Guides
To block websites on iPhone, add them to a blocklist that works in Safari and every other browser. The most reliable way is Stryct: type any address, then choose whether it's blocked only during your locks or Always. Screen Time's free Never Allow list also works, but your own passcode can undo it in seconds.
The most reliable way: in Stryct, open Blocklist → Websites → Add website, type the address and pick During locks (blocked with your timer, schedules and daily limit) or Always (blocked 24/7, 24 hours to unblock). It works in Safari and other browsers. Free alternative: Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → Web Content → add the site under Never Allow. It works, but whoever knows the passcode, usually you, can undo it in seconds.
Stryct blocks apps and websites from one blocklist. Websites are blocked in Safari and other browsers, and each one gets its own mode.
During locks is for sites you still need sometimes. They're blocked whenever you start a lock with Lock now (15 minutes up to 90 days), while a schedule is running, and once your daily limit hits zero. The rest of the time they're open.
Always is for sites you want gone. They stay blocked 24/7, and unblocking one means asking, waiting 24 hours, then confirming. We cover it in detail in how to block a website permanently on iPhone.
Screen Time is built into iOS. Menu names vary slightly between iOS versions, but the path is:
It's free and it works, with two catches: the block is all-or-nothing (no “only during work hours” for a single site), and anyone with the passcode can lift it instantly. See Stryct vs Screen Time for the full comparison.
Yes for Stryct: sites on your Stryct blocklist are blocked in Safari and in other browsers on your iPhone. Screen Time's web filter also applies beyond Safari in most browsers, as of this writing. Either way, blocking only inside Safari wouldn't help much, since the habit simply moves to another app.
Most people don't need YouTube gone forever, just gone at 11 p.m. In Stryct, set the site to During locks, then add a Schedule (for example 11 PM to 7 AM on weekdays). The site locks with the schedule and opens again when it ends, along with your blocked apps.
You can also use the Daily Limit: give your blocked apps 30 minutes, 1 hour or 2 hours a day. When the budget runs out, the apps and your During locks sites lock until midnight.
Both tools can block known adult sites automatically. In Stryct, turn on Block adult content in Settings; once it's on, it stays on. In Screen Time, Limit Adult Websites filters them, and you can add specific sites under Never Allow when something slips through.
On iPad, all of this works the same way: the Screen Time path is identical, and Stryct runs on iPad with the same blocklist modes.
Blocking one site rarely fixes the habit: the urge just moves to the next tab. What works better is blocking the few sites and apps you reach for on autopilot, together, at the moments you're weakest. That's why Stryct puts apps and websites on the same blocklist and the same timer.
Blocking specific apps too? Start with how to block apps on iPhone, or the guides for YouTube and Reddit, which cover the app and the website together.
Apps and websites on one blocklist, in every browser. Free 3-day trial on iPhone and iPad.
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