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.
• Taking a screenshot of unauthorized attempts to access your device.
• Helping you find your phone.
• Helping recover from a ransomware attack.
• Wiping your device.

Mobile Security is free to download, and its anti-virus and anti-malware features are free to use. The SafeSurfing and Parental Controls features require a $20 yearly subscription after a free trial period. Registration with Trend Micro is also required to use the app.

To block a website using the Mobile Security app:

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

2. Enter the password for your Trend Micro account.

3. Tap Website Filter.

4. Tap the toggle switch beside Website filter to turn it On.

5. Tap Allow Now and follow the on-screen instructions to grant the appropriate permissions to Mobile Security.

6. Choose an age setting for the parental controls. This option is arbitrary; you can customize the settings later.

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:

• Automatic blocking of adult sites.
• A work mode to set timed intervals and breaks.
• Scheduled blocking of websites and apps.
• Individual web page blocking.

BlockSite is free, doesn't contain ads, and has no in-app purchases. To add a website to the blocked sites list in BlockSite:

1. Launch BlockSite and tap the plus sign (+) in the lower-right corner.

2. Type the URL of the website you want to block, then tap the green check mark.

3. Tap the Alarm Clock in the upper-right corner.

4. Choose the times and days of the week you want the website blocked.

5. Tap the toggle switch beside Schedule to apply the settings, then tap the Back arrow to return to the Block Sites page.

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. 

NoRoot Firewall by Grey Shirts can block sites depending on whether you're using Wi-Fi or mobile data. You'll receive notifications when an app attempts to access the internet. NoRoot Firewall is free to download, doesn't contain ads, and has no in-app purchases.

To block a website using NoRoot Firewall:

1. Open NoRoot Firewall and swipe left on the gray bar at the top to select the Global Filters tab.

2. Tap New Pre-Filter.

3. Enter the full URL of the site you want to block, including http or https in front of the domain name.

4. In the Port line, tap the down arrow, then tap the asterisk (*).

   Tap the Wi-Fi icon if you want to block the website when the device is online. Tap the Data icon if you want to block the website when using an LTE connection.

5. Tap OK.

6. Swipe right on the gray bar at the top to go to the Home tab.

7. Tap Start. The pre-filter you created to block the website is added to the list of firewall rules.