Block websites, adult content or apps on your Mac

Why it happens

Your Mac has parental controls built in, and they live in Screen Time. Content & Privacy is the part that filters websites, hides explicit content and limits what can be installed. It stays off until you switch it on, so nothing is blocked by default.

How to fix it

1. Sign in to the Mac account you want to limit, or, if you manage a child through Family Sharing, choose their name from the menu at the top of Screen Time.

2. Open the Apple menu, choose System Settings, click Screen Time, then Content & Privacy. Turn the Content & Privacy switch on.

   Screen Time›Content & Privacy

3. To filter websites, click App Store, Media, Web, & Games and use the pop-up next to Safari. Limit Adult Websites hides most adult sites.

   Screen Time›Content & Privacy›App Store, Media, Web, & Games›Safari

4. To block one particular site, such as a gambling site, click Customize next to that pop-up and add the web address to the Restricted list. Click Done.

5. For films, music and apps by age rating, go back and open Store Restrictions, then pick the ratings you allow.

   Screen Time›Content & Privacy›Store Restrictions

6. Lock it so nobody can switch it off: turn on Lock Screen Time Settings and set a passcode that only you know.

   Screen Time›Lock Screen Time Settings

On macOS 27, a child's limits moved to a new Family section in System Settings: click Family, then your child's name, then Apps & Websites. That needs every family device on version 27. Limits for your own account stay in Screen Time > Content & Privacy, as on macOS 26.

Still not fixed?

1. To stop one app, such as a game, use App Limits. Add a limit for that app with a very short time, and keep the passcode on so more time needs your approval.

   macOS 26 Tahoe Screen Time›App Limits›Add Limit

   macOS 27 Golden Gate Screen Time›App Limits›Add Limit…

2. If a blocked site still opens, test it in Safari first. If your child uses another browser, check the site there too, and limit that browser with App Limits if it gets through.

3. If your child can still change the settings, make sure their Mac account is a Standard account, not an Administrator, and that you didn't share the Screen Time passcode.

4. If the switches are greyed out, the Mac may be managed by a school or company. Ask whoever runs it.

5. If Content & Privacy won't stay on, or the limits stop working after you set them, contact Apple Support.