Blocking a website on an Android phone can help you protect a child, avoid distracting pages, restrict adult content, or prevent access to a known malicious domain. The correct method depends on whether you want to block one website, a whole category of content, or every unapproved site across the device.
If you want to know how to block internet sites on Android, Google Family Link is the best built-in option for a supervised child’s account. Open Family Link, select the child, go to Controls > Google Chrome and Web, then add the domain under blocked sites or choose Only allow approved sites. For your own Android phone, use a reputable website-blocking app, a filtering Private DNS provider, or your Wi-Fi router because Chrome for Android does not provide a normal adult setting for creating a custom website blocklist.
The methods do not all provide the same coverage. Family Link mainly controls Chrome and some Android web activity for a supervised account. A Private DNS filter can affect several browsers and apps, but it usually blocks categories rather than one manually entered URL unless the provider supports a custom account. Router controls affect devices using that Wi-Fi network but stop applying when the phone switches to mobile data or another network.
This article explains how each method works, what it can and cannot block, and how to stop a blocked site from remaining accessible through another browser, an app, a VPN, or mobile data.
Choose the Right Website-Blocking Method
Use this quick comparison before changing any settings:
| What you want to do | Best method |
|---|---|
| Block specific sites on a child’s Android phone | Google Family Link |
| Allow a child to visit only approved websites | Google Family Link |
| Block distracting sites on your own phone | Website-blocking app |
| Block adult or malicious domains across several apps | Filtering Private DNS |
| Block sites for every device on home Wi-Fi | Router parental controls or DNS filtering |
| Block a site only in one supported browser | Browser add-on or built-in browser control |
| Set work or study schedules | Focus-oriented blocking app |
| Manage company-owned Android devices | Mobile device management platform |
There is no single method that is perfect for every Android phone, browser, application, and network. Stronger control often comes from combining two layers, such as Family Link with a filtered DNS service.
Can You Block Websites Directly in Chrome on Android?
Chrome for Android does not provide a standard adult option where you can enter a website address and permanently add it to a personal blocklist.
Chrome includes security and privacy features such as Safe Browsing, pop-up controls, site permissions, and SafeSearch-related Google Search settings. These features can reduce malicious pages, explicit search results, notifications, redirects, or unwanted permissions, but they are not the same as blocking any website you choose.
Google Family Link can add website restrictions to Chrome when the Google Account is supervised. For an ordinary adult account, you need another method.
Do not follow desktop instructions that say to install any Chrome extension. The Android version of Chrome does not support the full desktop Chrome extension system.
Method 1: Block Websites With Google Family Link
Google Family Link is the most suitable free option when a parent or guardian manages a child’s supervised Google Account.
It can:
- Try to block explicit websites
- Block specific domains
- Allow only approved websites
- Let a child request access to a blocked page
- Disable Chrome Incognito mode for the supervised account
- Apply some web restrictions inside supported Android apps
Family Link controls require a supervised child or teen account. They are not intended as a self-blocking tool for an ordinary adult Google Account.
Set Up Supervision
On the child’s Android phone:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Digital Wellbeing & parental controls or Google > Parental controls.
- Tap Set up parental controls.
- Follow the prompts to connect the child’s Google Account to the parent or guardian.
- Install or open the Family Link app on the parent’s phone.
- Complete the requested account verification.
The menu wording can differ by Android version and manufacturer.
Block a Specific Website
On the parent’s phone:
- Open Google Family Link.
- Select the child.
- Tap Controls.
- Tap Google Chrome and Web.
- Open Manage sites or the section showing blocked and approved sites.
- Select Blocked sites.
- Tap Add a website.
- Enter the domain you want to block.
- Save the change.
Google’s current Family Link documentation confirms that parents can block specific sites or choose to allow only approved sites in Chrome and some Android apps.
Enter the Correct Domain
A permission for one address may not automatically cover every subdomain or national version.
For example, these can be treated differently:
example.com
www.example.com
m.example.com
photos.example.com
example.co.uk
Test the normal domain, the www version, and any subdomain used by the service.
