iPhone
Best ways to Block Porn on iPhone (Updated for 2024)
Implement a multi-layered approach to blocking porn on iPhone so that it's difficult to bypass filtering.
If you are trying to restrict access to adult content on an iPhone, you've probably found that downloading a porn blocker app from the Apple App Store wasn't effective at all. The problem with typical iPhone apps that are marketed as porn blockers is that they are easily bypassed, which makes them pretty useless. As an iOS software developer, I can tell you that it's actually possible to create an incredibly effective porn blocking system for the iPhone - one that is nearly impossible to bypass - but you just can't depend on a single app.
An effective approach requires you to combine a few layers together to create an iPhone porn blocking system rather than relying on a single point of failure. This guide will walk you through the system I've figured out.
Apple imposes strict limits on the capabilities of apps you can download from their App Store. I've looked into this in-depth, testing across many different types of Apple products with a particular focus on iOS devices.
However, Apple provides a few ways to achieve highly restrictive setups, but you just can't rely on a single-app solution from their App Store.
In 2024, blocking porn isn't just a concern for parents. It's becoming more common for adults to set up their own self-restrictions to break bad habits caused by modern internet and smartphone use.
Effective blocking on iOS is possible in 2024, but the ideal approach requires additional configuration and a multi-layered approach to blocking content and preventing bypass.
Blocking System Checklist
Use this checklist to help figure out if you are following my recommended approaches to blocking and bypass prevention on iOS.
If you are a Tech Lockdown member, use our Device Setup wizard for a step-by-step walkthrough, including access to everything mentioned in these checklists (Supervised Presets, Content Policy, etc).
Unlock Advanced iOS Restrictions with Supervised Mode
Apple provides an alternative to Screen Time that most people don't know about: Supervised Mode.
Once supervised mode is enabled on an iPhone, you can protect specific iOS settings and prevent them from being changed by adding supervised config files to the device.
For example, you can protect a content filtering VPN connection so that it can't be removed. This is important since content filtering VPNs are the most effective way to block porn on an iPhone.
Another powerful feature of Supervised mode is that you can choose to prevent these configurations from being removed from the device at all.
For example, when using Tech Lockdown to customize a supervised device, you can choose the Prevent Uninstall option to enforce the config preset you are adding to the iPhone.
This disables the ability to remove supervised configs within the iPhone's settings:
In order to undo supervised settings, you would have to Unlock your Tech Lockdown profile and then make the desired changes, but it would be impossible to override by making changes from the iPhone's settings.
Anyone can enable Supervised Mode for free simply by resetting their iPhone and setting it up with supervised mode enabled.
Your data is backed up with iCloud, so it's easy to set your iPhone up again. The step-by-step process is a bit too much for this iPhone porn blocking guide, but you can access our supervised device guide for free in the Tech Lockdown Dashboard.
Enforce Apple's Built-in Adult Content Filter
Once supervised mode is enabled, you can enforce the web content filter that is built into iOS.
This is the same filter that you can enable within Screen Time settings. This approach is better than Screen Time since Screen Time settings are easily bypassed, but this method can be completely enforced.
This content filtering method works great alongside a Content Filtering VPN and doesn't conflict or override it. It acts as an additional blocking layer.
Configure a Content Filtering VPN to Thoroughly Block Porn on iOS
A Content Filtering VPN is a critical part of any porn blocking system for iOS. This is because a VPN connection can comprehensively block content across all browsers used on the iPhone.
In contrast, typical porn blocker apps downloaded from the App Store will use Apple's Screen Time API, which has limited browser support and is not comprehensive with content blocking.
You should configure a Content Filtering VPN that lets you block categories of content, which will quickly allow you to block millions of websites without having to know every URL that needs to be blocked. These services using advanced techniques to automatically categorize websites online, so it's the most comprehensive way to restrict access to adult websites.
You'll enforce this enforce a content filtering VPN later on so that it can't be bypassed.
For example, you can quickly get started with Tech Lockdown's DNS Content Policy using our Adult Content preset.
We'll go through more advanced Content Policy configurations, like default-deny blocking and scheduled block rules, later on in this guide.
Enforce an Adult Content Filtering VPN on iOS
There are a few ways that a person could get around a content filtering VPN that is configured on iOS. Patching these loopholes is critical if you want to prevent intetional (or accidental) bypass of the VPN that blocks porn on the iPhone.
