To block adult sites like XNXX on a child's phone, turn on the built-in parental controls (Screen Time on iPhone, Google Family Link on Android), switch on the adult-content web filter, enable SafeSearch, and add a family-safe DNS on your home router so every device is filtered. Pair the settings with an honest, age-appropriate conversation.
iPhone and iPad: Screen Time
- Open Settings → Screen Time and set it up as a child's device (or use Family Sharing).
- Go to Content & Privacy Restrictions and turn it on.
- Tap App Store, Media, Web & Games → Web Content.
- Choose Limit Adult Websites. You can also add specific sites under Never Allow.
- Set a Screen Time passcode your child doesn't know.
Android: Google Family Link
- Install Google Family Link on your phone and link your child's Google account.
- In Family Link, open your child's profile and go to Controls → Content restrictions → Google Chrome.
- Select Try to block explicit sites, or Only allow approved sites for younger children.
- Turn on SafeSearch for Google Search.
- Restrict which apps can be installed from the Play Store.
Windows and Xbox: Microsoft Family Safety
Create a family group at Microsoft Family Safety, add your child's account, then turn on Filter inappropriate websites and searches. This works in Microsoft Edge and blocks other browsers unless you allow them.
Protect every device with home Wi-Fi filtering
Router-level filtering covers phones, laptops, tablets and smart TVs in one step. Log in to your router and change the DNS servers to a free family-safe DNS service that blocks adult domains. Many routers and internet providers also offer built-in parental controls.
Remember this only works on your home network. Mobile data and friends' Wi-Fi need the device-level controls above.
Why the RTA label helps
Many adult websites add a free "Restricted To Adults" (RTA) label to their pages. Parental-control software and filters can read it and block those pages automatically, which is why device filters catch most adult sites even if you haven't listed them.
Talking to your child
Filters aren't perfect. Children may still see something upsetting through a friend's phone or a link. Calm, age-appropriate conversations help them know they can come to you without getting into trouble. Agree simple rules together, explain why filters exist, and review settings as they grow.
Key takeaways
- Use built-in controls: Screen Time, Family Link, Family Safety.
- Turn on the adult-site web filter and SafeSearch.
- Family-safe DNS on your router protects every home device.
- Mobile data needs device-level controls too.
- Combine filters with open conversations.
Frequently asked questions
This article is general information, not legal, financial or medical advice. Details about third-party platforms are based on public information and may change.