The simplest way: use Chrome's built-in parental controls

Chrome has a parental controls feature that lets you block specific websites without installing anything extra. You set it up through your Google account, and it works across all your devices signed into that account. The blocked sites won't load — you'll see a message saying the page is restricted instead.

This method works best if you want to block sites for yourself or if you're setting restrictions on a child's device. It's not foolproof against someone who knows your password, but it's straightforward and doesn't require managing a separate program.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome's built-in parental controls block websites at the account level and work across all devices you're signed into.
  • You can also use a browser extension like BlockSite or LeechBlock NG to block sites without touching parental controls.
  • Blocking a website in Chrome only affects Chrome — the site will still load in Firefox, Safari, or Edge unless you block it there too.
  • Determined users can bypass most blocks by switching browsers, using a VPN, or restarting in incognito mode, so blocks work best as friction rather than absolute barriers.
  • If you're blocking sites for a child, parental controls are stronger than extensions because they sync across devices and are harder to disable.

Setting up Chrome's parental controls to block websites

Open Chrome and go to Settings (the three-line menu in the top right). Select You and Google on the left, then Manage your Google Account. Click the Family tab at the top.

If you don't already have a family group set up, click Create a family group and add yourself. Once your family group exists, select the account you want to restrict (your own or a child's). Click Parental controls, then Set up parental controls.

Sign in again if prompted, then choose Chrome from the list of apps. You'll see options to restrict content by category (like adult sites or violence) or to block specific websites. Click Manage sites and add the exact URLs you want to block — for example, reddit.com or youtube.com. Save your changes.

The blocks take effect immediately on any device signed into that account. If someone tries to visit a blocked site, they'll see a message saying it's restricted and won't be able to bypass it without your Google password.

Using a browser extension to block websites

If you don't want to use parental controls, or if you want more control over how blocks work, a browser extension is a good alternative. Extensions live inside Chrome and add features the browser doesn't have built in.

BlockSite is one of the most popular. Go to the Chrome Web Store, search for "BlockSite", and click Add to Chrome. Once it installs, click the extension icon in the top right of your browser. You can add websites to block, set a password so you can't unblock them without it, and even schedule blocking for certain times of day.

LeechBlock NG is another option that's lighter weight and free. It lets you block sites, set time limits on how long you can spend on them, and create different block lists for different times. The setup is similar: find it in the Chrome Web Store, add it, then click the icon to configure your blocks.

Extensions are easier to turn off than parental controls — you can usually disable them by clicking the extension icon and toggling it off, or by going to Settings > Extensions and removing them. If you want a block that's harder to bypass, parental controls are stronger.

What happens when you block a website

When a website is blocked in Chrome, you'll see an error page instead of the site. The page will say something like "This site is blocked" or "Access denied" depending on whether you used parental controls or an extension. You won't be able to click through to the site or bypass the block without removing it first.

If you used parental controls, you'll need your Google account password to unblock the site. If you used an extension, you can usually disable the extension from the Extensions menu, though some extensions let you set a password to prevent that.

Blocking only affects Chrome. If you block a site in Chrome and then open Firefox or Safari, the site will load normally in those browsers. You'd need to block it in each browser separately if you want it blocked everywhere.

Why blocks can be bypassed and what that means

Most website blocks in Chrome can be worked around. Someone can switch to a different browser, use a VPN to hide their location, open an incognito window (which doesn't always bypass blocks, but sometimes does), or restart their computer in safe mode. Parental controls are harder to bypass than extensions, but they're still not impossible for someone who knows what they're doing.

This is important to understand: blocks work best as friction — they make it slightly harder to visit a site, which can help you avoid it by accident or when you're tired. They're not a security feature. If you're trying to prevent a determined person from visiting a site, you'd need something much stronger, like network-level filtering on your router or a service that monitors all traffic leaving your home.

For most everyday use — blocking distracting social media sites, adult content, or gambling sites — Chrome's blocks are enough. Just know that they're a speed bump, not a wall.

Blocking sites on a child's device

If you're setting up restrictions for a child, parental controls are the better choice because they're harder to disable and they work across all devices the child uses. Set up a family group with your account as the parent and your child's account as a family member. Then use parental controls to block sites, set screen time limits, and monitor activity.

Your child will see blocked sites as restricted and won't be able to unblock them without your password. They also can't remove parental controls without your permission. This makes parental controls much more effective than extensions for families.

Keep in mind that parental controls aren't a substitute for talking to your child about internet safety. Blocks can prevent accidental visits to harmful sites, but they work best alongside conversations about why certain sites are off-limits and what to do if they encounter something uncomfortable online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I block a website on Chrome without parental controls?

Yes. Browser extensions like BlockSite and LeechBlock NG let you block sites without setting up parental controls. They're simpler to set up if you just want to block a few specific sites, though they're easier to disable than parental controls.

Will blocking a site in Chrome block it on my phone too?

If you use parental controls on your Google account, the blocks will sync to Chrome on your phone. If you use an extension, it only works on the device where you installed it — you'd need to install the same extension on your phone separately.

What if I forget the password to unblock a site?

If you set a password on an extension, you'll need to remove the extension and reinstall it to reset. If you used parental controls, you can reset the block by signing into your Google account on any device and changing the settings — you don't need to remember a separate password.

Can someone unblock a website I've blocked?

With parental controls, they'd need your Google account password. With an extension, they can usually disable the extension from the Extensions menu unless you've set a password on it. Neither method is completely tamper-proof, but parental controls are much harder to bypass.

Do I need to block a site on every browser?

Yes. Blocking a site in Chrome doesn't affect Firefox, Safari, Edge, or any other browser. If you want a site blocked everywhere, you'd need to block it in each browser separately, or set up network-level filtering on your router.