The fastest way to block a website on Samsung
Samsung phones do not have a built-in website blocker in the main settings, but you can block sites in three practical ways: through your phone's browser settings, using a third-party app, or setting up parental controls if you share the device. The method you choose depends on whether you want to block sites across all apps, in just one browser, or for a specific user profile.
The quickest route for most people is to use Samsung Internet (Samsung's built-in browser) because the blocking feature is already there—no app read needed. If you use Chrome or another browser, you will need to read a separate blocking app. Parental controls work best if you are setting restrictions for a child or another person on a shared phone.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung Internet has a built-in content blocker that stops access to specific websites without downloading anything extra.
- You can block sites in Chrome or Firefox by downloading a free third-party app like Freedom or Cold Turkey Blocker.
- Parental controls in Samsung's settings let you restrict websites across all apps if you manage the device for someone else.
- Blocked sites will show an error message when you try to visit them, and you can unblock them anytime by reversing the same steps.
Blocking websites in Samsung Internet
Open Samsung Internet and tap the three-line menu icon in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and select Settings, then tap Websites and downloads. Look for Blocked websites and tap it to open the list.
Tap the plus icon or Add button and type the web address you want to block—for example, facebook.com or youtube.com. Do not include "https://" or "www." unless the site specifically requires it; just enter the domain name. Tap Add or Done to confirm. The site will now show a blocked message whenever you try to visit it in Samsung Internet.
To unblock a site, return to Blocked websites, find the address in the list, and tap the delete or remove icon next to it. The site will be accessible again when ready.
Blocking websites in Chrome or other browsers
Chrome and Firefox do not have built-in website blockers, so you will need to read a third-party app. Search your phone's app store for Freedom, Cold Turkey Blocker, or AppBlock—all are free and work across multiple browsers and apps.
After installing your chosen app, open it and follow the setup steps to grant it permission to manage your phone's settings. Most apps will ask you to enable them in Settings > Apps > Special app access > Display over other apps so they can block sites system-wide. Once enabled, add the websites you want to block by typing the domain name into the app's list.
These apps work by intercepting your connection before it reaches the website, so the block applies whether you use Chrome, Firefox, Samsung Internet, or any other browser. You can set schedules (for example, block social media between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.) and create a PIN to prevent yourself from disabling the blocker on impulse.
Using parental controls to block websites
If you manage the phone for a child or another person, Samsung's parental controls offer a more comprehensive approach. Open Settings and search for Parental controls or Digital Wellbeing and parental controls. Tap Parental controls and select Set up parental controls.
You will be asked to create a PIN that only you know—this prevents the other user from turning off the restrictions. Once the PIN is set, you can block specific apps and websites. Tap Content restrictions or Manage content restrictions, then select Websites. Add the sites you want to block by entering their addresses.
Parental controls also let you set screen time limits, restrict app downloads, and monitor usage. The blocked user will see a message saying the content is restricted by parental controls, and they cannot bypass it without your PIN.
What happens when a website is blocked
When you try to visit a blocked website, your phone will display an error message instead of loading the page. In Samsung Internet, you will see a message saying the site is blocked. In apps using a third-party blocker, you may see a notification or a blank page with the app's logo.
The blocked site will not load any content, and you cannot view it by refreshing the page or trying a different link to the same domain. If you block facebook.com, for example, you cannot reach it by typing m.facebook.com or www.facebook.com either—most blockers recognize these as the same site.
Unblocking a website
To unblock a site, return to the same place where you blocked it. In Samsung Internet, go to Settings > Websites and downloads > Blocked websites, find the address, and delete it. In a third-party app, open the app, find the site in your blocked list, and tap remove or delete.
If you set up parental controls, you will need to enter your PIN to access the restrictions and remove a blocked site. Once you delete it from the list, the site will be accessible again within seconds.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is typing the website address incorrectly. If you want to block instagram.com but type instagram.co instead, the real site will still be accessible. Always double-check the spelling and use only the domain name—leave off "https://", "www.", and any page paths like "/login" or "/messages".
Another mistake is assuming a block in one browser applies to all browsers. If you block a site in Chrome using a third-party app, it will block across all apps. But if you block it only in Samsung Internet settings, it will still load in Chrome. Use Samsung Internet's built-in blocker only if you use that browser exclusively, or read a third-party app for system-wide blocking.
Do not forget your parental control PIN if you set one up. If you lose it, you will need to factory reset your phone to remove the restrictions, which erases all data. Write it down or store it somewhere safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I block a website on just one app?
No—website blockers work at the browser or system level, not per app. If you block a site in Samsung Internet, it stays blocked only in that browser. If you use a third-party app blocker, it blocks the site across all apps and browsers on your phone.
Will blocking a website hide it from my search results?
No. Blocking a website prevents you from visiting it, but search engines will still show it in results. If you tap the link, you will see the blocked message instead of the page loading.
Can someone else unblock a website I blocked?
If you blocked it in Samsung Internet or a third-party app without parental controls, yes—anyone with access to your phone can unblock it by following the same steps. If you set up parental controls with a PIN, only someone who knows the PIN can unblock sites.
What if a website keeps loading even though I blocked it?
Check that you typed the domain name correctly and that you are using the right browser or app. If you blocked it in Samsung Internet but are trying to visit it in Chrome, it will still load. For system-wide blocking, read a third-party app instead.
Can I block a website temporarily, like just during work hours?
Samsung Internet's built-in blocker does not have scheduling, but third-party apps like Freedom and AppBlock let you set time-based blocks. You can schedule a site to be blocked between certain hours and automatically unblocked at other times.