The three ways to block sites on Chrome for Android and iPhone
Chrome mobile does not have a built-in site blocker, so you have three practical routes: use a third-party app that blocks sites at the system level, install a Chrome extension that works on mobile, or set up parental controls through your Google account. The easiest for most people is a dedicated blocking app, because it works across all browsers and apps on your phone. Extensions work only inside Chrome. Parental controls work best if you are managing a child's device rather than your own.
Each method has different limits. Blocking apps require you to grant them permission to monitor your network traffic. Extensions need Chrome to be updated and may not block sites you visit through links in other apps. Parental controls require a Google Family Link account and work only on devices you manage. None of these methods are foolproof — someone determined to bypass them usually can — but they all make it harder to visit blocked sites by accident or on impulse.
Key Takeaways
- Dedicated blocking apps like Freedom, Cold Turkey, or AppBlock work on both Android and iPhone and block sites across all apps, not just Chrome.
- Chrome extensions for blocking sites work only inside the Chrome browser on mobile and require you to set them up on each device separately.
- Google Family Link lets you block sites on a child's device through your own account, but only if you set it up before they use the phone.
- Blocking apps and extensions can be bypassed by uninstalling them or switching browsers, so they work best as friction rather than absolute barriers.
Using a dedicated blocking app
A blocking app is a separate program that runs on your phone and intercepts requests to websites you choose. Popular options include Freedom, Cold Turkey Blocker, AppBlock, and Opal. These apps work on both Android and iPhone and block sites across Chrome, Safari, and any other browser or app on your phone. You download the app, create an account, add the sites you want to block, and set a schedule or lock the block so you cannot turn it off until the timer runs out.
The main trade-off is that blocking apps need permission to monitor your phone's network activity. On Android, this means granting VPN permission, which the app uses to see and filter traffic. On iPhone, the app uses Screen Time integration to block sites. Both methods are legitimate, but they do require you to trust the app maker with that level of access. Read the privacy policy before you install, and choose an app from a company with a clear track record.
Blocking apps also cost money — most charge between $5 and $15 per month or $30 to $60 per year. Some offer free trials. If you want to block sites on your own device to reduce distractions, a blocking app is usually the fastest route because it requires no setup beyond downloading and configuring it.
Using a Chrome extension on mobile
Chrome extensions for blocking sites do work on mobile, but with limits. Extensions like LeechBlock NG, News Feed Eradicator, and StayFocusd let you block specific sites and set schedules, just like a blocking app. To use one, open Chrome on your phone, go to the Chrome Web Store, search for the extension, and tap "Add to Chrome." The extension then appears in your Chrome menu and works the same way it does on desktop.
The catch is that extensions work only inside Chrome. If you open a link in another app — like a link from Gmail or Twitter — it bypasses the extension entirely. Extensions also require Chrome to be up to date and may not work on older phones. If you switch to Safari or another browser, the extension does not follow you.
Extensions are free and do not require special permissions beyond what Chrome already has. If you use Chrome as your main browser and want a lightweight blocker, an extension is a reasonable choice. If you want to block sites across your entire phone, use a dedicated app instead.
Setting up parental controls with Google Family Link
Google Family Link is a parental control system built into Android and available on iPhone through the Family Link app. It lets you manage a child's device from your own phone or computer. You can block specific apps and websites, set screen time limits, and see what your child is doing on the device. To use it, you need a Google account and the child needs a Google account linked to your Family Link.
The setup process requires you to configure Family Link on the child's device before they start using it heavily. You download the Family Link app on both your phone and theirs, sign in with your Google account on your device, and follow the prompts to link the child's account. Once linked, you can add sites to a blocklist through the Family Link app on your phone. The blocked sites will not load on the child's device in any browser.
Family Link is free and does not require a subscription. The downside is that it is designed for managing children's devices, not for blocking sites on your own phone. If you are an adult trying to block distracting sites for yourself, Family Link is not the right tool — use a blocking app or extension instead.
Blocking sites in Chrome settings (limited option)
Chrome itself has a "Safe Browsing" feature that blocks sites flagged as malware or phishing, but it does not let you create a custom blocklist. You cannot tell Chrome to block Facebook or YouTube or any other specific site through settings alone. Safe Browsing is on by default and works automatically; you do not need to do anything to enable it.
If you want to block sites beyond what Safe Browsing covers, you need either an extension or a dedicated app. Chrome settings alone are not enough for custom blocking.
Comparing the three methods
| Method | Works across all apps | Cost | Setup time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blocking app | Yes | $5–$15/month or $30–$60/year | 5–10 minutes | Blocking sites on your own device or across your whole phone |
| Chrome extension | No (Chrome only) | Free | 2–3 minutes | Blocking sites only when you use Chrome |
| Google Family Link | Yes | Free | 10–15 minutes | Managing a child's device and blocking sites for them |
What happens when you try to visit a blocked site
When you attempt to visit a blocked site, the blocker intercepts the request before the page loads. With a blocking app, you typically see a message saying the site is blocked, sometimes with a timer showing how long until it unblocks. With a Chrome extension, you see a similar message in the browser. With Family Link, the page simply does not load and you see an error message.
Most blockers let you set a "break" or "unlock" period if you need temporary access. Some require you to wait out a timer. Others let you request an unlock and send a notification to a parent or trusted contact. The exact behavior depends on which tool you use and how you configure it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I block sites on Chrome without an app or extension?
No. Chrome's built-in settings do not include a custom site blocker. You need either a third-party app, a Chrome extension, or Google Family Link. If you want to block sites only in Chrome, an extension is the simplest option.
Will blocking apps work if I restart my phone?
Yes. Blocking apps run as a background service and restart automatically when you turn your phone back on. The blocks remain in place unless you manually disable the app or uninstall it. Some apps let you set a PIN to prevent accidental uninstallation.
Can someone bypass a blocked site by using a VPN?
It depends on the blocker. Blocking apps that use VPN permission can usually detect and block VPN traffic to unblocked sites. Chrome extensions cannot block traffic outside the browser. Family Link can be bypassed by switching to a different device or account. No blocker is completely bypass-proof, but they all add friction.
Do blocking apps slow down my phone?
Blocking apps run in the background and use some battery and data, but most modern phones handle this without noticeable slowdown. The impact is usually minimal unless you are using an older device with limited memory.
Can I block sites on someone else's phone?
Only with their permission and cooperation. Blocking apps and extensions require installation on the target device. Family Link is the exception — you can manage a child's device remotely — but it requires setup on their device first and is designed for parent-child relationships, not for monitoring adults.