The internet is a wild beast untamed. It’s helpful, it’s entertaining, and sometimes it’s just a little too much. Did you ever need some control over websites, and searched for ‘how to block websites on Android?’ You’re not alone. Whether you want to block websites for your kids or yourself in order to combat procrastination, you need to block websites in order to have a safer, saner browsing experience. This guide will preview all the tools and tricks to make your Android device a no nonsense device for online adventures.
Can you permanently block websites?
Blocking websites forever feels like the highest level of defense against procrastination. Do you ever wish that a site was never distracting, unsafe, or annoying in any way? Sounds perfect, right? You can of course use tools to help you do this, though there are some nuances to watch out for. It’s not only about blocking websites, but also making sure the blocks can’t be undone.
The trouble is that if you wish to find something for Android, there are multiple fake apps. Android devices give the user more freedom than Apple’s tightly controlled ecosystem would allow. While great for tech enthusiasts, this exposes more than you want especially when you talk about performance. Yet, with the proper combination of apps and settings – and perhaps even some tech-savvy tinkering – permanent blocking is possible.
Can we permanently block websites on Android devices?
Technically, yes. But there’s a caveat. All blocking solutions are based on apps, browser extensions, or DNS blocking restrictions. It’s not foolproof, but these methods work well. For example:
- Apps: Some apps, such as FlashGet Kids and Blocksite, have permanent blocking features.
- Browser Extensions: They work, but only within the browser you configure.
- Router Settings: If you change your internet router settings, it will block sites for all devices connected to it but savvy users can bypass this by switching networks.
As with most, you’ll often need to layer these solutions to achieve near permanent blocking.
Limitations and Workarounds
The best blockers have limitations. Determined users, teens or kids who use the device can find alternative browsers or uninstall apps or switch to private browsing and so on. Layering restrictions come in handy there. App based blocks combined with router level restrictions, or using a DNS filter make bypassing harder.
Workarounds include:
- Preventing the uninstallation of apps by locking their app permissions.
- By modifying config Router settings to admin only.
- With a combination of apps and manual restrictions.
- Checking up on the temporary and permanent restrictions daily.
For casual users wishing to take short breaks of distraction, temporary blocking works. Imagine tools like StayFocusd where you can lock yourself out of specific websites for hours or even days. However, permanent blocking is even more restrictive. If safety, productivity or child protection is a concern, it’s especially useful.
How to block websites on Android for your kids?
Every parent wants to control over website blocking on Android for their kids. I know, the internet is just full of learning but the dark and inappropriate aspects are there, too. But it’s not just about blocking sites, it’s about caring about your kids’ online safety.
Fortunately, Android brings plenty of tools to parents’ aid to keep their kids away from stuff they shouldn’t be accessing. Two of the stellar solutions are FlashGet Kids and Google Family Link.
👍FlashGet Kids website blocker
The parental control app FlashGet Kids has piqued the interest of many parents nationwide. It is designed to free kids to explore the internet and also free parents from worrying about what their kids do on the internet. Some of its standout features include:
✔️Website Blocking: Block any inappropriate or distracting websites and apps, easily.
✔️Custom Filters: You can set specific rules for any set of kids or any set of devices.
✔️Screen Time Limits: Tell your child how much time they’re allowed to spend playing online.
✔️App Management: Limit apps or games when needed.
✔️Activity Reports: Be aware of your child’s browsing history and usage.
Setting up and customizing the app
Use FlashGet Kids website blocker to block websites you want.
1. Download FlashGet Kids.
2. Create a Parent Account: Register yourself by filling the details and create a profile.
3. Download FlashGet Kids (kids version) on your child’s phone through their web browser.
4. Pair both apps and set up permissions by following the in-app instructions.
5. Set Rules: Blocklist according to your choice, control the time of screen use and set activity alerts.
6. Using Browser safety: you can block any websites you want.
🔔 Why is FlashGet Kids useful for parents
FlashGet Kids removes the guesswork of online safety. It helps you block websites, limit distractions and monitor activities using just one app. It’s intuitive, hard for kids in my house to tamper with, and gives parents full control without a tech degree.
🆓 Google Family Link
Another fantastic way to manage your child’s internet presence is through Google Family Link. Here’s how to get started:
1. Install the App: both you and your child need to download Google Family Link.
2. Open the Family Link app.
2. Select your child.
3. Choose Controls > Content restrictions.
4. And find and tap Google Chrome and Web.
5. Choose the settings you desire to set. There are 3 options
- Allow all sites: All sites you child can visit.
- Try to block explicit sites: This is how to block sites containing sexually inappropriate content.
- Only allow approved sites: Your child can browser the sites you all.
6. You can also manually allow or block certain sites by setting “Manage sites.” Choose Approved sites or Blocked sites.
Note: when you enter the URLs, please enter the whole domain, like www.pornhub.com
7. Confirm and finish settings.
🔔 Monitoring of your child’s online activities
With Google Family Link you have a real-time view into your child’s digital life. You can:
✔️See what websites they visit, and block websites.
✔️Review the apps they use.
✔️Block out screen time and bedtime.
