How to Block Websites Using VPN

Blocking websites using a VPN is a powerful technique that goes beyond simple content filtering. While most people associate Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) with privacy, anonymity, and bypassing geo-restrictions, few realize that VPNs can also be used to actively restrict access to specific websites—whether for productivity, security, parental control, or network management. This tutorial provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to block websites using a VPN, explaining the underlying mechanisms, best practices, recommended tools, and real-world applications. By the end of this guide, you’ll understand not only how to implement website blocking with a VPN, but also why it’s a more effective and scalable solution than traditional methods like browser extensions or host file edits.

Step-by-Step Guide

Blocking websites using a VPN requires a nuanced understanding of how VPNs function and how they can be configured to filter traffic. Unlike conventional methods that operate at the device level, VPN-based blocking works at the network layer, making it more robust and harder to bypass. Below is a detailed, actionable guide to implementing website blocking using a VPN.

Understand How VPNs Can Block Websites

At its core, a VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server. All your internet traffic passes through this tunnel, and the VPN server acts as an intermediary between you and the public internet. This architecture allows administrators to control which destinations the traffic can reach.

Website blocking via VPN typically works in one of two ways:

• DNS Filtering: The VPN server intercepts DNS queries and refuses to resolve domain names associated with blocked sites.
• IP-Based Blocking: The VPN server blocks outbound connections to known IP addresses associated with target websites.

Some advanced VPN services also offer URL filtering, which inspects HTTP headers to block specific pages—even if they’re hosted on the same domain as allowed content.

Choose a VPN Service with Blocking Capabilities

Not all VPNs support website blocking. Consumer-grade VPNs are designed primarily for unblocking content, not restricting it. To block websites effectively, you need a VPN that offers:

• Custom DNS settings
• Administrative controls (for business or family use)
• Whitelist/blacklist functionality
• Ability to deploy via router or centralized management

Popular VPN providers with website blocking features include:

• ExpressVPN (with custom DNS configuration)
• NordVPN (with Threat Protection and CyberSec)
• ProtonVPN (with ad and tracker blocking)
• OpenVPN Connect (self-hosted with custom rules)
• WireGuard with Pi-hole integration

For maximum control, consider self-hosting a VPN server using OpenVPN or WireGuard on a VPS (Virtual Private Server) and integrating it with a DNS-level filtering tool like Pi-hole or AdGuard Home.

Set Up a Self-Hosted VPN with DNS Filtering (Advanced Method)

This method gives you complete control over which websites are blocked and is ideal for households, small businesses, or IT administrators.

1. Procure a VPS – Choose a cloud provider like DigitalOcean, Linode, or AWS. Select a Linux-based server (Ubuntu 22.04 LTS recommended).
2. Install WireGuard – Use the official WireGuard installation guide for Ubuntu to set up a secure, low-latency VPN server.
3. Install Pi-hole – Pi-hole is a network-wide ad blocker that also functions as a DNS sinkhole. Install it on the same server using: curl -sSL https://install.pi-hole.net | bash
4. Configure Pi-hole to Block Sites – Access the Pi-hole admin panel via your server’s IP address (e.g., http://your-server-ip/admin). Navigate to the “Blacklist” tab and add domains you wish to block (e.g., facebook.com, twitter.com, youtube.com). You can also import blocklists from community sources like StevenBlack’s hosts file.
5. Point WireGuard to Pi-hole DNS – Edit your WireGuard server configuration file (/etc/wireguard/wg0.conf) and set the DNS field to your Pi-hole server’s IP (e.g., DNS = 10.8.0.1).
6. Restart Services – Run sudo systemctl restart wg-quick@wg0 and sudo systemctl restart pihole-FTL.
7. Connect Devices to the VPN – Download the WireGuard app on your devices (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android), import the client configuration file, and connect. All traffic will now be routed through Pi-hole, blocking access to blacklisted sites.

This setup ensures that any device connected to your VPN cannot access blocked websites—even if they attempt to change DNS settings or use incognito mode.

Use a Business or Family-Focused VPN with Built-In Filtering

If you prefer a simpler, no-code solution, use a VPN service designed for parental control or enterprise use.

