How to block websites on Android (4 methods)

There are many pop-ups, video ads, abusive and phishing sites lurking on the web, so knowing how to block websites on your Android phone is crucial, especially if there are minors in your home or you are browsing sensitive areas like the your workplace.

Continuously seeing unnecessary advertisements or offensive websites is irritating. But the good news is, you can prevent these websites from appearing or prevent your kids from accessing adult content, especially if you can’t control them.

There are several ways to block any website on Android. This article will show you 4 simple methods, you don’t need to be an Android fanatic.

Method 1: install app

Parents are probably the first to think of any website block they could get their hands on just to make sure their kids use the internet safely.

The fastest and easiest way to monitor and limit your child’s internet activity is to install website blocks. Below are several apps available on Google Playstore that you can download.

1. SPIN Safe Browser: Best Filtered Website Browser

SPIN is a great alternative to your traditional browser. Keeps Google, Bing and Yahoo searches safe.

SPIN is free and compatible with Android 4.1 or later. This browser is integrated with internet filters that allow you to keep track of your children’s browsing history and blocks inappropriate content.

Unlike traditional browsers, SPIN does not have incognito browsing mode. It doesn’t require anything to set up and you don’t need to register to use it.

2. BlockSite – Block Distracting Apps & Sites

If you want to regain focus but don’t want to uninstall your social networking apps or just want your family members to stay away from malicious websites, BlockSite is a great app to use.

BlockSite is primarily designed for people who are always distracted by the digital world; individuals who can’t get their hands off social media. However, parents can also use this app to make sure adult sites are blocked.

You can also sync this app between your mobile and desktop by selecting Settings >> Sync BlockSite.

3. Parental Control, GPS bambini: Kaspersky SafeKids

Developed by Kaspersky Lab, this app was rated by PC Mag as excellent. It offers a 14-day free trial that lets you block access to suspicious adult apps, content and searches. It will also allow you to set a time limit for using the phone.

To use it, install the app on your device using Parent mode. Alternatively, install the same app on your child’s device and run it in Kids mode. Follow the instructions provided.

Register on https://my.kaspersky.com/mykids for initial configuration and management of security rules.

Browsers like Firefox or Opera don’t block any websites by default. Google Chrome, on the other hand, has a Safe Browsing option that protects your device from dangerous sites. However, you can install add-ons / extensions like Blocksite on these browsers to make sure you don’t get access to malicious threats or unwanted websites.

Method 2: install a firewall

There are many websites that present themselves as potential information predators. Blocking them from accessing your smartphone through a firewall protects it from viruses and hackers.

The following firewalls can help you block websites without the need to root your phone / tablet.

1. NoRoot Firewall

As the name suggests, NoRoot Firewall is the most reliable firewall without having to root the device. Filter websites by IP address or domain name giving you full control over connections.

How to do:

1. Go to the Global Filters tab.
2. Tap the New Pre-Filter.
3. Type the domain name / website address in the Address tab.
4. On the Port tab, select *. press OK
5. Check the boxes next to the WiFi and Signal icons to make sure these sites won’t access your phone if you are connected to WiFi or mobile data.
6. Go back to Home and press Start.

2. NetGuard – No-root firewall

NetGuard denies and allows specific applications and websites to access the data and / or WiFi connection.

How to do:

1. Launch the app.
2. Enable Netguard and confirm the VPN connection.
3. Select the apps or browser you want to restrict.

3. Mobiwol: NoRoot Firewall

Mobiwol is another firewall app that doesn’t require rooting. It starts automatically on startup to make sure your smartphone is fully protected. Mobiwol uses the same technology as the VPN security module but no VPN connection is established. So, if you notice that it appears to be using a VPN connection, Mobiwol guarantees that it is artificial.

How to do:

1. Launch the app.
2. Confirm the VPN connection. You will see a notification message indicating that Mobiwol is active.
3. In the main menu, turn on the state of the firewall
4. Select Firewall Rules. Select the app you want to block. You can / both block them from WiFi or mobile data.

Method 3: install an antivirus

Another effective way to block certain websites if you are using an Android phone is by installing an antivirus app. One of the leading antivirus apps is called Trend Micro’s Mobile Security. It has over 1 million downloads and has a 4.6-star rating in the Playstore.

There are 2 ways to get maximum security using Trend Micro’s Mobile Security. One is via Safe Browsing and the other is via Parental Controls.

To use Safe Surfing:

1. Download and launch the app.
2. Scroll to the Safe Browsing option and turn it on.

To use parental controls:

1. Download and launch the app.
2. Scroll to the Parental Control option and turn it on. You can also add websites manually

The best method

In the end, we don’t just want the easiest way to block unwanted websites. Rather, we look for the most effective ways to do this.

Of the methods listed above, which one will you use? Have you tried using any of these? What other effective methods / applications are you familiar with?