For Parents — Features and benefits
✔️User-Friendly: It’s simple.
✔️Free to Use: No cost for any features.
✔️Comprehensive Reports: It provides you detailed insight into what your child is doing.
Choose FlashGet Kids or Google Family Link, and parents take the reins of your children’s internet experience.
How to block websites with extensions on Android?
If you simply want to block websites on Android, then the browser extension is the lightweight, easy to use option. The practical purpose of these are particularly helpful for adults with productivity and casual restrictions. Here’s a closer look at three popular options:
☑️Blocksite
There’s Blocksite app and browser extension that’s very popular. This is fantastic for passing on to people struggling with procrastination or who take care of kids online.
How to download and run it on Android.
1. Download BlockSite: It’s available on the Google Play Store and you can install it.
2. Grant Permissions: Allow the accessibility of the accessibility settings of your device.
3. Add Websites: Go ahead and enter the URLs of the sites you want to block.
4. Enable Work Mode: It has scheduling features for timed blocks.
Key Features of the Extension
- Blocks websites and apps.
- A productivity focused mode.
- Prevents tampering on settings by password protecting them.
☑️Leechblock
The web extension Leechblock focuses on blocking websites that are accessed during work hours, so that you can actually focus on working. It’s perfect for cutting down distractions, and thus increasing your productivity.
Also, learn how to block websites with it?
1. Download Leechblock from your browser’s extension store.
2. You can create rules that will block certain websites.
3. Schedule a block for a certain time or day.
Benefits and Drawbacks
- Pros: Easy to use and very highly customizable.
- Cons: Only limited to browser based blocking.
☑️StayFocusd or Site Blocker
StayFocusd and Site Blocker are great extensions as well. They’re all about restricting your access to sites that suck up your time or present a risk.
How to use them
1. Click to download the extension and add it to your browser.
2. You can also configure settings so that it blocks sites.
3. Larger or smaller schedules or limits may be required.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Lightweight and effective.
- Cons: An extension only works within the browser it was installed on.
How to block websites without apps on Android?
Prefer a no-app approach? No problem. Using built-in settings or third-party tools, Android allows you to easily block websites you don’t want to view.
🔽Enable SafeSearch
- Open the Google.com and tap your Profile icon your device.
- Find and chooseSafeSearch.
- Select SafeSearch level. You can choose Filter, Blur or Off. Note that parents can lock SafeSearch via Google Family Link
If you choose Filter, the explicit content will not appear in search results.
🔽Add Router Level Restrictions
- Enter your admin panel into your router.
- You add website URLs to the blocklist.
- Blocking with this method occurs for all devices connected to the network.
🔽Use OpenDNS
- Login into OpenDNS servers and customize filters accordingly.
- With this method we get much broader control over what can be taken out online.
🔽Set up a Firewall
- Install NoRoot Firewall as a firewall tool.
- You can use the app manually and block specific websites.
- In less than sweet-gestures, this gives compact control without any additional browser expansions.
All the methods have their own strengths. To be most effective, you may want to include these steps with app based options like FlashGet Kids or Google Family Link.
Pro Tip: Maximum effectiveness without apps? OpenDNS should be paired with router level restrictions for total network coverage. Additional SafeSearch filters get rid of explicit content. Also, Double check your blocked URLs list, if you’re using a firewall. Combined, these methods form a safe, distraction free armour for browsing.
Why do parents need to block websites for kids?
Parents block websites for a reason: To protect, guide and educate. Curiosity and adventurousness is great in kids, until it results in kids seeking out inappropriate or harmful content. Blocking sites allows them to continue to ensure that their internet experience is safe and productive.
🔎 Parents block websites for various reasons
- Protecting innocence: A lot of age inappropriate content passes over the internet. This keeps kids tuned to safe websites.
- Preventing distractions: The easy way that homework and study time is derailed by games, social media, and streaming sites.
- Reducing cybersecurity Risks: By blocking unsafe sites, you limit the amount of exposure you have with malware or phishing scams.
- Encouraging healthy habits: Restricted usage of particular websites helps you manage screen time.
✅FlashGet Kids: The best choice
Out of all options FlashGet Kids is a standout solution. It is the all in one parental control fix that includes robust website blocking as well as management of screen times. It’s simple enough to use, difficult to bypass, and made with parents in mind. FlashGet Kids gives you total control over your child’s digital life, especially if they are a bit rebellious.
Conclusions
In this digital world, blocking websites on Android isn’t just a convenience, it’s almost a necessity. For safeguarding your kids, keeping distractions at bay or having a safer browsing experience, there’s something for everyone! Now you can take control from app based tools such as FlashGet Kids and Google Family Link to manual methods such as SafeSearch and router restrictions.
There’s no foolproof method, remember? The best results are achieved by combining strategies. Apps like FlashGet Kids are a game changer for parents, providing layers of control while allowing you to breathe a little easier. Extensions like Blocksite or Leechblock are lifesavers for productivity warriors.
Overall, the internet should work for you rather than against you. Do these today so you can block distractions, keep your loved ones safe, and reclaim your digital space. Welcome to smart, safe, and stress free web browsing.
