You can block websites on your computer using your browser's built-in tools, parental controls, or free software that stops you from reaching certain sites

The method you choose depends on what you're trying to block and who needs the block to work. If you want to stop yourself from visiting a site during work hours, your browser's extension system is fastest. If you're setting up a computer for a child or teen, your operating system's parental controls give you more authority — the user can't simply uninstall them. If you need to block sites across your whole network, you'll need to change settings on your router or use DNS filtering.

Each approach has a different strength. Browser extensions are easy to turn off if you know how. Operating system controls require a password to disable. Router-level blocks affect every device on your network but require you to log into your router's admin panel, which many people have never done.

Key Takeaways

  • Browser extensions like Freedom, Cold Turkey, and LeechBlock NG block websites in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge and are the fastest option for personal use.
  • Windows Parental Controls and Mac Screen Time let you block sites for a specific user account, and the user cannot disable them without your password.
  • Router-level blocking affects all devices on your network but requires you to access your router's admin panel using your router's IP address and login credentials.
  • DNS filtering services like OpenDNS and Cloudflare for Families redirect blocked sites before they load, working across all browsers and devices on your network.
  • Some blocks can be bypassed with a VPN, so choose your method based on how determined someone is to get around it.

Blocking websites in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge with browser extensions

Browser extensions are the simplest method if you're blocking sites for yourself or want a quick setup. Three extensions work across all major browsers: Freedom, Cold Turkey Blocker, and LeechBlock NG. Freedom and Cold Turkey Blocker cost money (Freedom starts at $7 per month, Cold Turkey at $39 one-time). LeechBlock NG is free and works in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

To install LeechBlock NG in Chrome: open the Chrome Web Store, search "LeechBlock NG", click the extension, and select "Add to Chrome". A popup will ask you to confirm — click "Add extension". The LeechBlock icon will appear in your toolbar. Click it, then click the gear icon to open settings. Under "Block sets", enter the websites you want to block in the "Site list" field, separated by commas or line breaks. You can set times when the block is active — for example, 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays. Click "Save" at the bottom.

The same process works in Firefox and Edge, except you'll search the Firefox Add-ons store or Microsoft Edge Add-ons store instead. One limitation: if you know how to uninstall extensions, you can turn off the block. This makes browser extensions better for self-discipline than for controlling someone else's access.

Blocking websites using Windows Parental Controls

Windows Parental Controls let you block sites for a specific user account on your computer. The person using that account cannot disable the block without your password. This is stronger than a browser extension if you're setting up a computer for a child.

Open Settings and go to Accounts. Select "Family & other users" on the left. Under "Your family", click "Add a family member" and create a child account or add an existing Microsoft account. Once the account is created, click on it and select "App and game restrictions". Scroll down to "Web browsing" and toggle "Restrict web browsing" to on. Click "Blocked sites" and add the websites you want to block, one per line. Click "Save".

When the child user logs in, they will not be able to visit those sites — the browser will show a blocked message instead. They cannot turn off the restriction without your password. Note that this blocks sites in Microsoft Edge. If the child uses Chrome or Firefox, you'll need to set up blocks in those browsers separately using extensions, or use a router-level block instead.

Blocking websites using Mac Screen Time

Mac Screen Time is Apple's parental control system and works similarly to Windows Parental Controls. Open System Settings and click "Screen Time" on the left. Click "Family" if you're setting up a child account, or "App Limits" if you're restricting your own account. Select the user you want to restrict.

Click "Content & Privacy" and toggle it on. Click "Content Restrictions", then "Web Content". Choose "Limit Adult Websites" to block adult content automatically, or select "Allowed Websites Only" to create a whitelist of sites the user can visit. Click "Customize" to add or remove specific sites. Enter your Apple ID password to confirm changes.

Like Windows, this works in Safari but not necessarily in Chrome or Firefox. If the user has access to other browsers, you'll need additional blocks in those applications or a network-level solution.