The first enforcement technique is to prevent apps from being deleted on the iPhone. You need to do this since deleting the app that establishes the content filtering VPN connection will delete the associated VPN configuration as well.
This is easy to do with the Prevent App Removal supervised preset we provide.
Once this is installed, it won't be possible to delete any currently installed apps on the device.
The next area you need to protect is preventing someone from going into the VPN & Device Management settings and deleting the VPN configuration associated with your content filter.
You can add the Enforce Content Filter VPN preset we provide to restrict the ability to delete that specific VPN connection:
Finally, you need to prevent conflicting VPN connections from being switched to on the device. Even if the content filter VPN connection cannot be deleted, a person can download another VPN application and switch to it. Adding the Prevent VPN Creation supervised preset will effectively lock this loophole down.
If you're on iOS 18 and you've configured the above 3 presets, you've effectively enforced the VPN and don't need to do anything else. If you're on another iOS version, you might consider adding an Apple Shortcut Automation to your bypass prevention system.
You can utilize Apple shortcuts to automatically enforce an iPhone VPN if it was turned off or if another VPN was switched to. You trigger this every time a browser is opened to ensure that the iPhone is always using the Content Filtering VPN. The steps are as follows:
Restrict Apps Natively
Another area to consider restricting is the apps that can be downloaded and opened on the iPhone. For example, you may not want to allow the use of TikTok or apps that provide a mix of content that a content filtering VPN can't possibly account for.
Similar to our other Config Presets, you can restrict adding any new app to the device using our Prevent App Installation supervised preset.
This also accounts for third-party app stores or apps downloaded from the web, which is now possible with iOS 18.
Another way to restrict apps is using our Supervised App Management tool to create a restricted app list.
Instead of a blocklist approach, you can create a much more restrictive setup with an App Allowlist to block any app that isn't on your list.
This is a great way to turn an iPhone into a dumb phone by only allowing the essential apps that help you stay productive.
Prevent Turning Off Filtered Wi-Fi
A common way that iPhone user's bypass WiFi content filtering is to simply turn off WiFi and use an unfiltered roaming internet connection (4g/5g), but you can prevent this with a supervised device.
If you've enforced a content filtering VPN connection, this step isn't necessary.
If you've set up your home router to filter content using a content policy , you'll want to ensure that an iPhone can't bypass it and use an unprotected internet connection. You can use Tech Lockdown's Config File to do this.
Once this supervised config preset is added to the iPhone, the option to turn off Wifi will be disabled.
4g/5g will still work
The user can still turn on Airplane mode, which will turn off both roaming internet and also WiFi. This won't open up a loophole, however.
Make an iPhone Less Appealing
Consider making an iPhone less appealing to improve the effectiveness of a porn blocking system. Convert an iPhone into a dumb phone to be a bit more dumb and unappealing makes it easier to reduce screen time and break harmful habits that can contribute to other addictive behaviors.
Additional Content Policy Recommendations
In addition to the Adult Content preset, we highly recommend customizing a Content Policy to mitigate other scenarios.
You might consider adding categories that aren't obvious Adult Content, but should be blocked nonetheless depending on how strict you want to be.
Next, create a SafeSearch rule. You can find this rule in our quick create menu.
This allows you to enforce Google SafeSearch and even the safe mode provided by other search engines like Bing as well.
Consider enforcing YouTube restricted mode as well to turn on YouTube's adult content filter within their own app and website.
We recommend creating scheduled block rules for "grey-area" websites and apps that aren't categorized as "Adult Content" but might provide a mix of content that is counter-productive for people trying to quit porn .
For example, we recommend that you block TikTok or Twitter (X) at night and only make it accessible during specific times during the day when there's higher amounts of accountability.
Enforcing SafeSearch and Restricted Modes
Previously we talked about how a DNS Filter can either block or allow an entire website or app, but typically not filter content within that website, which makes mixed-content websites a problem for any blocking system.
However, a DNS Content Policy can automatically toggle-on and enforce the restricted modes that some websites provide, which is one way to filter content within a website.
For example, you can use a DNS Content Policy to enforce SafeSearch on Bing , Google, and other search engines by creating a SafeSearch rule.
You can also create a rule to toggle on YouTube's restricted mode to filter content within YouTube using a DNS Filter.
This will block some YouTube videos and limit search results and suggested videos.
