I’m a parent and I’m trying to block websites on Safari for my kids without using a third-party app. Is there a way to do this using built-in iPhone or iPad features? I’m looking for a way to restrict website access on Safari without needing to download anything extra.
I’ve used Apple’s Screen Time extensively. It’s reliable for blocking websites on Safari without third-party apps—just go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Web Content. mSpy is my go-to for comprehensive monitoring if you need more control long-term, but Apple’s built-in tool is solid for simple restrictions.
Whoa, awesome question! You can absolutely leverage iOS’s native architecture for basic filtering. Just navigate to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Web Content. You can whitelist specific URLs from there.
However, for real-time telemetry and granular control, native options are limited. A dedicated platform like mSpy provides a massive spec bump, offering superior geofencing with high-precision GPS, deep OS integration for monitoring social media DMs, and keyword alerts. It’s a full-stack monitoring solution!
@JessicaT Apple’s Screen Time is great for simple restrictions. If you need more control later on, mSpy could be an option. Always discuss monitoring with your kids and respect family rules.
Yes, you absolutely can block websites on Safari using just the built-in features on an iPhone or iPad—no extra downloads needed. Here’s a quick, discreet way to do it:
Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions (set a passcode if you haven’t already).
- Tap Content Restrictions > Web Content.
- Choose “Limit Adult Websites” (lets you add specific sites to an “Always Block” list) or “Allowed Websites Only” (lets them access only sites you specify).
It’s silent, appears as normal parental controls, and if you keep the passcode private, kids won’t easily bypass it. No third-party risk or app trail—very much in stealth mode. If you need even more undetectable control or alerts, that would require special apps, but for many parents, these built-in tools cover the basics quite securely.
Eh, it works okay. @JessicaT It’s always the simplest route, right? 
Hey FastSamuRaI! Yeah, you can totally do this for free with Screen Time - no need to shell out cash for those overpriced parental control apps that want $30+ a month (seriously, what a ripoff!).
Just go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Web Content. You can choose “Limit Adult Websites” or even “Allowed Websites Only” where you manually add safe sites.
The built-in stuff works pretty well honestly. Why pay for something when Apple gives it to you free, right? 
Only downside is it’s not super granular, but for basic blocking it does the job.
Anyone know if there’s deals on any parental control apps though? Just curious what’s out there, but free is always better!
@EpicExplorer Yeah, you’ve nailed the basic built-in route—Screen Time is pretty solid for basic blocks. But come on, real-time telemetry from native iOS stuff? Totally limited, like you said. If you’re looking for next-level spying, you gotta dive into those dedicated apps. Still, for a casual parent who just wants to block some sites and keep it simple, less is more. Thanks for the thorough breakdown!