Ensuring a safe browsing experience is crucial, particularly for children and young users. Apple provides built-in parental controls that allow users to restrict access to adult content on iPhones. Whether you are a parent or simply want to create a safer browsing environment for yourself, this guide will walk you through the various methods to block adult websites on an iPhone.

Method 1: Using Screen Time Content Restrictions

Apple’s Screen Time feature includes content restrictions that can effectively block adult websites. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open Settings: Navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Go to Screen Time: Scroll down and select “Screen Time.”
3. Enable Screen Time (If Not Already Enabled): If you haven’t used Screen Time before, tap “Turn On Screen Time” and follow the setup instructions.
4. Access Content & Privacy Restrictions: Tap “Content & Privacy Restrictions” and turn it on if it is disabled.
5. Go to Content Restrictions: Tap “Content Restrictions.”
6. Select Web Content: Scroll down and select “Web Content.”
7. Choose ‘Limit Adult Websites’: Under the Web Content section, select “Limit Adult Websites.”
8. Customise the Allow/Deny List: If necessary, you can manually add specific websites to the “Always Allow” or “Never Allow” lists by tapping “Add Website.”

This method automatically filters out adult content and prevents access to most inappropriate websites.

Method 2: Blocking Websites Using a Third-Party App

If you want more advanced website blocking capabilities, you can use third-party parental control apps. Some popular options include:

• Qustodio
• Net Nanny
• Norton Family
• Bark
• OurPact

These apps allow you to set custom filters, track browsing history, and enforce time restrictions. To install and set up one of these apps:

1. Download the app from the App Store.
2. Create an account and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Grant the necessary permissions for web filtering and content blocking.
4. Customise settings to restrict access to adult websites.

Method 3: Using a Child-Safe Browser

For an extra layer of protection, consider using a child-safe browser such as:

• Kaspersky Safe Kids
• SPIN Safe Browser
• Mobicip

These browsers are designed to block adult content and provide a safe browsing experience. After installing, make sure to set up parental controls and restrictions within the app.

Method 4: Configuring DNS Restrictions

Another effective way to block adult content is by changing the DNS settings on your iPhone to a family-friendly service like OpenDNS FamilyShield or CleanBrowsing.

To configure DNS restrictions:

1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on your connected Wi-Fi network.
3. Scroll down and select ‘Configure DNS’.
4. Switch to ‘Manual’ and remove any existing DNS servers.
5. Add one of the following DNS server addresses:
   • OpenDNS FamilyShield: 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123
   • CleanBrowsing (Family Filter): 185.228.168.168 and 185.228.169.168
6. Tap Save and restart your Wi-Fi connection.

This will ensure that any device connected to the network follows the filtering rules of the selected DNS service.

Method 5: Restricting Access Through Mobile Networks

If you are concerned about browsing over mobile data, some network providers offer parental control services. Contact your mobile carrier to see if they provide:

• Content filtering for adult websites
• Parental controls to manage browsing restrictions

You may need to enable these restrictions through the carrier’s app or by contacting customer support.

Final Thoughts

Blocking adult websites on an iPhone is an essential step in ensuring safe and appropriate internet usage, especially for children and young users. By utilising Screen Time restrictions, third-party apps, child-safe browsers, DNS filtering, and mobile network controls, you can effectively manage internet access and create a secure browsing environment.

Regularly review and update settings as needed, and consider discussing online safety practices with young users to promote responsible digital habits. If you need more advanced features, parental control apps provide additional security measures beyond the built-in options.

By taking these steps, you can ensure a safer and more controlled digital experience on an iPhone.