Learning how to block websites on Safari is essential in today’s digital age. Whether you’re trying to increase productivity, protect your kids from inappropriate content, or limit time-wasting distractions, Safari’s built-in tools and external applications offer various solutions. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover everything from parental controls to advanced blocking via Terminal and DNS settings.
Why You Should Know How to Block Websites on Safari
Understanding how to block websites on Safari gives you more control over your digital experience. Common scenarios include:
- Parental Control: Prevent children from accessing adult or harmful content.
- Productivity: Block distracting websites during work hours.
- Security: Avoid phishing or scam websites.
- Mental Health: Reduce screen time and exposure to negative content.
Using Screen Time on macOS to Block Websites on Safari
Enable Screen Time on Mac
- Go to System Settings > Screen Time
- Select your user profile
- Turn on Screen Time if disabled
Block Websites Using Content Restrictions
- Navigate to Content & Privacy
- Enable the toggle
- Click Content Restrictions > Web Content
- Choose Limit Adult Websites
- Under Never Allow, click Add Website
- Enter the URLs you want to block
This method works effectively on all user-level Safari activities.
How to Block Websites on Safari for iPhone and iPad
Set Up Screen Time on iOS
- Open Settings > Screen Time
- Tap Turn On Screen Time if not active
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
Block Websites on iOS Safari
- Select Content Restrictions > Web Content
- Choose Limit Adult Websites
- Tap Add Website under “Never Allow”
- Enter the website URLs
This blocks specific domains system-wide, including Safari and other apps.
Using Parental Controls on Safari for Kids’ Devices
Safari allows detailed parental control through Screen Time and Family Sharing.
Steps to Configure Child Accounts
- Create a Child Apple ID
- Set up Family Sharing
- On your device, manage Screen Time for the child
- Block adult websites and manually add restricted domains
What You Can Control
- Time limits on Safari
- App and website restrictions
- Purchase permissions
- Communication limits
This is ideal for safeguarding children online.
Advanced Guide: How to Block Websites on Safari Using Terminal
For advanced macOS users, Terminal lets you modify the hosts file to block websites.
Steps to Edit Hosts File
- Open Terminal
- Enter:
sudo nano /etc/hosts - Add lines like
127.0.0.1 www.example.com - Save with Control + O, exit with Control + X
- Flush DNS:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
This blocks sites at the system level across all browsers.
How to Block Websites on Safari Using DNS (OpenDNS Method)
OpenDNS blocks content before it even reaches your browser.
Steps to Use OpenDNS
- Go to OpenDNS
- Create an account
- Set DNS on your Mac or router:
- 208.67.222.222
- 208.67.220.220
- Choose filtering level
- Add specific websites to block manually
OpenDNS works across all browsers and devices using that internet connection.
How to Block Websites on Safari via Router Settings
Access Router Controls
- Visit
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1in your browser - Log in using admin credentials
Block Sites at the Network Level
- Go to Parental Controls or Access Restrictions
- Add website URLs to block list
- Apply and save changes
This approach blocks the site across all devices using the router.
Installing Safari Extensions to Block Websites
Extensions can add flexible, browser-based blocking features.
Recommended Safari Extensions
- 1Blocker: Customize site rules and categories
- Focus: Set timed sessions
- WasteNoTime: Track and block usage
Install from the Mac App Store, activate under Safari > Extensions, and start configuring rules.
Creating Separate Safari User Profiles for Restricted Browsing
Although Safari lacks native profiles, you can use macOS users as alternatives.
Steps to Create a New Profile
- Go to System Settings > Users & Groups
- Click Add User
- Configure unique Screen Time settings for that user
This keeps blocked sites separate from your main browsing account.
How to Temporarily Block Websites on Safari
Sometimes, a short break is all you need. Tools to help:
- Use Focus Mode on iOS/macOS to limit apps and websites
- Try SelfControl App for temporary site blocking
- Use extensions like Focus for timed sessions
These are ideal for work or study sessions.
Blocking Social Media on Safari to Stay Focused
If you need to avoid distractions like Facebook or Instagram:
- Use Screen Time to add them to Never Allow
- Block with extensions like WasteNoTime
- DNS filtering for broad social category blocking
You can also use wildcard patterns like *.facebook.com via router or DNS.
Blocking Adult and Gambling Websites Automatically on Safari
Use Screen Time Filters
- Enable Limit Adult Websites
- Add known gambling URLs to the blacklist
Leverage OpenDNS Categories
- Set content filters to “High”
- Automatically blocks:
- Adult content
- Gambling
- Violence
This method is especially useful for parental or network-wide restrictions.
How to Unblock Websites on Safari
Via Screen Time
- Open Settings > Screen Time > Content Restrictions
- Under Never Allow, remove the website URL
If Using Terminal or Hosts File
- Re-open Terminal
- Delete the website entry
- Save and flush DNS cache
Unblocking is simple once the admin or Screen Time passcode is entered.
How to Block Multiple Websites on Safari Simultaneously
You can save time by batching block entries:
- Use wildcard syntax with DNS or router (e.g.,
*.games.com) - Create scripts for hosts file if you’re tech-savvy
- Import URL lists into tools like Cold Turkey or Freedom
This is ideal for educators, teams, or strict parental controls.
Syncing Blocked Websites Across Apple Devices
Keep restrictions consistent across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Enable iCloud Syncing
- Use Family Sharing
- Apply Screen Time settings to child profiles
- Enable Share Across Devices
This syncs settings, limits, and blocklists seamlessly.
Selective Blocking: How to Block YouTube on Safari Without Blocking Google
Steps
- Add only
youtube.com,m.youtube.com, andyoutu.beto block list - Do not block
google.com
This ensures educational searches remain available while videos are restricted.
How to Monitor Website Access Attempts on Safari
Tools to Monitor Activity
- Use Screen Time Activity Reports
- Install third-party trackers like Qustodio
- Enable router-level logs if available
This gives insights into browsing behavior and attempted access to blocked sites.
Can You Block Websites on Safari Without Admin Rights?
Not fully, but partial workarounds include:
- Using browser extensions if pre-installed
- Activating Focus Mode
- Leveraging iCloud shared restrictions managed by someone with admin access
True administrative control is still required for DNS, Terminal, or hosts file editing.
FAQs About How to Block Websites on Safari
How do I block adult websites automatically on Safari?
Use Screen Time’s “Limit Adult Websites” or OpenDNS filtering categories.
Can I block websites for specific times of the day?
Yes, with Downtime in Screen Time or timed extensions like Focus.
Will these settings block content in private browsing?
Yes, Screen Time and DNS-level controls work regardless of browsing mode.
How do I know if a website is being blocked?
Safari will show a restriction message or a DNS error depending on the method used.
Is there a way to lock my settings so they can’t be changed?
Yes, by enabling a Screen Time Passcode and keeping it secure.
Can I block YouTube without affecting Google Search?
Yes, by targeting only YouTube URLs and leaving google.com unrestricted.
Conclusion
Mastering how to block websites on Safari empowers you to create a safer, more focused, and productive digital environment. Whether you’re guiding a child’s internet usage, protecting your mental well-being, or building better work habits, Apple’s Screen Time, DNS filters, and browser tools have your back. Choose the strategy that fits your needs and regain control over your browsing experience—without compromise.
