Blocking frequently visited sites on Safari can be helpful for productivity, parental control, or simply reducing distractions. Fortunately, Safari offers several methods to restrict access to specific websites, whether on macOS or iOS devices. By following a few simple steps, users can effectively manage and limit access to certain web pages.
Why Block Frequently Visited Sites?
There are several reasons why someone may want to block frequently visited sites in Safari:
- Reducing Distractions: Social media, news websites, and entertainment platforms can take up valuable time.
- Parental Control: Parents may want to restrict their children’s access to inappropriate or time-consuming content.
- Improving Productivity: Employers and students might need to avoid distracting websites during work or study hours.
Methods to Block Frequently Visited Sites in Safari
1. Using Screen Time on macOS and iOS
Screen Time is a built-in feature in Apple devices that allows users to manage web usage effectively. Follow these steps to block specific websites:
- Go to System Preferences on macOS or Settings on iOS.
- Select Screen Time and click on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions if it is not already activated.
- Click on Content Restrictions and go to the Web Content section.
- Select Limit Adult Websites or Allowed Websites Only depending on your preference.
- Under the Never Allow section, enter the URLs of websites you want to block.
Once set up, these sites will be inaccessible when using Safari.
2. Modifying the Hosts File on macOS
Advanced users can block websites by editing the system’s hosts file. This method requires administrative access.
- Open the Terminal application on macOS.
- Type the command:
sudo nano /etc/hostsand press Enter. - Enter the administrator password when prompted.
- Add a new line at the end of the file in the following format:
127.0.0.1 www.blockedwebsite.com - Save the file by pressing Ctrl + X, then Y, and Enter.
- Flush the DNS cache by typing:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcacheand pressing Enter.
These changes prevent Safari and other browsers on the system from accessing the specified websites.
3. Using Third-Party Extensions and Apps
If built-in methods are not sufficient, third-party applications can provide additional control.
- Freedom & Cold Turkey: These productivity tools block distracting sites on a schedule.
- 1Blocker: A Safari extension specifically designed for restricting website access.
- OpenDNS: A DNS-based filtering tool that prevents access to blocked domains.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I block websites only on Safari without affecting other browsers?
Yes. By using the Safari-specific Screen Time settings or browser extensions, you can restrict sites only in Safari while keeping them accessible in other browsers.
2. How do I unblock a website that I previously blocked?
To remove a blocked site, go to Screen Time settings, navigate to the Content Restrictions section, and delete the website from the Never Allow list.
3. Can I set time-based blocks for frequently visited sites?
Yes. Screen Time allows scheduling downtime where specific sites are blocked during certain hours. Additionally, third-party apps like Freedom can help manage access based on time settings.
4. Does private browsing mode bypass these restrictions?
No. If a website is blocked using Screen Time or the hosts file, it remains inaccessible even in private browsing mode.
5. Can I use Screen Time to block all websites except selected ones?
Yes. By selecting Allowed Websites Only in the Web Content settings under Screen Time, you can restrict access to only a predefined list of websites.
Blocking frequently visited sites in Safari is an effective way to manage time, reduce distractions, and ensure a safer browsing experience. Whether using built-in tools like Screen Time or advanced methods such as modifying system files, users can tailor access restrictions to suit their needs.