How to Block a Website on Android in 2 Easy Steps

The internet is one of the best inventions in the world as it has revolutionalized most, if not all, ways of life. Sadly, every rose has its thorn, and the internet is no exemption. This is why the website blocking option is a great feature for internet users. 

There are many valid reasons to block websites, from security concerns to avoiding explicit content, increasing productivity by limiting access to sites that take up too much time, and controlling kids’ usage.

Fortunately, there are several ways to block a website. Read on as we look at some of these methods that you can use to block websites on your Android phone or tablet.

Method 1: Block Websites Without an App

More often than not, Android users install third-party apps to block websites. However, you can still block websites without using these apps. Here are some of the methods that you can use. 

Method 1.1: Blocking Websites Using Browser Add-Ons 

Some browsers, such as Mozilla Firefox and Opera Mini, have browser add-ons that you can use to block websites. Unfortunately, these add-ons are missing from some browsers, such as Chrome. Here is how to block websites using browser add-ons on Mozilla Firefox.

Step 1: Launch Firefox on Your Device 

Install the app from Google PlayStore, then tap the Firefox icon on the list of other apps to open it. 

Step 2: Go to Firefox Add-ons 

Click the three lines in the bottom right corner of the Firefox home page to open a menu. From there, tap “Add-ons.” 

Step 3: Locate the Website Blocking Add-on

Scroll through the add-ons on the new page as you look for LeechBlock NG. Tap the plus sign next to the add-on title and description. 

Step 4: Install the Add-on 

Tap “Add” in the bottom right corner of the new prompt to add the add-on to Firefox. 

Step 5: Open the LeechBlock NG Add-on Settings 

Go back to the browser and tap the three lines in the bottom right corner to open a menu, then select “Add-ons.” The LeechBlock NG add-on will be under “Enabled.” Click the add-on title for more options, then select “Settings.”

Step 6: Block the Sites

Tap the text field below “Enter the domain names of the sites to block (one item per line)” and enter the URL of the site you intend to block. 

Step 7: Enter Other Blocking Specifications and Save

Fill in the required fields. After entering all your preferences, scroll to the bottom of the page and tap “Save Options & Close.” With that, you will have blocked the site on Firefox.

Unfortunately, this blocking is only active on Firefox. If you have other browsers on your Android phone, consider uninstalling or disabling the app. This step is necessary if you use site blocking as a parental control measure. 

If you do not have Firefox installed, you can also use Google Chrome. Here is a quick, step-by-step video that demonstrates how to block a website on Chrome for further reference:

Method 1.2: Google Safe Search

Google safe search is a built-in feature that blocks access to explicit content. Use these steps to turn it on. 

Step 1: Open the Google App

Scroll through your apps and tap on the one with the “G” icon to open Google search. You can also search for the app in your list of apps. 

Step 2: Open More Options

Tap your profile picture or icon in the top right corner of the Google search home page to open more options. 

Step 3: Go to Settings 

Click on “Settings,” which is the second option from the bottom.

Step 4: Turn on SafeSearch

Under settings, select the “Hide explicit results” option. On the new page, toggle the button next to “SafeSearch.” This option will instruct Google to hide explicit content from its search results. 

Method 2: Block Websites with an App

Although blocking websites on your Android without an app is possible, it limits you to using browsers that you may not prefer. To avoid such inconveniences, opt for third-party apps that help you block websites. Here are some of these methods. 

Method 2.1: Using the BlockSite App

If you are not ready to let go of Chrome or another browser that lacks blocking add-ons, you can download the Blocksite app. This app is available from the Google Play Store and will help you block sites in your browser. Here is how to do this.

Step 1: Get the BlockSite App

Open Google Play Store, then download, install, and launch the Blocksite app. 

Step 2: Grant Necessary Permissions 

After launching the app, there are some permissions that you will need to give to enable proper functioning. Grant these permissions to continue. 

Step 3: Add the Website to Block 

Click the green button labeled ‘”create” on the app’s home page to add sites you want to block. 

Step 4: Enter the Name of the Site to Block

On the new page, enter the site URL you intend to block in the field provided. Ensure that you enter the full URL to enable blocking. Alternatively, tap on the suggestions provided if they include what you want to block. After entering the URLs, tap “Next” at the top of the page.

Step 5: Schedule the Block 

Enter the days and times when you intend to block the site you entered, and click “Next” at the top of the screen. After this step, you will have blocked the selected site for the specified time.

BlockSite can also block apps whose usage you want to stop for a while. Additionally, the app enables the automatic blocking of adult sites. 

Method 2.2: Using Google Family Link

You can use the Google Family Link app if you are blocking websites to keep your child from accessing them. This app lets you monitor your child’s online activities and block them from inappropriate sites. Here is how to block sites with Google Family Link. 

Step 1: Install the App

Open PlayStore and search for Google Family Link. Click “Install” to download the app. Open it and continue with your Google account. Next, enter the Google account details of the child that you wish to monitor. 

Step 2: Go to Content Restrictions 

On the new page, scroll to “Content restrictions” and click the small arrow to the right of “Manage search results, block sites.”

Step 3: Select the Google Chrome

Click Google Chrome to block sites and set the child’s account restrictions. 

Step 4: Open the Block Sites Option 

Scroll down to “Manage sites.” Under that, tap on the option that says “0 blocked sites” to enable you to block sites. 

Step 5: Enter the Sites to Block 

Click “Add a website” on the new page to open a field where you can enter the site to block. Enter the domain name or web address to block, then tap “save” in the top right corner. You can add more websites you wish to block by selecting “Add a website.”

Method 2.3: Using a Security or Antivirus App

Security and antivirus apps are meant to protect your device from viruses and other malicious content that could harm your device. These apps also have other options that enable you to block websites. 

Go for security and antivirus apps that don’t require rooting your device. Install the app on your device and enable the website blocking settings. This way, you get to block websites and still stave off malicious viruses.  

Conclusion

Blocking websites is necessary, especially when you want to control what your kids are doing, avoid procrastinating, or sidestep malicious websites. Use any of the above methods to easily block websites. Similarly, you can download and subscribe to security apps such as Mobile Security for premium services. 

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The image featured at the top of this post is ©Alberto Garcia Guillen/Shutterstock.com.