How to Block a Website on an Android Phone or Tablet [With or Without an App]

There are about 2 billion websites on the internet. However, only about 17% of them are active. Even before you are done reading this article, several other websites would have been launched on the internet. However, only some of these websites contain appropriate content for laypeople or young people. Other times, you want to block an app because you have become addicted to it. 

Therefore, every internet user must know how to block such websites on their Android phones and tablets. In this article, we will reveal how to block websites on Android with certain apps. Also, some methods of blocking websites do not require an app. All these details and many more are discussed below.

Part 1. How to Block Websites on Android with App

Several people have recognized the discomfort of seeing certain websites. Hence, several apps on the internet have included features that help to block websites. Since websites are majorly accessed through web browsers, apps used to block websites are either web browsers or can control the activities of web browsers.

Android Website Blocker

Android Website Blocker is an app that lets users schedule times when they can use some websites. Usually, you can use them to set a daily limit for how long they can use a website. The website will be completely inaccessible if you set the daily limit to zero. These apps prevent you from using the website on all your web browsers, like Chrome, Opera, Edge, Mozilla Firefox, etc.

Similarly, apps with integrated web browsers, like Facebook, Gmail, Twitter, etc., will also be unable to open any blocked website. Examples are BlockSite, Stay Focused, AppBlock, etc. Alternatively, you can use Android web browser extensions. These extensions work like their app counterparts.

Antivirus App

Website blocking is a parental control service. Hence, Android and tablet antivirus apps have included parental control features similar to that of Android Website Blocker. An antivirus app can block the website outright or set usage limits. In addition to parental control features, Antivirus apps offer internet protection against viruses. Popular examples are Kaspersky, Trend Micro, etc.

Parental Control App

With parental control apps, you can filter website traffics like gambling sites or adult content. They are best fitted for parents to monitor and control kids' activities on Android phones and tablets. However, one of the features of parental control apps is that they can block websites. We recommend using Google Family Link if you are considering this option.

Firewall

Firewalls are fences between internet users and the internet. Users can use it to block hackers from intruding into their private and confidential data. Hence, you can use it to block websites on your Android and tablets. Some firewalls will allow you to set your web browsers to block access to certain websites. Android and tablets do not have firewalls by default, but you can get them online. The downside to using these third-party options is that they often request to root your device. We advise users to avoid such options and go for good ones like NoRoot Firewall.

Part 2. How to Block Websites on Android Without App

Android phones and tablets come with several solutions for blocking websites if you do not want to install a third-party app. This section discusses four of those solutions.

SafeSearch Settings

Google has a filtering feature that helps to block inappropriate content. This feature has been integrated into their search engine and is available on all Android devices. However, only some Google or Android OS users know its utility. Here are the steps to turn on the feature.

OpenDNS

OpenDNS is an internet security service that makes browsing reliable and faster. It makes browsing safe with its content filtering and phishing protection. It helps to block websites over a Wi-Fi network. Here is how to use it.

Modify the Host File

A host file is a programable plaintext file in an operating system. On Android phones and websites, it maps the hostnames of different hostnames to IP addresses. Also, it can link a domain name to another IP address. Therefore, by changing host files, you can redirect sites you want to block to another address. You can modify the host file on your Android or table with two methods. You can use the Windows PC or an Android app. Using an Android app will root your phone and make it vulnerable.

Part 3. Why You Need to Block Websites on Android

There are several reasons to block websites on Android, and a few of them are highlighted in this section.

Part 4. Inappropriate Websites You Should Block for Kids

Based on the last session, there are several websites that parents should block for their kids.

Bonus Tip: How to Block Notifications from a Website on Android

Like phone apps, websites want to send you emails and notifications. Once you see the popup requesting permission to send notifications, you should immediately click on the cancel or block option. However, if you have mistakenly accepted a notification from a website, you can still correct it. Here is how to turn off disturbing website notifications.

Final Remark

The internet is full of harmful, malicious, and inappropriate content. Therefore, there is a need to curb the exposure of internet users to such content. In this article, we have discussed many of the details associated with blocking websites on Android phones and tablets.

Several third-party options and apps, like AirDroid Parental Control, provide this feature. However, similar features are accessible on your device without downloading another app. Therefore, not only did we show how to block websites but also how to disable website notifications.

FAQs about Blocking Websites on Android

Here are some of the most discussed questions about blocking Android websites.

Q 1. How Do I Block Websites on My Android Phone for Kids?

Elsa

You can use parent control apps like AirDroid Parental Control to block websites on kids' Android phones. If you do not want to use this option, you can use a computer to change the domain name of a website on kids' phones.

Q 2. How Do I Block Websites on My Android Without an App?

Elsa

There are three options provided in this article for blocking websites on Android phones without using an app. You can use OpenDNS, edit host files, or use Google's SafeSearch settings. These options do not necessitate the use of a third-party app.

Q 3. How Do I Permanently Block a Website on My Phone?

Elsa

You can use a website blocker app or extension to block websites on your phone permanently. Depending on the user interface of the website blocker, you may directly find the feature to block a website permanently. Some other apps provide you to set a time limit of app usage to zero. Hence, the app is permanently blocked.

Q 4. Is There a Free Way to Block Websites?

Elsa

Yes, there are several free ways to block websites. Examples include using Google's SafeSearch settings, OpenDNS, editing host files, website blocker apps or extensions, etc. AirDroid Parental Control app is also a reliable free tool for blocking websites.

Q 5. How Can I Block All Harmful Websites?

Elsa

Once you identify a harmful website, you can block it by applying the methods discussed earlier in this article. For instance, AirDroid Parental Control has website-blocking features that can stop harmful sites from opening.

Q 6. How Do I Block Inappropriate Websites on My Samsung?

Elsa

Since Samsung has an integrated browser, many users are unsure if the above methods work for their devices. The good news is that everything works. You can use these methods because Samsung devices also run on Android OS.