How to block websites on Google Chrome

Believe it or not, there is still no built-in way to block websites on Google Chrome. Only Enterprise and Education account admins can do this. Why Google hasn’t come up with a solution for the general consumer is unknown, but there are some workarounds that can stop your Chrome browser from accessing certain websites. Whether you’re restricting your child’s access to the web or trying to make yourself more productive, here’s how to block websites on Chrome.

Block websites on Google Chrome with BlockSite

One solution you can use is the Chrome extension called BlockSite, which is also available as an Android and iOS app. With BlockSite, you can block adult-oriented pages, as well as selectively pick sites you don’t want to be accessed. You can even block content by keywords or during specific times. As a plus, the extension and app can sync between desktop and mobile devices.

While BlockSite is not foolproof, the settings can be password-protected, and you can set up uninstall protection with a paid plan. A little security is always welcome.

How to block sites using BlockSite:

1. After adding the extension, go to the website you want to block.
2. Click the BlockSite icon on the top-right corner of Chrome.
3. Select Block this site, and you should no longer be able to access the page.

How to manage the blocked site list on BlockSite:

1. To manage the blocked site, click the BlockSite extension icon.
2. Select Edit block list. You can edit the list manually here.
3. You can now click on the trash icon next to the blocked site, if you want to unblock it.

The only downside is that the extension is pretty limited unless you sign up for a plan. The basic subscription limits the amount of blocked sites you can have, and category blocking is limited to one. You will miss out on some important features, as well, such as uninstall protection, custom block pages, Slack silencing, and more. Pricing starts at $11 monthly, but you can save if you sign up for six months or a whole year.

Block websites on Google Chrome by editing the Hosts file (Windows)

Chrome extensions work great, but they won’t stop a well-versed computer user from accessing whatever they wish. Windows users who want to make it harder for people to access a web page — or those who don’t want to pay for BlockSite — can tinker with the Hosts file instead.

It sounds complicated but you don’t need to learn coding to do this. It’s very simple if you follow these instructions.

How to block sites on Chrome using Hosts file:

1. Open a File Explorer folder.
2. Use the address bar to go to “C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc“.
3. Open the hosts file using Notepad.
4. Go all the way to the bottom, and under the # signs, type 127.0.0.1 followed by the website you want to block (without the www). For example, “127.0.0.1 AndroidAuthority.com“.
5. Save and close the file.

To remove a site from the Hosts file, just reopen the text file and delete the line you entered previously.

Block websites on Google Chrome with Screen Time (iOS)

As well as the BlockSite app option, iOS users also have the free option of going into the iOS settings and blocking sites using the Screen Time feature. You can choose to simply block adult websites. This section includes a Never Allow section, where you can select Add Website to block specific sites. If you want more control, you can also select Allowed Websites, which gives you more control, as this option only allows the user to enter specific websites.

How to block websites using Screen Time on iPhone:

1. Go to the Settings app on your device.
2. Select Screen Time.
3. Scroll down to Content & Privacy Restrictions.
4. Tap the Content & Privacy Restrictions toggle to green. This will immediately enable all of the settings on that page.
5. Select Content Restrictions.
6. Access Web Content.
7. Choose whether you merely want to Limit Adult Websites or if you want to only access Allowed Websites.
8. If you choose Allowed Websites Only, tap Add Website below.
9. Add the name and URL of the website and hit Done. The site will now be blocked until you remove it again.

You may be able to block sites through your Wi-Fi router

Most modern Wi-Fi routers allow you to block websites at a network level. We can’t give you step-by-step instructions, as these differ from device to device, but it is usually under the parental controls settings. If you can access your router’s settings through an app, the option should be there. If not, launch Chrome and put your router’s IP address in the omnibox. You’ll be asked to log in. Again, the default log-in credentials differ by device, so make a quick Google search to find out your model’s log-in details.

If you’re having difficulty finding the router’s IP address, this is usually in the router’s sticker, in the back or bottom. If there isn’t one, follow the steps below on your Windows machine to find it.

How to find your router’s IP address on Windows:

1. Launch the Control Panel. You can find this by using the Windows Search function.
2. Select View network status and tasks. It’s under the Network and Internet section.
3. Click on the link next to Connections. In my case, it’s Ethernet, because that is what I use.
4. Go into Details.
5. Find IPv4 Default Gateway. That is your router’s IP address.

Use parental controls

If the device you’re trying to limit is your kid’s, your best bet is likely to use parental controls. We have a full guide on using parental controls on Android through Family Link. We also have a list of the best parental control apps around, these are sure to have website-limiting features.

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