How can I block websites on my Android phone?

To block websites on your Android phone, you can use various methods, including built-in features, third-party apps, or manual configuration. Here are some common approaches:

1. Built-in Parental Controls (Android 9 and later):

Recent Android versions (Android 9 Pie and later) come with built-in parental control features that allow you to restrict access to certain content, including websites.

1. Open your phone’s “Settings.”
2. Go to “Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls” or a similar section (the exact wording may vary).
3. Select “Dashboard” or “Parental Controls.”
4. Set up parental controls, create a PIN, and add the Google account of the device user.
5. Within parental controls, you can set filters for content, including specific websites.

2. Third-Party Apps:

Several apps on the Google Play Store can help you block websites. Examples include:

• BlockSite: It lets you block websites, set schedules, and provides additional features for productivity.
• AppBlock: While primarily designed for app blocking, it may also allow website blocking in some versions.

Install your chosen app from the Play Store, follow the setup instructions, and configure the list of websites you want to block.

3. DNS-Based Solutions:

You can use DNS-based solutions to block websites at the network level. Apps like “Blockada” or “AdGuard” use DNS filtering to block access to specific websites.

1. Download and install a DNS-based blocking app.
2. Follow the app’s instructions to set up and configure DNS filtering.
3. Add the websites you want to block to the app’s blacklist.

4. Browser Extensions:

If you want to block specific websites only within a particular browser, consider using browser extensions like “BlockSite” for Chrome or Firefox.

1. Install the extension from the respective browser’s extension store.
2. Follow the extension’s setup instructions.
3. Add the websites you want to block to the extension’s blacklist.

5. Router Settings (Advanced):

If you have access to your router settings, you can block websites at the network level. This method affects all devices connected to the network.

1. Access your router’s settings through a web browser (refer to your router’s manual for instructions).
2. Look for parental control or website filtering options.
3. Add the websites you want to block to the router’s blacklist.