Use System Settings > Screen Time > Apps & Websites > Restrictions to filter adult websites and block app installation on a Mac. Choose Limit Adult Websites for a broad filter you can customize, or Approved Websites Only to allow just the sites you list.
How do I block adult websites on a Mac?
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > Screen Time.
- Open Apps & Websites > Restrictions. If you’re managing a child’s Mac through Family Sharing, choose the child from the Family Member menu in Screen Time.
- Under Websites, select the access mode that matches your needs.
- To add exceptions or specific restrictions, choose Customize and maintain the allowed or restricted website lists.
Apple describes Limit Adult Websites as a setting that “Automatically limits access to many adult websites.” It is a filter, not a guarantee that every adult website will be blocked. Apple’s Screen Time instructions do not establish that these controls prevent every route to adult content or every way restrictions might be circumvented.
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Choose a website access mode
| Setting | What it allows | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted Access | Any website | No website filtering |
| Limit Adult Websites | Filters many adult websites; you can customize allowed and restricted entries | A broad filter with room for exceptions |
| Approved Websites Only | Only websites on the approved list | A strict allowlist for a child or managed Mac |
For the strictest built-in website policy, choose Approved Websites Only and add the sites the user needs. Apple’s documentation says this mode allows only listed websites, so expect to maintain the list when access needs change.
How do I stop app downloads on a Mac?
- In System Settings > Screen Time > Apps & Websites > Restrictions, find Features and Restrictions.
- Turn off Installing Apps to block app installation.
- If you need finer control, review the available age-rating settings and any app-specific options rather than relying on ratings alone.
Apple cautions that macOS apps do not always have individual age ratings. A rating-based rule may therefore not cover every app; use app-specific blocking or allowing where available and appropriate.
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Manage restrictions for a child with Family Sharing
In Screen Time, select the child in the Family Member menu, then set the website and installation restrictions on their account. Apple also supports managing restrictions on installing and deleting apps and reviewing purchase and download requests. If the Family Member menu is missing, Apple’s setup guidance says to sign in to an Apple Account and use Family Sharing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where to find Apple’s Mac instructions
- Change Apps & Websites settings in Screen Time on Mac
- Change Apps & Websites Restrictions settings in Screen Time on Mac
- Apply content restrictions in the App Store on Mac
- Set up content and privacy restrictions in Screen Time on Mac
- Change App Store, Media, Web & Games settings in Screen Time on Mac
Screen Time labels can vary by macOS release or region. Apple’s guidance cited here does not establish a minimum macOS version for these steps.
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