How to Block Porn on an iPad & iPhone

Let’s face it—on an iPhone or iPad, porn is just a few taps away.
Whether you're trying to quit for good or want to protect your kids, adult content is way too easy to access on mobile devices.

Even if you turn on Apple’s “Limit Adult Content” setting, there are workarounds. And let’s be honest—willpower alone doesn’t always cut it.
If you're serious about staying clean or keeping your child safe, you need a stronger setup.

In this guide, we’ll show you five practical ways to block porn on iOS. From built-in features to powerful tools like VigilKids, each option is simple to set up and gets the job done.

• Table Of Contents
• Method 1: Use Screen Time to Block Adult Content on iOS
• Method 2: Use DNS Filtering with OpenDNS or Cloudflare
• Option 1: Use OpenDNS Family Shield
• Option 2: Use Cloudflare for Families
• Method 3: Use VigilKids for Full Parental Control
• Method 4: Try QUITTR to Block Porn Triggers and Build Habits
• Method 5: Set Up a Pi-hole or Firewalla for Network-Wide Blocking
• Option 1: Pi-hole (DIY)
• Option 2: Firewalla (Plug-and-play)

Quick Overview: Which Blocking Method Is Right for You?

Not sure where to start? This chart compares the top methods based on ease of use and protection level.

If you're looking for total control and peace of mind, VigilKids offers the most complete solution—with app blocking, alerts, and remote lock features.

Method 1: Use Screen Time to Block Adult Content on iOS

This is the easiest way to block porn without installing any extra apps. Apple’s Screen Time lets you limit adult websites and lock the settings with a passcode.

Steps to Take

• Step 1. Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
• Step 2. Scroll down and tap Screen Time.
• Step 3. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and turn it ON.
• Step 4. Tap Content Restrictions > Web Content.
• Step 5. Select Limit Adult Websites.

You can also tap Add Website under "Never Allow" to block specific URLs.

To stop yourself or your child from turning it off:

• Step 6. Go back to the Screen Time main menu.
• Step 7. Tap Use Screen Time Passcode and let someone you trust create the code.

Method 2: Use DNS Filtering with OpenDNS or Cloudflare

This method blocks porn at the network level by filtering your Wi-Fi traffic. It's great for families who want to protect all devices connected to the same network.

What You’ll Need :A stable Wi-Fi connection. Admin access to your router settings.

Option 1: Use OpenDNS Family Shield

• Step 1. Log in to your home Wi-Fi router (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in your browser).
• Step 2. Find the DNS settings section.
• Step 3. Change the DNS servers to:
  • Preferred DNS: 208.67.222.123
  • Alternate DNS: 208.67.220.123
• Step 4. Save your changes and reboot the router if needed.

Option 2: Use Cloudflare for Families

• Step 1. Follow the same steps above to access your DNS settings.
• Step 2. Enter these DNS values:
  • Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.3
  • Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.3

Method 3: Use VigilKids for Full Parental Control

If you want a more powerful solution than Screen Time, VigilKids is the all-in-one tool. It blocks adult websites, restricts apps, sends activity alerts, and even allows remote locking—perfect for parents or anyone who wants real accountability.

You can see what sites or apps are being accessed, get alerts for risky behavior, and fully control the device settings from your own phone.

Steps to Take

• Step 1. Download and install VigilKids on the target iPhone or iPad.
• Step 2. Create a parent account and log in.
• Step 3. Follow the setup steps to link your child’s (or your own) device.
• Step 4. Enable Web Filter and block adult content.
• Step 5. Turn on App Blocking, Alerts, and Remote Lock.
• Step 6. Set your own PIN to prevent app deletion or changes.

Method 4: Try QUITTR to Block Porn Triggers and Build Habits

QUITTR is a science-based app designed to help people quit porn by focusing on behavior change and blocking known triggers.

It doesn't just block adult sites—it helps you identify emotional patterns, track progress, and create healthier routines.

Steps to Take

• Step 1. Download QUITTR from the App Store.
• Step 2. Complete the quick onboarding quiz to personalize your journey.
• Step 3. Turn on the porn blocker feature (you can add your own blacklists too).
• Step 4. Enable Trigger Detection for risky phrases and image types.
• Step 5. Ask a friend or mentor to create the lock code so you can’t modify settings.

Method 5: Set Up a Pi-hole or Firewalla for Network-Wide Blocking

If you want to block porn for every device on your home network—including phones, tablets, and laptops—a network filter like Pi-hole or Firewalla is a powerful option.

These devices filter DNS requests and block adult domains before they even load.

Option 1: Pi-hole (DIY)

• Step 1. Buy a Raspberry Pi (~$35) and install Pi-hole using the official guide.
• Step 2. Set Pi-hole as the DNS server in your router settings.
• Step 3. Use community-maintained adult content blocklists.
• Step 4. Optional: Add a password so only you can update the settings.

Option 2: Firewalla (Plug-and-play)

• Step 1. Purchase a Firewalla Red or Blue box online.
• Step 2. Connect it to your router and install the app.
• Step 3. Go to Rules > Family > Block Porn to activate filters.
• Step 4. You can also block specific apps and get usage reports.

Final Thoughts

Blocking porn on an iPhone or iPad isn’t just about flipping a setting—it’s about creating a safer, more focused digital space for yourself or your loved ones. Whether you’re taking the first step toward breaking a habit or protecting your child from harmful content, every bit of effort counts.

Apple’s Screen Time is a great place to start. But if you’re looking for stronger protection, VigilKids offers the complete package—app control, real-time alerts, and remote locking—all in one easy-to-use tool.

Whichever method you choose, consistency matters more than perfection. You’re not just blocking a website—you’re building a better relationship with your screen.