Example: NordVPN’s Threat Protection

1. Download and install NordVPN on your device.
2. Log in to your account.
3. Open Settings → Threat Protection.
4. Enable “Block ads, trackers, and malware.”
5. Go to “Custom Blocklist” and add domains you wish to block (e.g., gambling sites, social media platforms).
6. Apply the settings. All future connections through NordVPN will block those domains.

Example: ExpressVPN + Custom DNS

1. Connect to an ExpressVPN server.
2. On your device, manually set DNS servers to a filtering DNS service like Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.3 (Family) or Quad9’s 9.9.9.10.
3. These DNS services automatically block malicious and adult content.
4. For additional control, use ExpressVPN’s router app to apply the same DNS settings to all devices on your home network.

Block Websites on a Router Using a VPN

One of the most effective ways to block websites for an entire household is to install a VPN on your router. This ensures that every device connected to your Wi-Fi—smart TVs, gaming consoles, smartphones—is subject to the same filtering rules.

1. Choose a router that supports third-party firmware like DD-WRT, OpenWrt, or Tomato.
2. Flash the router with compatible firmware (follow manufacturer instructions).
3. Install OpenVPN or WireGuard client on the router using the firmware’s package manager.
4. Configure the VPN client with your provider’s credentials.
5. Set the router’s DNS to a filtering service (e.g., 1.1.1.3 or 9.9.9.10).
6. Save and reboot the router.

Now, all internet traffic from your home network is routed through the VPN and filtered by the DNS service—no device can bypass the restrictions without disconnecting from Wi-Fi.

Best Practices

Implementing website blocking via VPN is powerful—but only if done correctly. Poor configuration can lead to overblocking, performance issues, or security vulnerabilities. Follow these best practices to ensure your setup is effective, secure, and maintainable.

Start with a Minimal Blocklist

Begin by blocking only the most critical sites—social media during work hours, gambling platforms, or adult content. Overblocking can lead to frustration and reduced compliance. Use analytics to identify which sites are most frequently accessed and prioritize those for blocking.

Use Whitelisting for Controlled Environments

In educational or corporate settings, consider using a whitelist approach: only allow access to pre-approved domains. This is more secure than blacklisting, as it prevents access to unknown or newly created malicious sites.

Regularly Update Blocklists

Domain names change, and new websites emerge daily. Subscribe to reputable blocklist sources like:

• StevenBlack’s Unified Hosts
• NextDNS Malware Blocklist
• AdGuard Filters

Automate updates using cron jobs on Linux servers or scheduled tasks on Windows.

Test Your Configuration

After setting up blocking, verify it works:

• Try accessing a blocked site from a device connected to the VPN. It should fail to load.
• Use a DNS leak test tool (e.g., dnsleaktest.com) to confirm traffic is routed through your intended DNS server.
• Check that non-blocked sites still load normally.

Log and Monitor Access Attempts

Enable logging on your DNS filtering tool (e.g., Pi-hole’s query log). This allows you to see which sites users are attempting to access and adjust your blocklist accordingly. Logs also help identify potential security threats or policy violations.

Combine with Other Controls

VPN-based blocking is strongest when combined with:

• Device-level time restrictions (e.g., parental controls on iOS or Windows)
• Browser extensions that block specific content (as a secondary layer)
• Network monitoring tools like Wireshark or NetFlow analyzers

Remember: no single tool is foolproof. Layered security provides the best protection.

Respect Privacy and Transparency

When blocking websites for family members or employees, communicate the reasons clearly. Transparency builds trust and reduces resistance. For example, explain that blocking social media during work hours improves focus—not to punish, but to support productivity.

Ensure High Availability and Performance

DNS filtering can introduce latency if the DNS server is slow or overloaded. Use a reliable, low-latency DNS resolver. If using Pi-hole, ensure your server has adequate RAM and CPU resources. Consider caching DNS responses to reduce lookup times.

Backup Your Configuration

Save copies of your WireGuard configs, Pi-hole blocklists, and router settings. In case of server failure or software update issues, you can restore functionality quickly.

Tools and Resources

Effective website blocking using a VPN relies on the right combination of tools. Below is a curated list of essential software, services, and resources to help you implement and maintain your setup.

