The fastest way depends on what you're blocking from

Blocking a website means stopping it from loading on your device or network. The method you use depends on whether you want to block it just for yourself, for everyone on your home network, or from a specific browser. A browser extension works fastest if you only need to block one site on one device. A router setting blocks the site for everyone connected to your WiFi. Your device's built-in parental controls or hosts file work if you want a permanent block that survives browser changes.

The good news: you do not need technical skills for any of these methods. Each one takes between two and ten minutes to set up, and you can undo any of them if you change your mind.

Key Takeaways

  • Browser extensions like BlockSite or Freedom block websites instantly on one device and let you unblock them anytime.
  • Your router's admin panel can block a site for everyone on your home WiFi, but the steps vary by router brand.
  • Windows and Mac both have built-in parental controls that block sites without needing extra software.
  • The hosts file method works on any device but requires editing a system file and is harder to undo than other options.
  • Mobile devices have fewer blocking options — most rely on app-based controls or your phone's built-in screen time settings.

Using a browser extension to block one site

A browser extension is the simplest option if you only need to block a site on one device. Extensions like BlockSite, Freedom, and Cold Turkey work the same way: you install them, add the website address to a blocklist, and the site stops loading. If you try to visit it, you see a message saying the site is blocked instead of the page.

To install an extension in Chrome: open the Chrome Web Store, search for "BlockSite" or "Freedom", click the extension name, and click "Add to Chrome". A popup asks for permission — click "Add extension". The extension icon appears in the top right corner of your browser. Click it, then click "Add" or "Block site" and type the web address you want to block. Some extensions let you set a password so you cannot unblock the site without entering it.

Firefox and Edge have their own extension stores with the same tools. Safari on Mac has fewer options, but Freedom and Cold Turkey both work on Safari. On mobile browsers, extensions do not work the same way — you will need to use your phone's built-in controls instead.

Blocking a site on your home WiFi router

If you want to block a website for everyone connected to your home network, you do this in your router's settings. This works even if someone tries a different browser or device. The steps vary depending on your router brand, but the basic process is the same: log into your router, find the parental controls or content filtering section, and add the website address to a blocklist.

To find your router's address, open a command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac) and type ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (Mac). Look for "Default Gateway" — that is usually something like 192.168.1.1. Type that address into your browser's address bar. You will see a login screen. The default username and password are often "admin" and "admin", but check your router's manual or the sticker on the back of the device.

Once logged in, look for a section called "Parental Controls", "Content Filtering", or "Access Control". The exact name depends on your router. Add the website address to the blocklist. Some routers let you block by keyword instead — for example, typing "gambling" blocks all gambling sites. Save your changes. The block takes effect immediately.

If you forget your router password, you can reset it by holding the reset button on the back for ten seconds, but this erases all your settings. Write down your password somewhere safe after you change it from the default.

Blocking sites using Windows parental controls

Windows 10 and 11 have built-in parental controls that can block websites without needing extra software. This works for any browser on that device. Open Settings, go to "Accounts", then "Family & other users". Click "Parental controls" and select the account you want to restrict. Turn on "Web and app activity" and "Restrict websites".

Click "Blocked websites" and type the address of the site you want to block. Windows will block that site on any browser the account uses. You can also set "Content filtering" to block entire categories like adult content or gambling without naming specific sites. These controls only work on the account you set them for — other accounts on the same computer are not affected.

To remove a block, go back to the same screen and delete the website from the list. You need administrator access to change these settings.

Blocking sites on Mac using parental controls

Mac has parental controls built into System Preferences. Open System Settings, go to "General", then "Parental Controls". You may need to unlock it by clicking the lock icon and entering your password. Click the account you want to restrict, then click "Content". Check the box for "Restrict websites".

Click "Customize" to add specific websites to a blocklist, or choose a preset filter like "Limit Adult Websites". If you choose the preset, Mac blocks sites it thinks contain adult content automatically. You can add exceptions — websites you want to allow even though they might match the filter.

These controls only affect the account you set them for. Other users on the same Mac are not restricted.

Blocking sites using the hosts file

The hosts file is a system file that tells your device where to find websites. By editing it, you can redirect a website address to a fake location, which blocks it. This method works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and it blocks the site in every browser on that device. The downside is that it is harder to undo than other methods, and you need to edit a system file.

On Windows, open Notepad as administrator. Go to File, then Open, and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc. Select "All Files" from the dropdown so you can see the hosts file. Open it. At the bottom, add a new line: 127.0.0.1 example.com (replace example.com with the site you want to block). Save the file. The site is now blocked.

On Mac, open Terminal and type sudo nano /etc/hosts. Enter your password. Add the same line at the bottom: 127.0.0.1 example.com. Press Control+X, then Y, then Enter to save. The block takes effect immediately.

To unblock a site, open the hosts file again and delete the line you added. If you make a mistake editing the hosts file, your internet may stop working — if that happens, delete the line you added or restore the file from a backup.

Blocking sites on iPhone and Android

Mobile phones have fewer built-in blocking options than computers. On iPhone, open Settings, go to "Screen Time", then "Content & Privacy Restrictions". Turn on restrictions, then go to "Web Content". Choose "Limit Adult Websites" to block adult sites automatically, or tap "Always Allowed" to add specific sites you want to allow even if they would normally be blocked.

You cannot create a custom blocklist on iPhone the way you can on a computer. If you need to block specific sites, you can use a VPN app that has blocking features, but most of these cost money.

On Android, the options depend on your phone brand. Samsung phones have "Digital Wellbeing" — open Settings, go to "Digital Wellbeing and parental controls", then "Parental controls". You can set app limits and content restrictions. Google Pixel phones have similar controls under "Digital Wellbeing". Other Android phones may have different names for these settings.

If you use Google Family Link, you can block websites from the Family Link app on a parent device. Open the app, select the child's account, go to "Controls on Google Play", and set content restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone unblock a website I blocked?

It depends on the method. If you used a browser extension, anyone with access to that browser can unblock it by removing the extension. If you set a password on the extension, they cannot unblock it without the password. Router blocks and parental controls require access to the router or device settings, which usually means knowing the admin password. The hosts file requires editing a system file, so it is harder to undo by accident.

Will blocking a site on my router affect my internet speed?

No. Blocking a site on your router does not slow down other websites. The router simply stops the blocked site from loading, the same way it would if the site did not exist.

What if a website has multiple addresses?

Some websites work at multiple addresses — for example, example.com and www.example.com might be the same site. You may need to block both. Most blocking tools let you add multiple addresses to a blocklist. If you block one address and the site still loads at another address, add the second address to your blocklist.

Can I block a site on my work computer?

Your workplace may have its own network filtering that blocks certain sites. If you want to block a site on your work device, check with your IT department first — they may have policies about what you can install or change. On a personal device, you can use any of the methods in this guide.

Does blocking a site delete my browsing history?

No. Blocking a site only stops it from loading going forward. It does not erase any pages you visited before you set up the block. If you want to delete your browsing history, you need to do that separately in your browser settings.