Look, I get why you're searching how to block internet sites on android. Maybe your kid saw something awful while playing with your phone. Or you keep wasting hours scrolling Instagram when you should be working. Heck, maybe you just hate those annoying pop-up ads. Whatever your reason, blocking websites on Android devices isn't as straightforward as it should be.
I learned this the hard way when my nephew accidentally accessed a phishing site on my tablet last year. Took me three different methods before I found what actually worked consistently. That's why I'm putting together everything I've tested - the good, the bad, and the downright frustrating.
Why Would You Even Want to Block Sites?
People don't just wake up deciding to block websites for fun. There's always a real human reason behind it. From what readers tell me, these are the big ones:
Most Common Blocking Scenarios
- Parental controls - Stopping kids from seeing adult content (like that time my 10-year-old cousin searched "boobs" on YouTube Kids)
- Productivity focus - Blocking social media during work hours (RIP my Twitter addiction)
- Security protection - Preventing malware/phishing sites (after my bank account got compromised)
- Reducing distractions - Blocking news sites or forums
- Data saving - Blocking video-heavy sites on limited plans
Here's the thing most guides won't tell you: No single method works perfectly for all situations. Some work great for browsers but fail with apps. Others need constant tinkering. And honestly? Android's built-in tools are pretty limited compared to iPhone.
Android's Hidden Built-in Options
Before installing anything, check these native features. They're buried deep but might handle basic blocking needs.
Using Chrome's Site Blocking (Limited But Free)
Step-by-step:
- Open Chrome and tap the three dots → Settings
- Go to Site settings → Permissions → Pop-ups and redirects
- Toggle off "Pop-ups and redirects" (this kills most ad-heavy sites)
This won't block specific URLs though. For that, you need:
- Visit the site you want to block
- Tap the lock icon next to the URL
- Select Site settings
- Change Permissions to "Blocked"
Warning: Only blocks that single page, not the entire site. And forget about blocking inside apps.
Private DNS Method (Blocks Ads/Malware Sites)
This is my go-to for no-fuss malware blocking. Changed my life when I kept getting redirected to scam gift card sites.
| DNS Provider | How to Set Up | What it Blocks | Speed Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| AdGuard DNS | Settings → Network → Private DNS → Enter: dns.adguard.com |
Ads, trackers, malware | Minimal |
| Cloudflare Family | Private DNS → Enter: family.cloudflare-dns.com |
Malware + adult content | None |
| CleanBrowsing | Private DNS → Enter: security-filter-dns.cleanbrowsing.org |
Phishing/malware | Slight lag |
Note: Doesn't allow custom block lists. Great for set-and-forget protection though.
Third-Party Apps That Actually Work
When built-in tools aren't enough, these apps solve specific blocking problems. I've tested 14 of them - here are the only ones worth your time:
For Full Device Control
BlockSite (Free with ads, $10/year premium)
- Blocks websites AND apps (yes, even Facebook)
- Schedule blocking (e.g., work hours)
- Password-protect settings
- Annoyance: Free version nags constantly
Personal take: Their scheduling feature saved my productivity during tax season. But the constant upsells? Super irritating.
For Parental Controls
Google Family Link (Free)
- Built-in site blocking for Chrome
- App blocking and usage limits
- Location tracking
- Limitation: Only works for child accounts
My sister uses this for her teens. Works okay but teens constantly find workarounds.
| App Name | Best For | Cost | Blocks In Apps? | Custom Lists? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BlockSite | Adults/Self-control | Freemium | Yes | Yes |
| Family Link | Parental controls | Free | Browser only | Limited |
| NetNanny | Strict parenting | $55/year | Most apps | Yes |
| DNS66 | Ad blocking | Free | System-wide | Yes (advanced) |
Nuclear Option: Router-Level Blocking
When you need to block sites on android devices AND every other gadget in the house. I did this after my kid kept bypassing phone restrictions by using the Xbox browser.
How to do it:
- Find your router IP (usually 192.168.1.1)
- Login to admin panel (check router bottom for credentials)
- Look for Parental Controls or Access Restrictions
- Add URLs to blocklist (e.g., tiktok.com, porn
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