How to Block Websites on Your Android Phone or Tablet

This article explains how to prevent unwanted websites from appearing on Android devices through the use of free security apps, website blockers, and firewalls.

Use a Security App

While you're blocking unwanted websites, add an extra layer of protection and install a security app that provides safeguards against viruses, ransomware, and other malicious content.

For example, Mobile Security and Antivirus from Trend Micro protects against malicious content and blocks unwanted websites with parental controls. Other features include:

• Finding malware in apps before they are installed on your Android device.
• Warning if your personal information could be exposed by an app.
• Helping you find your phone.
• Avoiding SMS-based scams.

Mobile Security is free to download, and its anti-virus and anti-malware features are free to use. The Parental Controls features require a $30 yearly subscription after a free trial period. Registration with Trend Micro is also required to use the app.

Here's how to block a website using the Mobile Security app:

1. Scroll down on the main page and tap Parental Controls.

2. Create a PIN or password.

3. Tap Website Filter.

   

4. Tap the toggle switch beside Website Filter to turn it on.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to grant the app the appropriate permissions it needs to continue.

6. Choose an age setting for the parental controls. You can customize this later if necessary.

   

7. Tap Blocked List.

8. Tap Add.

9. Enter a descriptive name and the URL for the unwanted website, then tap Save to add the website to the Blocked List.

   

Use a Website Blocker

Website blocker apps let you schedule times when apps and websites are off limits. BlockSite, for example, keeps you free from distractions with these features:

• A work mode to set timed intervals and breaks.
• Scheduled blocking of websites and apps.
• Individual web page blocking.
• Password protection to control app access.
• Site redirection to remind you what's important.

BlockSite is free, but you'll need to pay to block unlimited sites and use the app without ads (there's a short trial available). Here's how to add a website to the block list in this app:

1. Tap Create at the bottom of the app.

2. Type the URL of the website you want to block, or pick a website from the suggestions, and then tap the plus sign next to it.

3. Tap Next at the top.

   

4. Choose the times and days of the week you want the website blocked, then tap Next.

5. Give the rule a name and pick an icon for it.

6. Press Done to add the website to the list of blocked sites.

   

Use a Firewall

Firewalls monitor access to your device and block data using rules. Think of a firewall as a fence between you and the internet. Make sure to choose a no-root firewall so that you don't have to root your Android device.

Rethink by Celzero is a customizable DNS service and firewall that can detect and block network threats. You'll see all your most contacted domains and countries and can easily apply firewall rules to all your applications. It lets you block IP addresses, ports, and domains for free.

Follow these steps to block a website with this app:

1. Tap the Configure tab at the bottom of the app, then choose Firewall.

2. Select IP & Port rules.

3. Tap the plus sign from the Domain rules section.

4. Type a URL into one of the boxes, then tap Block > Okay. The wildcard option is useful if you want to also block subdomains.