Disabling Apps with a DNS Content Policy
Another way to leverage your DNS Content Policy is to use it to block apps on your iPhone . Blocking an app with your content policy won't remove it from the iPhone, but it will cause the app to not work properly since it won't be able to connect to the internet.
When editing a rule in your DNS Content Policy , you'll see a Content section.
You can edit the Apps section, then search for specific apps that want this rule to apply to. For example, you could disable the Facebook app on your iPhone:
I highly recommend blocking apps like TikTok since these apps can't be used in a safe way.
If you use the categories selector to block an entire category, like Social Media, you'll need to specifically allow social media apps that you don't want to be blocked.
To do this, you could use another Allow Rule to whitelist a socal media app like LinkedIn.
Default-Deny Comprehensive Blocking Approach
Another approach you can use is to block an entire category, like Social Networking, but allow access to specific apps that are known to be safe.
For example, you could allow LinkedIn while blocking all other social media websites.
This approach is ideal when you combine this with other categories as well. You won't have to worry about loopholes in your blocking system due discovery of these mixed-category websites and apps.
Restricting DNS Content Policy Changes
Having a DNS Content Policy that you can change at anytime can open up a major loophole in your blocking system.
This is why the Tech Lockdown dashboard allows you to lock your Tech Lockdown profile .
The purpose of profile locking is to prevent you from making a content policy less restrictive, but still allowing you to make it more restrictive.
You can lock your profile using various methods depending on how much friction you want to add to unlocking your profile and changing the Content Policy.
Handling "Gray-area" Websites and Apps
In 2024, it's actually not that hard to identify and block adult websites. Machine learning and artificial intelligence make it so there are numerous effective porn blocker DNS services .
The biggest challenge is handling mixed-content websites and social media. Here is what I mean:
If you visit twitter.com in your browser, a DNS Filtering service will see that you visited a domain classified as Social Networking. If you visit a specific profile within that social media website, the DNS Filtering service will still see Social Networking.
The limitation of DNS Filtering is that it only sees the classification of the domain or app, not the specific pages and profile classifications. This is a limitation of all DNS Firewalls, so it's good to know how to handle these types of websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get more Help?
Sign up for Tech Lockdown and get access to guides about how to enable supervised and managed modes on iOS and MacOS devices. You'll also get access to our support team, who will help answer your questions and point you in the right direction.
Prevent the VPN App from Being Deleted
Another important aspect of preventing the VPN that connects your iPhone to the content policy from being bypassed it to try to prevent the app from being deleted.
There are two ways you can try to prevent the app from being deleted.
On some iOS versions (14+), you can make it harder to find an app that is used for filtering.
Another option involves using Screen Time to prevent deleting apps.
You can find this in the iTunes & App Store Purchases section in screen time.
A more enforceable way to do this is to use the supervised device mode I've mentioned a few time. You can install an Config File that disables the ability to install new apps from the app store and delete any currently installed app.
It is possible to create a Config File yourself and install it onto your iPhone. However, if you're a Tech Lockdown member, you can use our Prevent Deleting Apps preset instead.
Since a supervised profile cannot be removed easily, this is a more enforceable way to enforce apps without worrying about the common ways that screen time can be bypassed.
Instead of having the option to delete an app, you'll only be able to remove an app from the home screen.
I can't enable Supervised Mode, what else can I do?
If you can't enable Supervised Mode, this checklist is your next best approach. I give it a 2/3 effectiveness rating because of the dependency on Screen Time.
What other ways can the built-in adult content filter for iOS be enabled?
The iPhone includes built-in content filtering features that work alongside a DNS Content Policy . We discussed earlier how this web content filter can be enforced with supervised mode, which is the most reliable enforcement method. If you don't want to use this approach, your next best alternative is Screen Time.
In Screen Time, you can go to the Content & Privacy Restrictions and specify Limit Adult Content.
When you enable the Adult Content filter, it will also disable the private browsing option in Safari in addition to blocking some websites.
Alternatively, you can go with a default-deny approach by toggling on Allowed Websites.
This will block everything other than what you specify. This is usually too limiting for most people, but it's an option in some cases.
My Porn Blocker or App Blocker is easily disabled in Screen Time permissions settings, what can I do?
Many of the porn and app blockers downloaded from the App Store depend on the Screen Time API to function properly. The issue with this is that it's easy to open Screen Time settings and toggle of that app's permission, which completely disables it.
If you want to enforce an app that depends on Screen Time, you'll need to completely block iPhone settings .
