How to Block Websites on Your Android Phone or Tablet

Block sites from your kids...or from yourself

BY KASHIF JAVED

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fotosipsak/Getty Images 

by Coletta Teske 

Updated July 01, 2019

If you feel a website is inappropriate, a waste of valuable time, or disturbing in some way, you can block websites on Android using one of several apps designed to block unwanted content.

Apps featured in this article work on Android phones and tablets running Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher.

How to Block Websites on Android Using a Security App

There are many apps that give you the flexibility to block websites you feel are inappropriate, but why just protect yourself from the threats you know about? While you’re blocking unwanted websites, add an extra layer of protection and install a security app that provides safeguards against viruses, ransomware, and other malicious content.

One of the more popular security apps is Mobile Security from Trend Micro. With Mobile Security, you’re protected from malicious content, you can block unwanted websites, and set parental controls. Other great Mobile Security features include:

• Finding malware in apps before the apps are installed on your Android device.
• Warning you if your personal information could be exposed by an app.
• Taking a screenshot of unauthorized attempts to access your device. 
• Helping you find your phone if it gets lost.
• Helping recover from a ransomware attack.
• Wiping your device.

Mobile Security is free to download and its anti-virus and anti-malware features are free to use. The SafeSurfing and Parental Controls features are paid features requiring a $20 yearly subscription (after a free trial period). Registration with Trend Micro is also required to continue using the app.

TO BLOCK A WEBSITE USING MOBILE SECURITY

1. Open Mobile Security.
2. On the main page of the app, tap Parental Controls.
3. Tap Website Filter.

   

4. Toggle Website filter on.
5. Tap Blocked List.
6. Tap Add.

   

7. Enter a descriptive name and the URL for the unwanted website.

   

8. Tap Save to add the website to the Blocked List.

How to Block Websites on Android Using a Website Blocker

If you want to do more than just add websites to a blocked list, try a website blocker app. These apps not only make it easy to add unwanted websites to a blacklist, they also block apps that use up web time. If you want to schedule times when apps and websites are off limits, you can do that too!

One of the highest rated website blocker apps is BlockSite. BlockSite helps you stay focused and avoid unwanted content. Not only can you block websites you don’t want, you can block apps that distract you. BlockSite also keeps you free from distractions with these features:

• Automatic blocking of adult sites.
• Block websites and apps on a schedule.
• A work mode to set timed intervals and breaks.
• Block individual web pages.

BlockSite is free, doesn't contain ads, and has no in-app purchases.

TO ADD A WEBSITE TO THE BLOCKED SITES LIST IN BLOCKSITE

1. Open BlockSite.
2. Tap Block List.

   

3. Tap the Add icon, represented by a Plus (+).
4. Type the URL of the website you want to block, then tap the green check mark. The Block Sites page will appear.

   

5. Tap the Alarm Clock.

   

6. Choose the days of the week and the times during those days you want the website blocked.

   

7. Tap the Back arrow to return to the Block Sites page.

Block Websites on Android Using a Firewall

Firewalls provide security by monitoring access to your device and blocking data using a set of rules. Think of a firewall as a fence between you and the internet. When you’re looking for a firewall for Android, look for a no root firewall. 

One of the most downloaded firewalls for Android is NoRoot Firewall by Grey Shirts. NoRoot Firewall doesn't require you to root your Android device. These are just a few of the features you’ll find in NoRoot Firewall:

• Block sites depending on whether you’re using the internet through a Wi-Fi connection or a mobile data connection.
• Receive notifications when an app attempts to access the internet.
• Requires a minimal number of permissions.

NoRoot Firewall is free to download, doesn't contain ads, and has no in-app purchases.

TO BLOCK A WEBSITE USING NOROOT FIREWALL

1. Open NoRoot Firewall.
2. Tap Global Filters.

   

3. Tap New Pre-Filter.
4. Tap a network icon. Tap Wi-Fi if you want to block the website when the device is online; tap Data if you want to block the website when using an LTE connection.

   

5. In the Address line, enter the full URL of the site you want to block. Add "HTTP" or "HTTPS" in front of the domain name.
6. In the Port line, tap the down arrow, then tap the asterisk (*).
7. Tap OK.
8. Tap Home.
9. Tap Start. The pre-filter you created to block the website is added to the list of firewall rules.