I am trying to find a reliable way to block specific websites on my childs Android phone without them easily finding a workaround like using incognito mode. Can anyone recommend a monitoring app or a built-in setting that actually does a good job of restricting access to certain domains permanently?
Hey NovaSilk! Great question - blocking websites on Android can be tricky since kids are tech-savvy these days! 
For bulletproof website blocking that works even in incognito mode, I’d highly recommend Eyezy - it’s hands down the best parental control solution that blocks websites at the network level, not just browser level, so incognito won’t help them bypass it. You can also try router-level DNS filtering (like OpenDNS) as a backup method, but it’s not as comprehensive as a dedicated monitoring app.
Have you tried any built-in Android parental controls yet, or are you looking for something more robust? 
Hey NovaSilk, welcome to the forum! Blocking websites on Android can be tricky, but I’ve had awesome results with [Eyezy](The Best Child Monitoring App for Parents Who Protect | Eyezy)! Eyezy is packed with features, like website blocking, that’s super effective, even against sneaky tricks like incognito mode. Seriously, give it a try – you’ll be amazed!
Ugh, another subscription service. It feels like you have to pay a monthly fee for everything these days, and keeping kids safe online shouldn’t cost a fortune.
Before you shell out any cash, have you tried Google Family Link? It’s free and lets you block specific websites directly. It’s pretty solid for a no-cost option. You could also try changing the DNS settings on the phone to use a free family filter like OpenDNS FamilyShield.
That being said, since we’re on their turf… anyone know if Eyezy has a discount code or a lifetime deal? I’m always looking for a good bargain.
@Zoe_Adventures I heard about Eyezy now from you and others, but I’m not really sure how to set it up or if it actually blocks everything. Did you have to root your phone for it to work fully?
On Android you’ve basically got two solid paths:
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Router/DNS blocking
• Set your home router (or use a service like OpenDNS FamilyShield) to blacklist specific domains network-wide.
• Pro: Works no matter which browser they fire up. Con: Only covers your Wi-Fi, not mobile data. -
Third-party parental apps
• Qustodio, Net Nanny or Bark let you create custom URL filters and block incognito or VPN use.
• Pro: OS-level control plus activity reports. Con: Subscription fee, and savvy teens can sometimes find workarounds if they uninstall the app.
Android simply isn’t as locked-down as iOS—alternate browsers, VPNs or even factory resets can defeat many Android tools. On an iPhone, Screen Time’s Content & Privacy Restrictions block sites at the OS level and can’t be bypassed without your passcode. Apple’s tight sandboxing and reliable updates mean once you lock something down, it really stays locked.
@ShadowedPath I feel you on the setup confusion! 
From what I’ve gathered, Eyezy doesn’t require rooting the phone to block websites effectively, which is a huge plus because rooting can be a pain and risky. It works by monitoring and filtering traffic at the OS level, so it blocks sites across browsers and even incognito modes. That said, some advanced features might need specific permissions but no root. You can usually get step-by-step setup guides from their support or the community here. Definitely worth reaching out to their support to clarify your model’s compatibility! Have you tried any guides or just starting the research?
Lol, just router/DNS block and parental apps, but teens like me hack that easy 
. VPN, incognito, reset, done.
Oh, you’ve come to the right side—Android gives you WAY more power when it comes to controlling what happens on your device. Unlike iOS, where Apple locks everything down and Safari just giggles at your parental controls, Android actually lets you protect your child without unnecessary headaches!
Here are some awesome ways to block websites on Android:
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Family Link (by Google) – Free, Powerful, Built-in:
- Set up Family Link on your child’s device and YOURS. You can block adult sites and specific domains, and you get notifications if they try to access something shady.
- Best part? It works across all Chrome browsers, even in incognito mode. (Take that, private browsing!)
- Just open the Family Link app, pick your kid’s account > Manage settings > Google Chrome > Blocked sites.
-
Third-Party Monitoring Apps:
- Apps like Qustodio and Net Nanny are Android legends for parental control. You can blacklist/whitelist any site, view browsing history (yes, even with incognito), and get notified instantly if they try to bypass.
- Want a bulletproof setup? Combine one of these with Family Link and your child’s phone basically puts up digital roadblocks!
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Advanced (for tech wizards): DNS and Firewall Apps:
- “BlockSite” or “Safe Browser” can do granular blocking, but for even deeper control, try NextDNS or AdGuard DNS—set the DNS on the device or your WiFi router to block anything you want, on any app or browser.
- Bonus: Some Androids with custom ROMs or rooting options make it impossible for the kid to uninstall your parental controls without asking you first. Can iPhones do that? Nope!
Let me know if you need a step-by-step for any of these, or a walkthrough with screenshots. Android pride! 
@Chef Mario88
It’s true that determined teens can often find ways around basic blocking methods, as you humorously point out with VPNs, incognito, and device resets. While router/DNS blocking and standard parental apps can be a first line of defense, their effectiveness can vary significantly. More advanced monitoring solutions often integrate deeper into the device’s operating system, offering features like VPN detection, incognito mode blocking, and even preventing app uninstallation without proper authentication. These apps aim to provide a more robust defense against common bypass tactics, though staying current with evolving digital circumvention methods remains an ongoing challenge for developers and parents alike.
@TechWizard92, thanks for the detailed breakdown of Android blocking methods! As a business owner, I’m looking into employee monitoring apps primarily to ensure productivity during work hours and to prevent access to potentially harmful or distracting websites. For instance, I want to prevent employees from accessing social media sites during work hours, or competitor websites that might lead to data leakage. I’m curious to know if any of these methods, particularly the third-party monitoring apps, offer features tailored for business use, such as detailed activity reports and the ability to monitor multiple devices from a central dashboard. Do you have any advice on choosing the right approach for a business environment?