The fastest way to block a website in Chrome

Chrome does not have a built-in website blocker, so you will need to use a browser extension. The most straightforward option is BlockSite, which lets you add websites to a blocklist in seconds. Install it from the Chrome Web Store, click the extension icon, select "Block a site", enter the URL, and Chrome will show a blank page if you try to visit it.

If you want to block sites on someone else's device — a child's computer or a shared work machine — you can use Chrome's parental controls or device management features instead. These prevent the person using the device from removing the blocks themselves, which a browser extension does not.

The method you choose depends on whether you are blocking sites for yourself (extension) or enforcing blocks on another person's device (parental controls or device policy).

Key Takeaways

  • Browser extensions like BlockSite let you block websites for yourself, but the person using the device can uninstall the extension and access the site again.
  • Chrome's parental controls on a child's account prevent them from visiting blocked sites even if they try to remove the extension.
  • Windows and Mac both offer device-level blocking through parental controls that work across all browsers, not just Chrome.
  • Mobile Chrome on Android and iPhone can be restricted through the device's built-in parental controls, which block sites across all apps.

Using a browser extension to block sites yourself

Open the Chrome Web Store and search for "BlockSite" or "Freedom". Both are free and work the same way: you add a website to your blocklist, and Chrome prevents you from reaching it. BlockSite is simpler if you just want to block a few sites. Freedom is more powerful if you want to set schedules — for example, blocking social media between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays.

To install BlockSite: go to the Chrome Web Store, search "BlockSite", click the blue "Add to Chrome" button, and confirm when the popup appears. The extension icon will appear in the top right of your browser.

To block a site: click the BlockSite icon, then click "Block a site". Type the website URL (for example, reddit.com or youtube.com), choose whether to block it on all devices or this device only, and click "Block". The next time you visit that site, you will see a message saying it is blocked.

To unblock a site: click the BlockSite icon, find the site in your blocklist, and click the trash icon next to it. The block is removed immediately.

Setting up parental controls for a child's account

If you manage a child's Google account, you can use Family Link to block websites across all their devices. This is stronger than a browser extension because your child cannot remove it without your permission.

On your own device, go to families.google.com and sign in with your Google account. Click "Set up parental controls" and select your child's account. Under "Apps & sites", you can block specific websites. Your child will see a message saying the site is blocked by their parent if they try to visit it.

Family Link also lets you set screen time limits, see which apps they use, and lock their device at bedtime. These controls work on Chrome, Android, and some iOS devices.

Blocking websites at the device level on Windows or Mac

If you want to block sites across all browsers — not just Chrome — you can edit your device's hosts file. This is more technical but prevents anyone from reaching the site in Firefox, Safari, or Edge either.

On Windows: press the Windows key, type "Notepad", right-click it, and select "Run as administrator". Go to File > Open and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts. At the bottom of the file, add a new line: 127.0.0.1 reddit.com (replace reddit.com with the site you want to block). Save the file. The site is now blocked in all browsers.

On Mac: open Terminal (search for it in Spotlight), type sudo nano /etc/hosts, and enter your password. Scroll to the bottom and add 127.0.0.1 reddit.com on a new line. Press Control+X, then Y, then Enter to save. The site is now blocked.

To unblock a site, open the hosts file again, delete the line you added, and save. This method blocks the site for everyone on the device, so use it only if you are the sole user or have permission from other users.

Blocking websites on Android Chrome

Android does not allow browser extensions, so you have two options: use your Google account's Family Link (if you are a parent) or use your phone's built-in parental controls.

If you are the parent: set up Family Link on your child's Android device. Go to families.google.com, select your child's account, and add blocked websites under "Apps & sites". Your child cannot remove these blocks without your approval.

If you are blocking sites on your own phone: go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls > App timers or Bedtime mode. These do not block specific websites, but they limit when you can use Chrome altogether. For website-specific blocking on your own Android phone, you will need to use a third-party app like "Net Nanny" or "Qustodio", which you can download from the Google Play Store.

Blocking websites on iPhone Chrome

iPhone does not allow Chrome extensions either. If you are a parent managing a child's iPhone, use Family Link: go to families.google.com, select your child's account, and add blocked websites. Your child will see a message that the site is blocked by their parent.

If you are blocking sites on your own iPhone: go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Restricted Websites. You can add specific websites to block, or choose "Limit Adult Websites" to use Apple's built-in filter. This works in Safari and Chrome both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone remove a website block I set up?

It depends on the method. If you used a browser extension like BlockSite, they can uninstall it and access the site. If you used Family Link or device-level parental controls, they cannot remove the block without your password or permission. For maximum security, use parental controls rather than extensions.

Will blocking a website in Chrome block it in other browsers?

No. Browser extensions like BlockSite only work in Chrome. If you want to block a site across Firefox, Safari, and Edge too, edit your device's hosts file instead. Family Link and device parental controls also block sites in all browsers.

What if I forget the URL of a site I want to block?

You can type a partial URL. For example, typing "reddit" will block reddit.com and all its subpages. Most blockers also let you block by keyword — so you can block "social media" and it will catch Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and similar sites.

Can I block a website only during certain hours?

Yes, if you use Freedom instead of BlockSite. Freedom lets you set schedules so sites are blocked only during work hours or school hours, for example. Family Link also has scheduling features for parental controls.

Does blocking a website hide my browsing history?

No. Blocking a website prevents you from reaching it, but it does not hide that you tried to visit it. Your browsing history will still show the attempt. If you want privacy, use an incognito window or a VPN instead.