When Family Link offers a domain-level option, use it instead of blocking only one long page address.
Allow Only Approved Websites
For stricter control:
- Open Family Link.
- Select the child.
- Tap Controls > Google Chrome and Web.
- Choose Only allow approved sites.
- Open Manage sites.
- Add the websites the child is allowed to visit.
This creates an allowlist. Every site not approved should be blocked until a parent grants access.
An allowlist is more restrictive and easier to manage for a younger child who needs only a small number of education and family websites.
Approve a Blocked-Site Request
When a child tries to open a blocked site, Chrome may provide an option to request permission.
The parent can:
- Open the Family Link notification or app.
- Review the requested website.
- Approve it temporarily or permanently when the option is available.
- Deny the request if the site should remain blocked.
Review the complete domain before approving it. A safe-looking page may link to broader sections of the same website.
Family Link Limitations
Family Link is useful, but it is not a complete internet firewall.
Possible limitations include:
- Restrictions are designed for supervised Google Accounts.
- Filtering is strongest in Chrome and supported Google experiences.
- Some apps can display web content through their own internal browser.
- A service may use several domains and subdomains.
- A child may find content through an app even when its website is blocked.
- Filtering systems can miss explicit pages or block safe pages by mistake.
- Manufacturer browsers may not follow every Chrome rule.
- The child may request permission to open a page.
- Account or supervision changes can affect the restrictions.
Block or limit alternative browsers and apps when the goal is strong parental control. Discuss the rules with the child instead of relying only on hidden technical restrictions.
Method 2: Use a Website-Blocking App
A dedicated blocking app is usually the easiest method for an adult who wants to block distracting websites on their own phone.
Depending on the app, you may be able to:
- Add individual website addresses
- Block keywords
- Block categories
- Create work or study schedules
- Set daily usage limits
- Block websites and related apps together
- Require a PIN before changing the blocklist
- Prevent uninstalling or bypassing the block during a focus session
Features, pricing, privacy policies, and supported browsers vary. Review the current Google Play listing rather than assuming every app provides the same functions.
Generic Steps
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Search for a reputable website-blocking or focus app.
- Read recent reviews and the Data safety section.
- Install the app.
- Open it and create a blocklist.
- Enter the full website domain.
- Grant only the permissions necessary for the advertised feature.
- Test the site in every installed browser.
- Set a schedule or lock when needed.
A blocker may request Accessibility access or permission to create a local VPN. Those are powerful permissions.
Before approving them, check:
- The developer’s identity
- The number and quality of recent reviews
- The date of the latest update
- Whether the privacy policy explains collected browsing data
- Whether the app sells or shares personal information
- Whether a paid subscription is required
- Whether the blocker works in your browser
Avoid an unknown APK downloaded outside Google Play. A website blocker can potentially observe which pages you open.
How Accessibility-Based Blockers Work
An Accessibility-based blocker may detect the website or browser screen currently in use and place a block page over it.
Advantages include:
- Custom domain blocking
- Schedules
- Focus sessions
- Support for several browsers
- Blocking related apps
Limitations include:
- The app may need broad visibility into screen content.
- Android can stop it if battery restrictions are too aggressive.
- Another user may revoke the permission.
- Some internal browsers may not be detected.
- A determined user may uninstall or disable the app.
Use a PIN, device-owner controls, or another management layer when the restriction must not be easily changed.
How Local VPN Blockers Work
Some blockers create a local VPN profile and inspect domain requests on the phone. The traffic does not necessarily leave through a remote commercial VPN, but you should confirm the app’s design and privacy policy.
Advantages include:
- Wider coverage across browsers
- Possible app-level blocking
- Custom domain lists
- No root access
Limitations include:
- Android normally allows only one active VPN at a time.
- It can conflict with your normal VPN.
- Some apps use encrypted DNS or direct IP connections.
- The blocking app may stop when battery optimization closes it.
- A user can disable the VPN profile.
