The fastest way to block a site on Chrome for Android or iPhone
Chrome Mobile does not have a built-in site blocker, so you cannot block a website directly through Chrome's settings. Instead, you have three working routes: use your phone's operating system controls, install a third-party blocker app that works across all browsers, or use Chrome's parental controls if you are setting up a device for someone else.
The method you choose depends on whether you want to block sites on your own device, on a child's device, or across all apps on your phone. Each approach takes a different amount of time and gives you different levels of control.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome Mobile has no native blocking feature, so blocking happens at the phone level or through a separate app, not inside Chrome itself.
- On Android, you can block sites through your Google Account's parental controls if the device is set up as a child account.
- On iPhone, Screen Time lets you restrict websites across all browsers, including Chrome, without installing an app.
- Third-party blocker apps like Freedom, Cold Turkey, or OpenDNS work on both Android and iPhone but require installation and ongoing subscription fees.
- If you want to block sites only for yourself as a reminder, a blocker app is faster than configuring parental controls on your own account.
Using parental controls on Android
If the phone is set up under a child's Google Account, you can block websites through Google Family Link. Open the Family Link app on your own device (the parent's phone), select the child's account, tap Controls on Google Play, then go to Manage all settings and find the Approved apps section. From there, you can restrict Chrome itself or manage which sites load when Chrome is open.
This method works best if you are managing a device for a minor. If you want to block sites on your own Android phone, Family Link will not help because it is designed for parent-child setups. In that case, move to the third-party app route instead.
Using Screen Time on iPhone
iPhone's built-in Screen Time feature lets you block websites across Chrome and all other browsers. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions, turn on restrictions, then tap Content Restrictions > Web Content. Choose Limit Adult Websites to block adult content automatically, or select Allowed Websites Only to create a whitelist of sites you permit.
If you want to block specific sites rather than categories, tap Always Allow or Never Allow to add individual URLs. This blocks the site in Chrome, Safari, and any other browser on the device. Screen Time works on your own iPhone or on a child's device if you set a Screen Time passcode.
Installing a third-party blocker app
Apps like Freedom, Cold Turkey Blocker, AppBlock, and OpenDNS Home run on both Android and iPhone and block websites across all browsers, including Chrome. Download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, create an account, add the sites you want to block, and set a PIN so you cannot turn off the blocker on impulse.
Most of these apps charge a monthly or yearly subscription, typically between $5 and $15 per month. They work by filtering traffic at the network or device level rather than inside Chrome, so they block the site no matter which browser you use. Some apps let you set schedules — for example, blocking social media sites during work hours but allowing them in the evening.
The trade-off is that you need to install and maintain another app, and you are paying for a feature that your phone's operating system may already offer for free. If you only want to block one or two sites, Screen Time on iPhone or Family Link on Android is usually simpler. If you want advanced scheduling or cross-device blocking, a third-party app is worth the cost.
Why Chrome Mobile does not have a built-in blocker
Chrome on desktop has extensions that block websites, but Chrome Mobile does not support extensions on either Android or iPhone. Google's reasoning is that mobile browsers are simpler and that blocking should happen at the device level, where it affects all apps, not just one browser.
This means if you block a site in Chrome Mobile, you would still be able to reach it by opening Safari, Firefox, or any other browser. That is why system-level controls like Screen Time and Family Link are more effective — they block the site everywhere on the device at once.
Comparing your options
| Method | Works on Android | Works on iPhone | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Family Link | Yes | No | Free | Blocking sites on a child's Android device |
| Screen Time | No | Yes | Free | Blocking sites on your own iPhone or a child's iPhone |
| Third-party blocker app | Yes | Yes | $5–$15/month | Advanced scheduling, cross-device blocking, or Android without Family Link |
What to do if you want to block a site temporarily
If you are trying to avoid a specific site for a few hours rather than permanently, a blocker app with scheduling is faster than changing your phone's settings. Apps like Freedom and Cold Turkey let you set a timer — for example, "block this site for the next 2 hours" — and some let you lock yourself out of turning it off early.
This is useful if you are trying to stay focused during work or study time. You can also use your phone's Do Not Disturb or Focus modes to silence notifications from apps, which is a lighter-touch way to reduce distraction without blocking the site itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I block a website only in Chrome, not in other browsers?
No. Chrome Mobile does not have a built-in blocker, and third-party apps block at the device level, so they block the site in all browsers. If you want to block a site only in Chrome and allow it in Safari or Firefox, you would need to use a desktop browser instead, where Chrome extensions can do that.
What happens if I forget my Screen Time or Family Link PIN?
On iPhone, you can reset Screen Time through your Apple ID if you set one up. On Android, you can remove Family Link from your child's account through the Family Link app on your phone, but this removes all parental controls. If you forget your own PIN, you may need to reset your phone or contact Apple or Google support.
Do blocker apps work if I use a VPN?
Most blocker apps work alongside a VPN because they filter at the device level before traffic reaches the VPN. However, some VPN apps may conflict with certain blockers. If you use both, test the combination on a non-critical site first to make sure they work together.
Can I block a site on someone else's phone without their knowledge?
On a child's device with Family Link or Screen Time set up under your account, yes. On an adult's phone, no — you would need physical access and their password or PIN to install a blocker app or change system settings. Blocking without consent is not recommended and may violate privacy expectations.
Will blocking a site stop notifications from that website?
Blocking the website itself does not stop push notifications from the app. If you want to silence notifications from a social media site, turn off notifications in your phone's settings for that app, or use Do Not Disturb mode to mute all notifications during certain hours.