options.
This method ensures that adult websites are blocked on all devices connected to your Wi-Fi network, but it won’t apply when using cellular data unless you also configure your phone settings as mentioned earlier.
Final Thoughts
Blocking adult websites on your phone permanently is possible, and there are several options to do it, from built-in controls to third-party apps and network-level restrictions. The method you choose depends on your needs—whether you’re setting up safe browsing for kids or simply want a distraction-free environment for yourself. Combining several of these methods will give you the strongest protection, ensuring that adult content stays out of reach.