Do not grant VPN access to an application whose developer or privacy practices you cannot verify.
Method 3: Block Website Categories With Private DNS
Private DNS is built into Android 9 and later. It encrypts DNS queries using DNS over TLS when a compatible provider is selected.
A filtering DNS provider can refuse to resolve domains associated with:
- Adult content
- Malware
- Phishing
- Gambling
- Tracking
- Social media
- Other categories supported by the provider
Android’s Private DNS setting accepts a provider hostname, not a normal website address and not an IPv4 address.
Configure Private DNS
On Pixel and many Android phones:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Network & internet.
- Tap Private DNS.
- Choose Private DNS provider hostname.
- Enter the hostname supplied by the filtering provider.
- Tap Save.
- Test a website from the blocked category.
On Samsung Galaxy:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Connections.
- Tap More connection settings.
- Tap Private DNS.
- Select Private DNS provider hostname.
- Enter the provider hostname.
- Tap Save.
On Xiaomi, OnePlus, Motorola, Oppo, Vivo, Tecno, Infinix, and other devices, search Settings for Private DNS if the menu is difficult to locate.
Google’s Android documentation recommends leaving Private DNS enabled and explains that the provider is configured under the advanced network settings.
Private DNS Does Not Automatically Block One Custom Site
The Android setting only tells the phone which DNS resolver to use. The filtering rules come from the provider.
A free family DNS hostname may block broad categories but may not let you add:
specificsite.com
to a personal blocklist.
For custom domain blocking, choose a provider that offers an account dashboard and custom denylist. Configure the account first, then use the unique Private DNS hostname supplied by that service.
Private DNS Limitations
Private DNS may not block everything because:
- A browser can use its own secure DNS setting.
- A VPN can route DNS elsewhere.
- An app may connect to an IP address directly.
- A site may use the same domain infrastructure as allowed content.
- Cached DNS information can keep a site available briefly.
- The provider may classify a domain incorrectly.
- The block normally applies to the whole Android phone, not one browser.
After changing DNS, close browsers, restart the phone, and test both Wi-Fi and mobile data.
Method 4: Block Sites Through the Wi-Fi Router
Router-level blocking can restrict websites for every device connected to your home Wi-Fi.
The feature may be called:
- Parental controls
- Website filter
- URL filter
- Access control
- Content filtering
- Security
- DNS filtering
- Blacklist
- Blocked domains
Open the Router Settings
- Connect the Android phone to the home Wi-Fi.
- Open a browser.
- Enter the router’s administration address.
- Sign in with the router administrator credentials.
- Open parental controls, access control, or security settings.
- Select the Android phone or create a household profile.
- Add the blocked website or content category.
- Save and restart the router if required.
The administration address and menu depend on the router. Common addresses include 192.168.0.1 and 192.168.1.1, but use the details printed on the router or supplied by the internet provider.
Do not confuse the Wi-Fi password with the router administrator password. They may be different.
When you need to connect another trusted device before changing the router, find saved Wi-Fi passwords on Android explains the built-in QR and password-sharing options.
Router Blocking Applies Only on That Network
The blocked site may become accessible when the Android phone uses:
- Mobile data
- Another Wi-Fi network
- A personal hotspot
- A VPN
- A DNS service that bypasses the router
- An app that displays the same content from another domain
For stronger parental control, combine router filtering with Family Link or device-level filtering.
If a phone providing an alternative connection cannot connect properly, Android hotspot not working covers hotspot bands, carrier limits, VPNs, DNS, and network resets.
Method 5: Use Router DNS Filtering
Instead of adding individual sites to the router, you can configure a family-safe DNS provider at the router level.
This can filter categories for every connected device.
General steps:
- Open the router administration page.
- Find Internet, WAN, LAN, or DNS settings.
- Replace the automatic DNS addresses with the addresses provided by the filtering service.
- Save the changes.
- Restart the router.
- Reconnect the Android phone.
- Test the filter.
Some internet-provider routers do not allow DNS changes. In that case, use the provider’s parental controls, Android Private DNS, or a separate router.
