Continuously seeing unnecessary marketing advertisements or offending websites is irritating. But the good news is, you can prevent these websites from popping or prohibit your children from accessing adult contents especially if you’re not looking. There are different ways on how to block any website on Android. This article will show you 4 simple methods, you don’t need to be an Android geek.
Method 1: Install Apps
Parents are probably the first to grab any website blocker they could lay their hands on just to make sure that their children are using the internet safely. The fastest and easiest way to track and restrict your kid’s internet activity is to install website blockers. Below are several apps which are available on Google Playstore that you can download.
a. SPIN Safe Browser
SPIN is a great alternative to your traditional browser. It keeps Google, Bing, and Yahoo searches safe. SPIN is free and is compatible with Android 4.1 or higher. This browser is integrated with internet filters which lets you track your children’s browsing history and blocks inappropriate contents. Unlike traditional browsers, SPIN has no incognito mode. It requires nothing to configure and you don’t need to sign-up to use it.
b. BlockSite – Block Distracting Apps & Sites
If you want to regain your focus but doesn’t want to uninstall your social networking apps or you simply want your family members to stay away from malicious websites, BlockSite is a great app to use. BlockSite is primarily designed for people who are always distracted by the digital world; individuals who cannot get their hands off social media. However, parents can also use this app to ensure that adult sites are blocked. You can also sync this app between your mobile and your desktop by selecting Settings » Sync BlockSite.
c. Parental Control & Kids GPS: Kaspersky SafeKids – USD12.99
Developed by Kaspersky Lab, this app was rated by PC mag as excellent. It offers a 14-day free trial which lets you block the access to mature apps, content, and suspicious searches. It will also let you set a screen time limit. To use, install the app on your device using the Parent’s mode. Alternatively, install the same app on your child’s device and run it in Kids mode. Follow the instructions provided. Sign up at https://my.kaspersky.com/mykids for the initial set-up and protection rules management. Browsers like Firefox or Opera does not block any website by default. Google Chrome, on the other hand, has a Safe Browsing option which protects your device from dangerous sites. However, you can install add-ons/extensions like Blocksite to these browsers to ensure that no malicious threats or unwanted websites are accessed.
Method 2: Install a Firewall
There are a lot of websites that poses as potential information predators. Blocking them from accessing your smartphone through a firewall protects it from viruses and hackers. The below firewalls can help you block websites without the need to root your phone/tablet.
a. NoRoot Firewall
As the name implies, NoRoot Firewall is the most trusted firewall without rooting your device. It filters websites based on IP address or domain name giving you full control over the connections. To use:
b. NetGuard – No-root firewall
NetGuard denies and allows specific applications and websites from accessing your data and/or WiFi connection. To use:
c. Mobiwol: NoRoot Firewall
Mobiwol is another firewall app that doesn’t require rooting. It is automatically launched at start-up to make sure that your smartphone is protected all-throughout. Mobiwol uses the same technology from the VPN packing module but no VPN connection being made. So, if you ever notice that it seems like it is using a VPN connection, Mobiwol guarantees that it’s artificial. To use:
Method 3: Install an Anti Virus
Another effective way to block certain websites if you are running an android phone is through installing an anti-virus app. One of the leading anti-virus apps is called Mobile Security by Trend Micro. It has more than 1 million downloads and has a rating of 4.6 stars in the Playstore. There are 2 ways to get maximum security using Mobile Security by Trend Micro. One is through Safe Surfing and the other is through Parental Controls. To use Safe Surfing (USD 20/year): To use Parental Controls (USD 20/year):
The Best Method
When it comes down to it, we all want not only the simplest way to block unwanted websites. Rather, we look for the most effective ways to do it. Out of the methods enumerated above, which one are you likely to use? Have you tried using any of these? What are the other effective ways/applications that you know?