Blocking websites at the router level

Router-level blocking affects every device on your network — phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs — without needing to install anything on each device. This is the strongest option if you want to block sites across your whole household, but it requires you to log into your router's admin panel.

Find your router's IP address by opening Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac) and typing ipconfig (Windows) or networksetup -getinfo Wi-Fi (Mac). Look for "Default Gateway" or "Router" — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Open a web browser and type this address into the address bar. You'll be prompted to log in. If you haven't changed it, the username is often "admin" and the password is "admin" or "password" — check your router's label or manual if neither works.

Once logged in, look for a section called "Parental Controls", "Content Filtering", "Access Control", or "Website Blocking" — the exact name varies by router brand. Add the websites you want to block. Some routers let you set times when the block is active. Save your changes. The block will now apply to all devices on your network.

One drawback: a user can bypass router-level blocks by connecting to a different network (a phone's mobile data, a neighbor's Wi-Fi, or a VPN service). Router blocking is effective for accidental access but not for determined users.

Using DNS filtering to block websites across all devices

DNS filtering is a middle ground between browser extensions and router blocking. Services like OpenDNS and Cloudflare for Families intercept website requests before they reach your browser, so the block works in any browser and on any device that uses their DNS servers.

Cloudflare for Families is free. To set it up, change your router's DNS settings to Cloudflare's addresses: 1.1.1.3 (for malware and adult content blocking) or 1.1.1.2 (for malware blocking only). Log into your router's admin panel the same way you would for router-level blocking, find the DNS settings, and enter these addresses. Save and restart your router. All devices on your network will now use Cloudflare's filtering.

OpenDNS offers more control — you can create a list of blocked sites and set schedules — but requires a free account. Both services block sites at the DNS level, meaning the block happens before your browser even tries to load the page. Like router blocking, determined users can bypass this with a VPN or by changing their device's DNS settings manually.

What to do if someone bypasses the block

If you've set up a block and the user finds a way around it, your options depend on the method. Browser extensions can be uninstalled — move to Windows Parental Controls or Mac Screen Time instead. Parental Controls can be bypassed if the user knows your password — use a strong, unique password and don't share it. Router and DNS blocks can be bypassed with a VPN — if this is happening, you may need to block VPN traffic at the router level, though this is more technical and not all routers support it.

For children, the strongest approach is combining methods: set up parental controls on the operating system, block sites in the browser, and use router-level filtering. This creates multiple layers, so bypassing one doesn't give full access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I block a website on just my phone?

Yes. On iPhone, open Settings, tap Screen Time, select your account, tap Content & Privacy, then Web Content, and choose Allowed Websites Only or Limit Adult Websites. On Android, install an extension like Freedom or Cold Turkey in Chrome, or use your phone's built-in parental controls through Google Family Link if you're setting up a child's device.

Will blocking a website at the router level stop it on mobile data?

No. Router blocks only affect devices connected to your Wi-Fi. Mobile data uses your phone's cellular network, which bypasses your router entirely. To block sites on mobile data, use parental controls on the phone itself or a DNS filtering app.

What if I forget my Windows Parental Control password?

You'll need to reset it using your Microsoft account password or a password reset disk. If you don't have either, you may need to reset Windows or contact Microsoft support. This is why it's important to use a password you'll remember.

Can I block a website for only certain hours of the day?

Yes. LeechBlock NG, Freedom, and Cold Turkey Blocker all let you set schedules. Windows Parental Controls and Mac Screen Time also support time-based restrictions. Router-level blocking varies by brand — check your router's manual to see if it supports scheduling.

Will a VPN let someone access a blocked website?

Yes. A VPN routes traffic through a different server, so router and DNS blocks don't apply. Browser extensions and operating system controls still work because they block at the application level, not the network level. If you need to prevent VPN use, you'll need to block VPN traffic at the router level, which is more advanced.