A phone using Private DNS or a VPN may bypass the router’s normal DNS selection. Restrict those settings separately when necessary and appropriate.
Method 6: Block Websites in a Browser That Supports Add-Ons
Chrome on Android does not support ordinary desktop extensions, but some alternative Android browsers support a limited selection of add-ons.
A supported blocking add-on may let you:
- Enter a custom domain
- Create time schedules
- Block page keywords
- Redirect a blocked page
- Lock settings
The block applies only inside that browser. The site may still open through Chrome, the Google app, a social media app, or another browser.
Use this method for personal focus rather than serious parental control unless every alternative browser and web-enabled app is also restricted.
Review each add-on’s permissions because it may be allowed to read or change data on websites you visit.
Method 7: Use SafeSearch for Explicit Google Results
Google SafeSearch can filter or blur explicit content in Google Search results.
It is useful for reducing exposure to:
- Explicit images
- Pornographic search results
- Graphic sexual content
It does not block every adult website, and it does not prevent someone from typing a website address directly.
SafeSearch also does not block distracting sites such as social media, streaming platforms, games, or news pages.
Use it as one layer with Family Link, Private DNS, or a website blocker.
Search-result controls are not website blockers. For example, using Google’s Web filter changes the type of results shown but does not prevent access to a domain. How to remove AI Overview from Google Search on Android explains that separate Search feature.
Method 8: Block the Website’s App Too
Blocking a social network, video service, or gaming website may not help when its Android app remains installed.
For a child’s supervised device, use Family Link to block or limit the app.
For your own phone:
- Uninstall the app.
- Disable it if it is a removable preinstalled app.
- Use Digital Wellbeing to set an app timer.
- Add the app to the same focus blocker controlling its website.
- Turn off its notifications.
- Remove shortcuts and saved sign-ins.
A complete restriction often needs both domain blocking and app controls.
Method 9: Use Android’s Built-In Parental Controls
Newer Android versions and supported manufacturer software may provide a Parental controls area inside Settings.
It can include:
- Daily device limits
- App limits
- Downtime
- Web content filters
- PIN-protected controls
- Family Link setup
The available options vary by Android version, phone manufacturer, region, and account.
Open:
Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls
or search Settings for:
Parental controls
When the menu redirects to Family Link, complete supervision before expecting Chrome website controls to appear.
Why Safe Browsing Does Not Block a Website You Dislike
Chrome Safe Browsing warns about known dangerous pages, downloads, phishing, and malware.
It is not a personal denylist.
A legitimate but distracting website will not be blocked simply because Safe Browsing is enabled. Use a custom blocker, Family Link, or router rule for that purpose.
Do not turn Safe Browsing off while troubleshooting. It provides a separate security layer.
Why Blocking Notifications Is Not Enough
Chrome lets you block notification permission for a website:
- Open Chrome.
- Tap the three-dot menu.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Site settings.
- Tap Notifications.
- Select the website.
- Block its notifications.
This stops alerts from the site. It does not prevent the page from opening.
The same distinction applies to pop-ups, camera, microphone, location, downloads, and background sync permissions. Restricting a permission is not the same as blocking access.
Why the Website Still Opens After You Block It
Several issues can make a rule appear ineffective.
The Wrong Domain Was Added
Check whether the service uses:
www- A mobile subdomain
- A national domain
- A separate login domain
- A content-delivery domain
- A short-link domain
Add the relevant versions.
The Browser Cached the Page
Close every browser tab, clear the site’s cached data where appropriate, and restart the browser.
Do not erase all browser data as the first step because it can remove saved logins and other useful information.
Another Browser Is Being Used
Test Chrome, Samsung Internet, Firefox, Edge, Opera, and any browser installed on the device.
A browser-only block does not apply elsewhere.
The Content Opens Inside an App
Social media, email, messaging, news, and Google apps may use internal browsers.
Block the related app or use a wider DNS, VPN-based, Family Link, or device-management method.
