6 Ways to Block Inappropriate Websites on Android

Keep your browsing experience safe and clean on Android!

In today’s digital age, it’s essential to ensure that our Android devices are safe and suitable for all users, especially when it comes to blocking inappropriate websites. Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s online activities or an individual looking to improve your digital well-being, this guide will walk you through various methods to block inappropriate websites and content on your Android device.

How to Block Inappropriate Websites on Android for Free

How to Block Inappropriate Websites on Android

From utilizing built-in features to third-party solutions, and even fine-tuning your Google Play Store settings, we’ll explore diverse approaches to help you create a safer, more responsible digital environment for all.

Quick Answer

To block inappropriate content on your Android device:

1. Open Google App and go to Settings.

2. Select Hide explicit results and choose the desired SafeSearch filter.

Method 1: Use Safe Browsing Filters in Chrome

Most web browsers on Android offer built-in safe browsing features that can help block inappropriate websites. Follow these steps for popular browsers like Google Chrome:

1. Open the Google Chrome browser.

2. Tap on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner.

Tap on the three-dot menu icon in Google Chrome.

3. Select Settings.

4. Scroll down and tap on Privacy and security.

tap on Privacy and security in Chrome settings. | how to block inappropriate websites and content on Android

5. Under the Security section, tap on Safe browsing.

6. Select Enhances protection from the options.

Select Enhances protection from the options.

This feature will warn you when you attempt to access potentially harmful websites, providing an additional layer of protection.

Also Read: Qustodio vs Famisafe: Choosing the Best Parental Control App

Method 2: Use SafeSearch in the Google App

Google offers a SafeSearch feature that can help filter out explicit and inappropriate search results when using the Google App. This is particularly useful for ensuring that web searches through the Google App are more family-friendly. Here’s how to enable SafeSearch:

1. Open the Google App on your Android device.

2. Tap on your profile picture or initials in the top-right corner.

Tap on your profile picture

3. Tap on Settings.

4. Tap on Hide explicit results to enable SafeSearch.

Tap on Hide explicit results to enable SafeSearch

5. You can also adjust the filtering level based on your preferences. Filter offers the highest level of filtering, while Blur provides a balance, and Off disables filtering entirely.

Filter offers the highest level of filtering, while Blur provides a balance, and Off disables filtering entirely | how to block inappropriate websites and content on Android

Method 3: Use In-built Parental Controls

Android devices come equipped with built-in parental control features that allow you to restrict access to inappropriate content. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.

2. Scroll down and tap on Digital Wellbeing & parental controls or a similar option, depending on your device’s software version.

tap on Digital Wellbeing & parental controls

3. Select Set up parental controls and tap on Get started.

Select Set up parental controls and tap on Get started.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up a PIN.

5. Once set up, you can enable content filtering and set restrictions for apps and websites.

Also Read: How to Turn Off SafeSearch on Google

Method 4: Use Third-party Parental Control Apps

You can consider using third-party parental control apps to enhance your control over inappropriate content. These apps provide more advanced features and customization options. Popular options include Norton Family and Qustodio.

1. Install your chosen parental control app from the Google Play Store.

2. Follow the app’s setup instructions, which often involve creating an account and connecting your child’s device if applicable.

3. Configure website blocking, content filtering, and app restrictions according to your preferences.

4. Most parental control apps also offer activity monitoring and reporting, providing insights into your child’s online behavior.

Qustodio homepage | how to block inappropriate websites and content on Android

Method 5: Block Websites with a Firewall

Using a firewall app is another effective way to block inappropriate websites on your Android device. Firewalls allow you to create custom rules and filters to control internet access for specific apps or websites. Here’s how to do it:

1. Install a firewall app from the Google Play Store. Some popular firewall apps include NetGuard and NoRoot Firewall.

2. After installation, open the firewall app.

3. You will typically see a list of installed apps on your device. Tap on the app that you want to restrict internet access for or look for an option to block specific websites directly.

4. Configure the rules for the selected app or website. You can choose to block both mobile data and Wi-Fi access or just one of them, depending on your preferences.

5. Save your settings.

NetGuard Homepage

Method 6: Configure DNS Filters

DNS (Domain Name System) filters allow you to block inappropriate websites at the network level. Two popular DNS filtering services are OpenDNS and CleanBrowsing. Here’s how to set up DNS filtering on your Android device:

1. Go to your device’s Settings.

2. Tap on Wi-Fi or Network & Internet, depending on your Android version.

3. Find and tap on your Wi-Fi network.

4. Tap on “Advanced” or “Network details,” then locate the “IP settings” section.

5. Change the DNS settings to use a DNS filtering service like OpenDNS (208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123) or CleanBrowsing (185.228.168.9 and 185.228.169.9).

6. Save your settings and restart your device if necessary.

This method blocks inappropriate websites across all apps and browsers on your Android device.

Also Read: How to Change Parental Controls on PS4

How to Block Inappropriate Play Store Content on Android

Configuring Google Play Store settings can also be an effective method to help block inappropriate content on your Android device. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.

2. Tap on the profile picture in the top-left corner.

Tap on the profile picture

3. Scroll down and select Settings from the menu.

4. In the Settings menu, you’ll find Family options that can help you control the type of content that is accessible through the Play Store.

In the Settings menu, you'll find Family option.

5. Tap on Parental controls.

6. Toggle-on the option to set up a PIN and tap on Ok.

Toggle-on the option to set up a PIN  | how to block inappropriate websites and content on Android

Once set up, you can restrict app and content downloads, including apps, games, movies, and books, based on age ratings.

Also Read: How to Turn Off Parental Controls without a Password

Protecting yourself and your loved ones from inappropriate websites on Android devices is crucial. Choose the method that suits your needs and preferences best and enjoy a more secure and responsible use of your Android device. If you have any queries or suggestions for us, do let us know in the comments box below.

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