The simplest way to block a website in Chrome on Android
Chrome on Android does not have a built-in feature to block websites directly in the app. Your best option is to use parental controls through Google Family Link, which lets you block specific sites across all apps on the device. If you do not want to set up Family Link, you can use a third-party DNS filtering app like NextDNS or Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1, which blocks sites at the network level before Chrome even tries to load them.
The method you choose depends on who you are blocking sites for. If you are managing a child's device, Family Link is the official Google tool. If you are blocking sites for yourself or want more control over what gets blocked, a DNS app gives you finer control without the parental-control overhead.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome itself has no built-in website blocker, so you need either Google Family Link or a third-party DNS filtering app.
- Google Family Link blocks sites across all apps on a child's device and requires you to set up a parent account linked to the child's Google account.
- DNS filtering apps like NextDNS or Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 block websites at the network level and work in any browser, not just Chrome.
- DNS apps are faster to set up if you only want to block a few sites, but Family Link gives you more oversight of the device overall.
Using Google Family Link to block websites
Family Link is Google's parental control tool. It works by linking a parent account to a child's account, then letting the parent manage what the child can access. To set it up, you need a Google account for yourself (the parent) and a Google account for the child, or the ability to create one on their device.
Start by downloading the Family Link app on your own Android phone from the Google Play Store. Open it and sign in with your Google account. Tap Create family group, then follow the prompts to add the child's device. You will be asked to sign into the child's device with their Google account during setup. Once linked, open Family Link on your phone, go to the child's device, and tap Controls on Google Play. From there, scroll to Manage sites and add the URLs you want to block. Family Link will prevent those sites from loading in any browser on that device.
The downside is that Family Link is designed for managing children's devices, so it includes other restrictions like app limits and screen time controls. If you only want to block websites without all the parental oversight, a DNS app is simpler.
Blocking websites with a DNS filtering app
A DNS filtering app intercepts web requests before they reach Chrome, so it blocks sites at the network level. Two popular free options are NextDNS and Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 for Families. Both work by routing your device's internet traffic through their servers, which filter out blocked domains.
To use NextDNS, download the app from the Google Play Store, create a free account, and open the app. Tap Enable protection and allow the app to create a VPN connection. This does not encrypt your traffic like a traditional VPN — it just routes DNS requests through NextDNS's servers. Once enabled, go to the NextDNS website on your computer, log in, and add the domains you want to block under Blocklists or Allowlist. Changes take effect immediately on your Android device.
Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 for Families is even simpler: download the app, open it, and toggle 1.1.1.1 for Families on. This version automatically blocks malware and adult content, but does not let you add custom sites. If you need to block specific websites, NextDNS is the better choice.
Why Chrome does not have a built-in blocker
Chrome on Android is designed to be lightweight and fast, so Google kept the app focused on browsing rather than device management. Website blocking is considered a device-level feature, not a browser feature, which is why Google built it into Family Link instead. This also means any blocker you use will work across all apps on your device, not just Chrome.
On desktop Chrome, you can install extensions like uBlock Origin or Freedom that block sites within the browser itself. Android does not support Chrome extensions in the same way, so you have to use device-level tools instead.
The difference between Family Link and DNS apps
| Feature | Google Family Link | DNS Filtering App |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | 10–15 minutes (requires linking accounts) | 2–3 minutes |
| Works in Chrome only | No (blocks across all apps) | No (blocks across all apps) |
| Custom site blocking | Yes | Yes (with NextDNS) |
| Other controls (screen time, app limits) | Yes | No |
| Best for | Managing a child's device | Blocking specific sites for yourself |
How to block a website temporarily without an app
If you just want to avoid a site for a few hours, you can use Chrome's Focus Mode feature. Open Chrome, tap the three-dot menu, go to Settings, then Focus Mode, and add the site you want to avoid. Chrome will send you a warning before you visit that site, but it will not prevent you from going there if you choose to.
This is not a true block — it is a reminder system. If you need an actual block that prevents access, you need Family Link or a DNS app. Focus Mode is useful if you are trying to reduce distractions but do not want a hard restriction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I block a website just in Chrome without affecting other apps?
No. Android does not let Chrome block sites on its own. Any blocking method you use will work across all apps on your device, not just Chrome. If you want to block only in Chrome, you would need to use a desktop computer with a Chrome extension instead.
Will the person using the device know it is blocked?
With Family Link, they will see a message saying the site is blocked by a parent. With a DNS app, they will see a connection error or a block page, depending on the app. Neither method is invisible.
Can I block a website on someone else's Android phone?
Only if you set up Family Link with their account linked as the child account, or if you have physical access to their phone to install and configure a DNS app. Without one of those, you cannot remotely block sites on another person's device.
What happens if I block a site and then change my mind?
With Family Link, open the app, go to the child's device, and remove the site from the blocked list. With NextDNS, log into the website and remove it from your blocklist. Changes take effect within a few seconds.
Do DNS filtering apps slow down my internet?
Slightly, but usually not noticeably. The app adds a small delay because it routes DNS requests through an extra server, but most users do not feel a difference in browsing speed. If you do notice slowness, you can disable the app and re-enable it later.