A VPN Is Active
A VPN can replace the phone’s normal DNS and routing.
Disconnect it temporarily and test again. On a managed device, contact the administrator instead of disabling required security.
Secure DNS Is Overriding the Filter
A browser’s secure DNS setting can bypass router DNS filtering.
Set it to the system provider or choose a compatible filtered resolver.
Mobile Data Bypasses the Router
A router rule applies only while the phone uses that Wi-Fi network.
Add a device-level restriction if the site must remain blocked on cellular data.
The Blocking App Was Closed
Disable battery optimization for the blocker only when the developer requires persistent background operation and you trust the app.
Also confirm that its Accessibility or local VPN permission remains enabled.
Website Blocker Not Working on Samsung Galaxy
Check:
- Settings > Apps > Special access for the permission used by the blocker.
- Settings > Battery for background restrictions.
- Settings > Connections > More connection settings > Private DNS.
- Samsung Internet as well as Chrome.
- Any active VPN.
- Secure Wi-Fi or security applications.
- Whether the site opens through another app.
If network settings became unstable after testing DNS and VPN configurations, use how to reset network settings on Samsung only after recording saved Wi-Fi passwords and other connection details. A network reset removes saved Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and related settings, so it should not be the first response to a failed block rule.
Private DNS Says It Cannot Connect
Check the hostname carefully.
Do not enter:
https://- A normal website page
- Spaces
- An IPv4 address
- A copied punctuation mark
The field needs the exact DNS-over-TLS hostname supplied by the provider.
Try these steps:
- Confirm the internet works with Private DNS set to Automatic.
- Re-enter the hostname.
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
- Disable a VPN temporarily.
- Restart the phone.
- Check whether the DNS service is experiencing an outage.
- Try the provider’s documented fallback only if available.
If the phone loses all internet access, return Private DNS to Automatic while you troubleshoot.
Family Link Block Is Not Working
Check the following:
- The child is signed in to the supervised account.
- Chrome is updated.
- The correct child profile is selected.
- The domain was entered correctly.
- The site is not opening in another browser.
- The content is not opening through an app.
- The phone has synchronized with Family Link.
- The child has not switched to another user or guest profile.
- A parent did not approve the site previously.
- The blocked domain has not changed.
Restart the child’s phone and the parent’s Family Link app after changing rules.
When strong restriction is required, block alternative browsers and use Only allow approved sites rather than trying to identify every unwanted website one by one.
Can You Block Websites Without an App?
Yes. The main app-free methods are:
- Family Link controls for a supervised child
- Android Private DNS for filtering categories
- Router parental controls
- Router DNS filtering
- Built-in parental controls on supported Android versions
For an adult who wants to block one specific website only on the phone, a blocker app is usually more practical because Android does not provide a universal custom domain list in ordinary Settings.
Can You Block a Website Permanently?
No consumer-level method is impossible to reverse by a person who controls the phone, Google Account, router, or administrator password.
You can make the restriction harder to change by:
- Using a separate parent account
- Protecting Family Link with the parent’s credentials
- Setting a PIN in the blocking app
- Protecting router administration with a strong password
- Blocking alternative browsers
- Restricting VPN and app installation
- Using an allowlist
- Managing the device through an organization
For personal productivity, the goal is usually to add friction rather than create an unbreakable restriction.
Can You Block a Website on Mobile Data Only?
Most website blockers and Private DNS filters apply on both Wi-Fi and mobile data.
Router-level controls do not apply to cellular data.
Android does not normally provide a built-in setting that blocks one domain only on mobile data while allowing it on Wi-Fi. A firewall, VPN-based blocker, or managed-device policy may provide more detailed network rules.
Can You Block a Website on Wi-Fi Only?
Yes. Add the block through the router or its DNS settings.
The site becomes available again when the phone leaves that Wi-Fi network unless another device-level block is active.
Can You Block All Websites Except a Few?
Yes. For a supervised child, choose Only allow approved sites in Family Link and add the permitted domains.
Some parental-control apps and organization management platforms also provide allowlists.