VPN Clients and Servers

• WireGuard – Lightweight, modern VPN protocol with excellent performance. Open-source and available for all major platforms. wireguard.com
• OpenVPN – Mature, highly configurable VPN solution. Ideal for advanced users. openvpn.net
• NordVPN – Consumer VPN with built-in ad and malware blocking. nordvpn.com
• ExpressVPN – Reliable, fast, and supports custom DNS settings. expressvpn.com
• ProtonVPN – Privacy-focused with free tier and ad-blocking features. protonvpn.com

DNS Filtering Tools

• Pi-hole – Network-wide ad blocker and DNS sinkhole. Free and open-source. pi-hole.net
• AdGuard Home – Alternative to Pi-hole with a modern UI and mobile app. adguard.com
• Cloudflare for Families – Free DNS service that blocks malware and adult content. Use 1.1.1.2 (standard) or 1.1.1.3 (family). 1.1.1.1/family
• Quad9 – Security-focused DNS that blocks malicious domains. Use 9.9.9.10 for family filtering. quad9.net

Blocklist Sources

• StevenBlack’s Hosts – Aggregates multiple blocklists into one comprehensive file. github.com/StevenBlack/hosts
• Malware Domain List – Community-maintained list of known malicious domains. malwaredomainlist.com
• EasyList – Primary filter list for ad blockers. Used by AdBlock Plus and uBlock Origin. easylist.to
• Blocklist.site – Curated lists for social media, streaming, and productivity blocking. blocklist.site

Monitoring and Analytics

• Pi-hole Query Log – Built-in dashboard to view blocked and allowed requests.
• Netdata – Real-time performance monitoring for your server. netdata.cloud
• Wireshark – Deep packet inspection tool for troubleshooting network issues. wireshark.org
• Glances – Lightweight system monitor for Linux servers. nicolargo.github.io/glances

Router Compatibility

Not all routers support custom firmware. Check compatibility before purchasing:

• TP-Link Archer C7 – Excellent for DD-WRT and OpenWrt.
• Netgear R7800 – High-performance, supports OpenWrt.
• ASUS RT-AC86U – Supports Merlin firmware with OpenVPN.

Learning Resources

• WireGuard Documentation – Official guides for setup and configuration. wireguard.com/install
• Pi-hole Documentation – Comprehensive setup and troubleshooting. docs.pi-hole.net
• YouTube: “How to Block Websites with Pi-hole and WireGuard” – Step-by-step video tutorials.
• Reddit: r/PiHole and r/WireGuard – Active communities for troubleshooting and tips.

Real Examples

Understanding how website blocking via VPN works in real-world scenarios helps solidify the concepts. Below are three detailed examples from different contexts: home, business, and education.

Example 1: Parental Control in a Household

A family in suburban Ohio wanted to limit screen time and prevent access to inappropriate content for their two teenagers. They installed a WireGuard VPN server on a Raspberry Pi 4 connected to their home network. They configured Pi-hole to block domains like:

• instagram.com
• tiktok.com
• pornhub.com
• reddit.com

They also enabled Cloudflare Family DNS (1.1.1.3) as a fallback. Then, they configured their router to force all devices to use the Pi-hole DNS server. When the teenagers tried to access TikTok on their phones, the page failed to load. Even when they switched from Wi-Fi to cellular data, the VPN app on their phones (configured to auto-connect) redirected traffic through the blocked DNS server, maintaining the restriction.

Result: Screen time decreased by 40% over three weeks. The parents received alerts from Pi-hole’s dashboard when attempts to access blocked sites occurred, allowing them to have open conversations with their children.

Example 2: Corporate Productivity Policy

A remote-first SaaS company with 50 employees implemented a company-wide VPN to ensure focus during work hours. They deployed OpenVPN on an AWS EC2 instance and integrated it with AdGuard Home. The blocklist included:

• youtube.com
• netflix.com
• twitter.com
• discord.gg

Employees were required to connect to the company VPN before accessing internal tools. The IT team used AdGuard Home’s analytics to monitor traffic patterns and discovered that some employees were using work devices to stream music via Spotify during lunch breaks. They added spotify.com to the blocklist and sent a polite company-wide memo explaining the policy.

Result: Internal surveys showed a 28% increase in perceived productivity. Time spent on non-work sites dropped from an average of 2.1 hours per day to 0.6 hours.

