# Block Distracting Websites — SelfControl in procrastination

> Block distracting websites on Safari to enhance self-control and focus. (iPhone/iPad app by Pawel Urbanek.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/block-distracting-websites/id1189844594 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Pawel Urbanek](https://appshunter.io/developer/796940855)
- Category: Productivity, Utilities
- Price: $3.99
- Rating: 4.30/5 from 227 App Store ratings · 78 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 8 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2017-01-03
- Data updated: 2026-09-04
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/block-distracting-websites/id1189844594/reviews.md

## What is Block Distracting Websites?

"It's a great way to save time, and stop browsing Reddit when you should be doing coursework."

App has been featured by LIFEHACKER.COM

Inspired by a well known SelfControl, it aims to provide a similar functionality on iOS. 

Have you ever wasted your time on the Internet? Having trouble getting stuff done because of procrastination? Do you need more self control?

This app allows you to temporarily block distracting (or all) websites on Safari browser. You can unlock them again but it requires that you think twice before doing so: "Do I really need to browse funny cat pictures right now?". Optionally you can set a timer, not allowing you to unblock distracting websites until the time is up.

Getting rid of your wasteful browsing habits is as easy as downloading this app and adding your favorite time wasters list. A predefined list of potentially distracting websites is provided. More freedom and focus GUARANTEED.

Preview video music: http://www.bensound.com

TESTIMONIALS

"Nice! Have been seeking for something like this for a long time!"

"If you have a bad habit of being glued to your phone when you should be doing other things, this might help and give you the push you need to break that habit."

"The app works great, and does exactly what it says, with no fuss."

"I need an app like this on my fridge."

## Key features

- Block distracting websites on Safari
- Temporarily disable website access
- Set unlock timers
- Predefined list of distracting sites
- Customizable block lists
- Enhance self-control

## What do users think of Block Distracting Websites?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- ✅ Works flawlessly for many
- 💰 Affordable one-time purchase
- ⏱️ Effective for breaking habits
- ⏳ Long blocking durations possible
- 🎯 Blocks specific websites
- 💡 Helpful for productivity

**Cons**

- 🚫 Only works for Safari
- 🔓 Easily bypassed/disabled
- ❌ Doesn't block apps
- 🐛 Inconsistent functionality
- 🤷‍♂️ No developer support mentioned
- 💸 Waste of money for some
- 🚫 Blocks entire domains, not specific URLs

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Doesn't block websites or apps
- Help screen unhelpful
- Host name invalid for blocking endpoints
- Doesn't work on iPad/phone
- Too easy to turn off in settings
- Websites stay blocked after unblocking
- Stopped working with new iOS update
- Can't enable the app (grayed out)
- Blocked sites open as normal
- Unable to get it to work as a content blocker
- Blocks all internet access
- Upper limit is 1 day for blocking
- No timer function visible/obvious

**Most requested features**

- Scheduling feature for automatic blocking
- Block specific URLs (e.g., YouTube.com/shorts)
- Block apps
- PIN code for changes
- Block websites for specific time frames (e.g., 9-5)
- Block individual websites for different durations
- Allow setting end date further forward while timer is ongoing
- Block longer than 24 hours (days/weeks)
- Landscape orientation on iPad
- iCloud sync
- macOS version
- Keyword pattern blocking
- White list for periods
- Stronger feature disallowing unlocking

## Recent user reviews (10 of 78)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/block-distracting-websites/id1189844594/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Simple, useful

*2026-03-24, version 1.11*

I’ve used this for years now to stop myself from going to Reddit, YouTube, etc in Safari. Works flawlessly every time. I prefer it to messing with Apple settings for specific sites.

### 1/5 — Didn’t work

*2025-04-27, version 1.11*

Didn’t block websites or apps for the timer that I set. The help screen did not help.

### 2/5 — Easy to bypass

*2025-04-20*

If you’re looking to manage your own browsing, this is a waste of money. When you want to bypass the restrictions, just uninstall the app and then put it back on when you’re done. Also you can’t block URLs like YouTube.com/shorts just whole domains. No really that much more than the iOS built in parental controls.

### 1/5 — It doesn’t block endpoints

*2025-04-18, version 1.11*

I downloaded in hope to block youtube.com/shorts but it says the host name is invalid. What a waste of money.

### 5/5 — Works perfectly

*2025-03-02*

Simple, but works perfectly. It also remembers the sites you've unblocked, so you can block them again easily. Thanks for helping me get back some of my time and energy.

### 5/5 — Great to break a

*2024-12-19, version 1.11*

Simple to use and a great way to break the habit of cruising websites

### 4/5 — Helpful!

*2024-08-21*

I have used this more than any other similar app. It’s simple, easy to use and effective. I wish it had a scheduling feature so the timer feature could turn on automatically.

### 1/5 — Does not work

*2024-07-29, version 1.11*

Did not block what I wanted on Google or safari.  I want a refund.

### 4/5 — Great App with one complaint.

*2024-03-14*

I believe that this app is worth the money and that I am seeing improvements in my daily routine.
But I have one great issue: the app can too easily be disabled by selecting “turn off content blockers” on safari. Additionally, you can just as easily disable the app by going to “Safari” in settings and deselecting “use content blocker on all websites.” 
I adore this blocker app, but it sadly isn’t completely on “Self Control”’s level, which was the idea and the goal.

### 1/5 — Does not work.

*2023-12-17*

The work does not work on my IPad. Do not recommend.

## Frequently asked questions about Block Distracting Websites

### What does this app do?

This app allows you to temporarily block distracting websites directly within the Safari browser. It helps users regain focus and overcome procrastination by preventing access to time-wasting sites.

### How does website blocking work?

You can add specific websites to a block list. Once activated, these sites will be inaccessible in Safari. The app is designed to encourage thoughtful consideration before unblocking, especially when a timer is set.

### Is there a cost to use this app?

Based on the provided information, the app is free to use and does not have in-app purchases or advertisements. This means you can access its full functionality without any financial commitment.

### What devices is this app compatible with?

The app is designed for iOS devices and specifically targets the Safari browser. It aims to provide a SelfControl-like experience on the iOS platform.

### Who would benefit from using this app?

This app is ideal for students, professionals, or anyone who finds themselves wasting time on the internet and struggling with procrastination. It's a tool to help build self-control and improve productivity.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.11 — 2021-07-10

- fixed blocking websites by wildcard * character

### 1.10 — 2021-01-30

You can now block all the websites by using the wildcard character: *

### 1.9 — 2018-04-09

- enable blocking websites for an unlimited period of time

If you enjoy using the app please write a nice review. It helps a lot.

### 1.8 — 2018-03-27

- fix crash on iPad

If you enjoy using the app please write a nice review. It helps a lot.

### 1.7 — 2018-02-07

- added "Block/Unblock all" button
- bugfixes

If you enjoy using the app please leave a nice review. It helps a lot.

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## More apps by Pawel Urbanek

- [Simple Zazen Timer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-zazen-timer/id796940852)
- [Change Your Life - Focus App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/change-your-life-focus-app/id1197355361)

All apps by Pawel Urbanek: https://appshunter.io/developer/796940855

## Related topics

[block websites](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/block-websites)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-04.*