Ripple
You blocked the app, then opened the website
A lot of people limit the Reddit, YouTube or X app and a few minutes later open the same site in the browser. Kids do it too: when the game app will not open, they look for browser games and video sites. Ripple for Android has Blocked websites since v0.1.12, and the latest is v0.1.13. When a blocked site is opened in a browser, Ripple covers it with a block screen. The first part below is for adults setting it for themselves, the second is for parents setting it on a child's phone. Both Android and iPhone are covered, along with the places where it does not work yet.
Adults: the app is limited, the website is not
Type a site and you are done
On Android open Blocked Websites from the Daily limits page and add sites such as reddit.com, youtube.com or x.com. Subdomains of the same domain are blocked too, and a different domain needs its own entry. You can add up to 100.
It blocks after you press Enter
Typing in the address bar is not blocked. Once the page opens, Ripple shows This website is blocked, which rule matched and how many times you opened it in a browser today.
New sites apply right away
A new site takes effect at once and stays on. Removing one needs a wait, 15 minutes by default, or your unlock code. The wait is often enough for the urge to pass.
Use it with app limits
Keep daily limits, open limits and schedules on the app itself and use Blocked websites for the web version. With strict mode on, removing a site needs the unlock code, which you can give to a friend or family member.
Parents: browser games and video sites
Add the sites they go to
On a child's Android phone add the game, video and novel sites they visit. Opening them in a browser shows the block screen.
They cannot undo it
Turn on Anti-Uninstall so removing Ripple needs a countdown or the parent's unlock code. With strict mode on, loosening rules and removing sites both need the code, and changing the clock does nothing.
Limit the browser itself
If the browser your child uses is not covered, give that browser app a daily limit or put it in homework and sleep schedules.
What about iPhone
iPhone v0.1.5 does not have Blocked websites yet. You can put the browser and game apps your child uses in homework and sleep schedules and turn on the block on deleting apps with an unlock code.
Setup steps
Install or update
On Android download the latest APK and turn on the accessibility service when asked, or update in Settings › About › Check for updates to v0.1.13. On iPhone install v0.1.5, which needs iOS 16 or later.
Android: add sites
Open Blocked Websites from the Daily limits page and add each site.
Android: test it
Open a blocked site in the browser you use and press Enter to check it gets covered. If a browser is not covered, limit that browser app.
Child's phone: lock it
Turn on Anti-Uninstall and strict mode with the parent holding the code. On iPhone add homework and sleep schedules.
FAQ
Is there an Android app that blocks a specific website?
Ripple for Android has Blocked websites since v0.1.12, and the latest is v0.1.13. Open Blocked Websites from the Daily limits page and add a site like reddit.com. Subdomains are blocked too, and when the site opens in a browser Ripple covers it with a block screen.
Which browsers does it work with?
It was tested on Chrome in the emulator. Edge, Firefox, Samsung Internet, Opera and others follow public address bar ids. Built-in browsers from OPPO, Xiaomi, vivo and Huawei, and Quark, UC and QQ Browser, have not been tested on real phones and may not be blocked.
Does it block pages opened inside WeChat or other apps?
Usually not, because Ripple cannot read the address inside those apps. You can limit the app itself with a daily limit or schedule.
Can my kid remove a site?
Removing a site needs a wait or the unlock code. With strict mode on only the code works, so keep it with the parent and turn on Anti-Uninstall.
Can iPhone block websites?
Not in v0.1.5. It has schedules, the block on deleting apps, clock change protection and an unlock code.
Does it cost money or need an account?
It is free with no ads and no account, and settings stay on the phone.