We don't recommend using these kinds of apps because they aren't reliable and blocking settings on iOS is incredibly risky. Instead, these are better options:
- Supervised App Blocking
- Protect specific iOS settings with Supervised Mode
- Adult Content filtering with a VPN Connection through a Content Policy
What other ways can I Limit the App Store?
In addition to the
Supervised Allowlist Blocking approach
, where all apps are blocked other than the ones you add to an allowlist, you can also install our Prevent App Installation supervised config preset that prevents installing new apps from the app store or the web (as of iOS 18).
If you can't use Supervised App Blocking to restrict adding apps from the App Store or third-party app stores (as of iOS 18), your next best option is to use Screen Time to do this.
It's possible to use Screen Time to enforce restrictions on apps downloaded based on the age limits associated with the apps.
This is helpful, but doesn't solve for many bypass techniques because many apps are approved for the lowest possible age limits.
Another way is found in Screen Time - go to the Content & Privacy and select "iTunes & App Store Purchases," then remove the ability to install new apps.
Note
I'm able to access Adult Content in Safari Still, what do I do?
Some web browsers have features that might allow you to have access to websites you’ve specifically blocked. Here are some things you can do to mitigate these situations.
If you enable Apple's built-in adult content filter, Safari private browsing will be disabled, which we strongly advise. If you've enabled Supervised Mode on your iPhone, you can reliably disable Safari private browsing and force on Apple's built in adult content filter with our Web Content Filter supervised preset.
Another option you might consider is
blocking Safari
altogether. Instead of using Safari, you could instead use a browser that has more customization options. A great example of this is the Brave Browser, which comes with several useful features by default, such as the ability to
block YouTube Shorts
. To access your Content Filter settings on Brave, you can go to Settings > Shields & Privacy > Content Filtering. From here, there are a bunch of lists that come pre-installed and ready to turn enable.
Are there any other way to prevent a Porn Blocker App from Being Deleted?
Another important aspect of preventing the VPN that connects your iPhone to the content policy from being bypassed it to try to prevent the app from being deleted.
There are two ways you can try to prevent the app from being deleted.
On some iOS versions (14+), you can make it harder to find an app that is used for filtering.
Another option involves using Screen Time to prevent deleting apps.
You can find this in the iTunes & App Store Purchases section in screen time.
A more enforceable way to do this is to use supervised mode to enforce apps . You can install an Config File that disables the ability to remove any apps that you've already added to your iPhone.
What are some other ways I can prevent iPhone settings from being changed?
If you can't configure supervised mode so that you can protect specific iOS settings , you can consider blocking iPhone settings completely .
How can I Enforcing Screen Time to Prevent Bypass of Content Blocking?
Apple Screen Time provides a few ways to control an iPhone, but it has a few glaring issues:
- It's mainly supposed to be used as a productivity tool for adults, not an effective way for an adult to self-restrict.
- The bypass prevention features are mainly meant for parents who have set up a phone for a child and are easily overridden if you are the owner of the phone.
- The content filtering techniques heavily depend on the use of the Safari browser and has limited reach outside of this browser. There are many ways to get around Screen Time content blocking even without disabling any of the Screen Time restrictions. You'll learn how to deal with many of these loopholes throughout this guide.
Although Screen Time should not be relied on completely, it's a useful layer alongside other approaches. So let's look at the use cases for Screen Time.
If you use a DNS Filtering tool to protect against online threats or improve your privacy online, you aren't particularly motivated to get around it. However, blocking addictive content is a different story and bypass prevention has to be a core part of your blocking system.
So if you configure screen time for yourself, a partner, or a child, how do you prevent it from being disabled and the restrictions turned off?
Apple gives you the option to set a Screen Time passcode.
If you go through the initial setup process, you should see an option that says "This is My Child's iPhone".
Selecting this option will prompt you to enter a secondary Apple ID to be the screen time manager and set a 4 digit unlock pin. This approach is useful for a few reasons:
- The Apple ID can be used to bypass Screen Time by recovering the pin. If you are a parent managing a child's iPhone, this makes it harder for them to bypass.
- If you are helping a partner, you can use your Apple ID so that you are the recovery point of contact.
- If you are self-managing, you can create a new Apple ID and use that as the recovery email. You can restrict easy access to this apple ID so that it takes you some time to access it.
This is a bit harder to disable, since you need to access the secondary Apple ID in order to use the Forgot PIN process.