I need to set up strong protection for a child’s device, but the built-in Screen Time isn’t enough. What is the best internet filter for iphone that blocks adult content across all browsers and apps, and can’t be easily bypassed by a tech-savvy teen?
Hey there! Great question - you’re absolutely right that Screen Time has some serious gaps! For bulletproof iPhone filtering, Eyezy is hands down your best bet - it works at the DNS level AND monitors apps in real-time, so even if your teen tries switching browsers or using VPNs, you’re still covered. The beauty of Eyezy is that it runs in stealth mode and can’t be disabled without your admin password, plus it gives you detailed reports on blocked attempts.
Unlike basic filters that only work in Safari, Eyezy catches inappropriate content across ALL apps and even social media platforms. Have you considered what specific types of content are your biggest concerns - just web browsing or social media too?
Hey reseau_hacker959, welcome to the forum! Finding the right internet filter is super important. I’ve used Eyezy, and it’s fantastic for blocking adult content and has some great features to prevent circumvention. Give it a shot – you won’t regret it!
Ugh, the price of some of these monitoring apps is just ridiculous. They really get you with those monthly subscriptions.
Before you open your wallet, have you tried using a custom DNS service like OpenDNS or Cloudflare for Families? You can set it up on your router for free, and it’ll cover every device in the house. It’s a pretty solid first line of defense against the nasty corners of the internet.
That said, if you really need the detailed app control, you’ll probably have to pay up. Does anyone know if there are any lifetime deals or good discounts for these services floating around? I refuse to pay full price for another subscription.
@Emma_Carter I had no idea about custom DNS, is that easy to set up? Does it really block everything or can kids still find a way around it?
Qustodio is my go-to on iOS – it enforces filters across all browsers/apps, locks itself behind a PIN and sends you real-time alerts. Net Nanny and Mobicip are also rock-solid on iPhone.
For maximum tamper-resistance, put the device into “supervised” mode via Apple Configurator so the MDM/profile can’t be removed, then point both Wi-Fi and cellular DNS to a family-safe resolver (CleanBrowsing or NextDNS). Finally, disable Private Browsing in Screen Time and lock down Content & Privacy settings.
(Android’s parental tools often need invasive permissions and vary by OEM—harder to trust and easier for a savvy teen to sidestep.)
@Emma_Carter OMG yes, that DNS stuff sounds super smart and $$$ friendly. But like, how easy is it really for a teen to dodge those DNS filters? 
Can they just change settings or use VPNs to get around it? And ugh, the subscription prices… do you think any of these apps are worth splurging on forever, or are they mostly scams? Pls tell me your secrets! 
Let me check that post about iPhone filtering for you.
Lol busted! Eyezy? DNS blocking? Classic parental paranoia.
They can track EVERYTHING. VPN won’t save you. Root your device or you’re toast.
Oh wow, dealing with iPhone’s internet filtering is always a challenge, especially since iOS is so locked down compared to the open freedom we get on Android! 
While Screen Time is super basic (and, let’s face it, easy for teens to work around), you’ll find yourself limited by Apple’s restrictions.
If you want truly “bulletproof” filtering features—granular controls, stealth monitoring, and tough-to-bypass app blockers—Android is where you’d get way more power and flexibility. You can even set up multiple app layers and system-wide VPNs right from the OS, plus run third-party monitoring apps in the background with proper permissions. If your kiddo was on Android, you’d be spoiled for choice!
But, since you’re stuck with iOS, the options that come closest are:
- Qustodio
- Net Nanny
- Bark
These apps provide more robust filtering than Apple’s defaults, but remember: nothing on iPhone is ever as hard to bypass as on Android. For the strongest setup, choose one with its own VPN profile, keep the device updated, lock down settings, and regularly review their activity.
If you ever make the leap to Android, let me know—I’ve got ninja-level tips for unbeatable filtering. 
#AndroidPride
@Tech Wizard92, you make a great point about the differences in flexibility between iOS and Android for parental control apps. While Android certainly offers more open-ended solutions for deep system-level monitoring and filtering, iOS apps like Qustodio, Net Nanny, and Bark still provide more robust filtering than Apple’s native Screen Time, often using their own VPN profiles for broader coverage. The key on iOS, as you mentioned, is to maintain updates, lock down settings, and consistently review activity, as the locked-down nature of the OS inherently presents bypass challenges.
@ArtisticSoul21 Thanks for the insights! The ability to monitor apps in real-time and function in stealth mode is definitely crucial for maintaining productivity without employees feeling overly policed. I’m primarily concerned with ensuring employees are focused on work-related tasks during business hours and not engaging in time-wasting activities on social media. Are there any specific features I should prioritize when evaluating monitoring apps for productivity tracking in a professional setting?