This approach is more reliable than blocking individual websites when the user should access only a small set of education, work, or business pages.
Can You Block YouTube or Social Media Websites?
Yes, but block both the website and the app.
For example:
- Block the main domain.
- Block common mobile or short-link domains where necessary.
- Block or limit the Android app.
- Disable alternative browsers.
- Use category filtering when available.
- Test links opened from Messages, email, and Google Search.
A service can use several domains, so one rule may not cover every page, image, video, or embedded link.
Can You Block Adult Websites on Android?
Use a combination of:
- Family Link’s explicit-site filtering
- SafeSearch
- A family-filtering Private DNS provider
- Router family controls
- App restrictions
- YouTube Restricted Mode where appropriate
No automated filter is perfect. Review the device periodically and keep age-appropriate communication open.
Should You Edit the Android Hosts File?
The Android hosts file is stored in a protected system area. Editing it normally requires root access or a modified system environment.
Rooting the phone only to block websites is not recommended. It can:
- Weaken device security
- Break banking or streaming apps
- Affect updates
- Create boot problems
- Expose the phone to harmful root-level tools
- Void support in some situations
Use Family Link, Private DNS, a reputable blocker, or router controls instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I block a website on Chrome Android?
For a supervised child, use Family Link under Controls > Google Chrome and Web. Chrome does not provide a normal custom blocklist for an ordinary adult account.
Can I block internet sites without installing an app?
Yes. Use Google Family Link, Private DNS, router parental controls, or supported built-in Android parental controls.
What is the best way to block websites on a child’s phone?
Use Family Link, block alternative browsers, and choose Only allow approved sites when strict control is required.
Does Private DNS block websites?
A filtering DNS provider can block domains by category or custom list. Android’s Private DNS setting itself does not decide which sites are blocked.
Can I enter a website in the Private DNS box?
No. The field requires a DNS provider hostname, not the address of the website you want to block.
Will router blocking work on mobile data?
No. Router rules apply only when the phone uses that router’s Wi-Fi.
Does SafeSearch block adult websites?
It filters or blurs explicit Google Search results, but it does not block every adult website or stop a direct address from opening.
Can a VPN bypass a blocked website?
It can bypass some router and DNS blocks by changing routing and DNS resolution. Family Link, app controls, and managed-device policies may still apply.
Why can I open the blocked site in another browser?
The restriction was probably browser-specific. Use Family Link, DNS filtering, a device-level blocker, or block the alternative browser.
Is it safe to use a website-blocking app?
It depends on the developer and permissions. Review the Play Store Data safety information, privacy policy, recent reviews, and requested Accessibility or VPN access.
Can I block websites during certain hours?
Yes. Many focus and parental-control apps support schedules. Router parental controls may also provide bedtime or study-hour rules.
Can I block one website and leave the rest of the internet open?
Yes. Use Family Link’s blocked-sites list, a custom website-blocking app, a router URL filter, or a DNS provider with custom denylist support.
Will blocking a website delete its app?
No. Website and app access are separate. Block or uninstall the app as well when necessary.
Can I block websites on a Samsung phone?
Yes. Family Link, Private DNS, site-blocking apps, and router controls work on supported Samsung phones. Samsung Internet content blockers are mainly intended for ads and tracking, not a universal custom site blocklist.
Use More Than One Layer When the Block Matters
For a child’s phone, begin with Family Link and choose either specific blocked sites or an approved-sites-only list. Block alternative browsers and related apps so the same content cannot be opened through another route.
For your own productivity, a reputable blocker with schedules is normally the simplest option. Use Private DNS when your goal is broader category filtering across browsers and apps. Use router controls when every device on the home Wi-Fi should follow the same rule.
After setting the restriction, test the site in Chrome, other browsers, private or internal app browsers, Wi-Fi, and mobile data. That test shows whether the rule is browser-specific, device-wide, or limited to one network.
For Google’s current steps and limitations, see its official documentation for blocking and allowing websites with Family Link and managing Private DNS on Android.
