Today we will learn How to block websites on Chrome. You can use multiple methods and tools to block websites in Chrome. For example, you can use Chrome extensions to block certain content or do it manually using parental controls.
Block websites on Chrome Using Chrome Extensions
If you want to block websites on Windows, Linux, or macOS, specific extensions will make your job easier. There are many website-blocking extensions available in the Chrome Web Store that you can use Most of these tools will manage your websites and allow or block access based on your preferences. However, we recommend using the BlockSite tool to make your work easier. This extension is free to use and has been downloaded by more than three million users.
Why we recommend BlockSite:
It allows you to temporarily block websites. You can set a timer or schedule for certain sites in work mode and block them After the restriction period is over, the tool will automatically unblock the site.
It provides limited by-word options. You can block sites that have certain words in their URL. You can also block sites with the same category. For example, you can choose to restrict news sites entirely.
The only drawback is that the extension will only allow you to limit three websites on the free plan. To add more websites you need to subscribe to its premium plan.
If you want to use Block Sites to restrict specific web pages, follow these steps:
- Go to the Chrome Web Store, click the search bar, then type and search for blocksite.
- Find the correct extension (don’t mistake it for Blocksite or other similar extensions), double-click it, and then select the Add to Chrome option.
- Wait for Chrome to download and add extensions. Then in the upper right corner of the browser, select and pin the extension for better access.
Now that you’ve successfully added a site-blocking tool to your browser, let’s see how to block websites on Chrome desktop using BlockSite. Generally, you have two methods:
- Block websites directly from Chrome
- Block access to websites using Blocksite’s dashboard
Method #1
- Visit the website you want to block.
- Click on Blocking Extensions, then choose the “Block this site” option.
- Wait until you see a notification declaring the site restricted, then close the page.
Method #2
- Open the Blocksite extension.
- Select More options, then select Options.
- Paste a website URL into the blank space, then click Add Item.
These methods will prevent access to websites in Chrome However, incognito tabs will be an exception. If you want to restrict access even in incognito mode, follow the following:
- Open the Blocksite tool.
- Select “Settings” from the left pane.
- Choose the “Enable in incognito mode” option.
Block websites in Chrome using parental controls
Parental controls allow you to limit the time and web content your kids can access. But this feature works only on Windows devices. On the Mac, you can set a timer for each app in the Screen Time feature. However, you may not restrict or block the Website. Therefore, if you use macOS, you will need third-party tools like AppCrypt.
Here’s how to block websites in Chrome on Windows 11:
Go to the Settings app, select Accounts on the left side of the window, then select the “Family and other users” option. Click the Add a family member button, then select Add account to create a child account.
- In the following window, select the Create a Child option under the Empty section.
- After creating an account, open the Microsoft Accounts page and choose your new account.
- In the left pane, select Content Filter.
- Now, paste or type the URL of the site you want to restrict under the Blocked Sites section, then click the plus sign to add the site to your block list.
Finally, go to the child’s account and make sure it is working properly.
How to Block Websites in Chrome Mobile
On Android and iOS devices, you can use third-party apps to block content in Chrome. However, the iPhone has a built-in web content restriction option, which allows you to block websites in all browsers.
In the following, we will examine and teach each method separately based on the OS of the device.
Block Websites on iPhone
You can use apps like Blocksight, Zero Willpower, or Site Blocker on iOS devices to block content on the web. However, the iPhone has a built-in feature that does the same thing.
The Screen Time feature on the iPhone will not only allow you to limit the time you use apps but also restrict or block certain sites on the phone’s Chrome and other browsers. The only drawback of this feature is that you cannot choose a specific browser to block a website. Once you enter a URL, Screen Time will restrict access to all browsers, including Safari. So, only use this feature if you want to block a specific website on your device. Here’s how you can block websites on the iPhone:
- Go to the Settings app and then look for the Screen Time option.
- Scroll down, then select Content and privacy restrictions.
- Click the gray button to turn it on.
- Now, select Content Restrictions, select Restrict Adult Websites, and tap on Add Websites under the Never Allow section to enter or paste URLs.
However, you can easily bypass this method by searching for a blocked website and clicking on the access option. IIf you want to make it more difficult to bypass the restriction, you can ask someone to set a password on the screen time window. Thus, you need to enter the password whenever you want to access restricted websites.
Block websites on Android
You can use the Blocksight app on Android devices by downloading and installing it from the Google Play Store. Similarly, you can use Google’s parental controls if you use this option for your kids. The Google Family Link app will allow you to block sites or set times for your children to browse the Internet.
Here is how to block websites in Chrome Mobile:
- Download & install Google Family Link from Play Store.
- Create a child account, then enter your credit card number to verify you’re a parent.
- Now sign in to the account you created on your child’s mobile.
- Type your account username and password in the pop-up Parental Permissions window.
- Now use your device to go to the settings of the app.
- Select Filter in the Google Chrome option.
- Try blocking adult sites, then select Manage sites on the following screen
- Select Block to manually type or paste the sites you want to restrict on your child’s phone
Now, your child’s Google Account is secure no matter which device they use.
Conclusion
Learning how to block websites in Chrome can help you limit your access during work hours or create a better and safer environment for your child to explore the Internet. Although all devices have their built-in features to restrict access, they are not as effective as their third-party apps or extensions.
Therefore, if you need more useful tools with multiple blocking features, you can find them in the device’s app store. However, expect to pay a bit extra to access more features like block by word. Blocking websites in Chrome can be especially useful if you surf the internet a lot and don’t want any malware to infiltrate your device.