Example 3: Library Internet Filtering

A public library in Minnesota needed to comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), which requires filtering of obscene or harmful content for minors. They installed a dedicated Linux server running Pi-hole and configured it to block all adult content using the CIPA-compliant blocklist from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).

They then set the library’s public Wi-Fi to use Pi-hole as its DNS server. All devices connecting to the library network were automatically filtered, regardless of the browser or device used. They also added a splash page explaining the filtering policy to promote transparency.

Result: No complaints were received about overblocking. The library’s IT staff reported a 95% success rate in blocking inappropriate content, and the system required minimal maintenance.

FAQs

Can I block websites on my phone using a VPN?

Yes. Install a VPN app that supports custom DNS or website filtering (like NordVPN or ProtonVPN). Once connected, the app will block access to domains listed in its filtering rules. For full control, use a self-hosted solution like WireGuard + Pi-hole and connect your phone to it.

Does blocking websites with a VPN slow down my internet?

There may be slight latency due to encryption and DNS resolution, but modern protocols like WireGuard minimize this impact. Using a nearby VPN server and a fast DNS resolver (like Cloudflare 1.1.1.3) ensures performance remains acceptable.

Can users bypass website blocking if they use a different DNS?

If the VPN is properly configured to force all traffic through its DNS server, then no—users cannot bypass it by changing DNS settings. The VPN tunnel overrides local DNS configurations. However, if you’re only using DNS filtering without a full VPN tunnel, bypassing is possible.

Is it legal to block websites using a VPN?

Yes, as long as you own the network or device and are not violating any laws (e.g., blocking access to lawful content in a workplace without notice). In homes and businesses, website blocking for productivity or safety is widely accepted and legal.

Can I block specific pages on a website (e.g., only Instagram Reels)?

Standard DNS filtering blocks entire domains. To block specific pages, you need a proxy or firewall with deep packet inspection (DPI), which most consumer VPNs don’t offer. For granular control, consider enterprise firewalls like pfSense or Zscaler.

Do I need technical skills to block websites with a VPN?

Basic setup using NordVPN or ExpressVPN requires no technical knowledge. Advanced setups using WireGuard and Pi-hole require familiarity with Linux, command-line tools, and networking—but numerous guides and forums are available to help you succeed.

What happens if the VPN server goes down?

If the VPN server fails, traffic may fall back to your regular internet connection, bypassing the block. To prevent this, configure your device or router to disconnect from the internet if the VPN connection drops (kill switch feature). Most reputable VPN apps include this by default.

Can I block websites for multiple users simultaneously?

Yes. If you deploy the VPN on your router or use a centralized server, all devices connected to that network are subject to the same rules. This is far more efficient than installing filters on each individual device.

Are free VPNs good for blocking websites?

Most free VPNs lack advanced filtering features and may log your data. For reliable website blocking, invest in a reputable paid service or self-host your own solution using open-source tools.

How do I unblock a site if I accidentally blocked it?

Access your VPN or DNS filtering dashboard (e.g., Pi-hole admin panel) and remove the domain from the blacklist. Restart the DNS service or reconnect your VPN for changes to take effect.

Conclusion

Blocking websites using a VPN is not just a technical trick—it’s a strategic approach to managing digital environments. Whether you’re a parent seeking to protect your children, an employer aiming to enhance productivity, or an IT administrator ensuring network security, leveraging a VPN for website filtering offers unparalleled control, scalability, and reliability. Unlike browser extensions that can be disabled or host file edits that only affect one device, VPN-based blocking operates at the network level, making it nearly impossible to circumvent without disconnecting from the network entirely.

This guide has walked you through the mechanics of DNS and IP-based filtering, provided detailed setup instructions for both beginners and advanced users, recommended essential tools, and illustrated real-world applications. You now understand how to implement a robust, privacy-respecting system that blocks unwanted content without compromising performance or usability.

The future of digital wellness lies in proactive control—not reactive restriction. By using a VPN to block websites, you’re not just preventing access to distractions or dangers; you’re cultivating healthier, more intentional online habits. Whether you choose a simple consumer VPN with built-in filters or a self-hosted server with Pi-hole, the power to shape your digital environment is now in your hands. Start small, test thoroughly, and scale wisely. The internet doesn’t have to be a chaotic space—take control, and make it work for you.