The fastest way to block a website in Chrome
Chrome does not have a built-in website blocker, but you can block sites using an extension — a small program that adds features to your browser. The most straightforward approach is to install a free extension like BlockSite or LeechBlock NG, then add the websites you want to block to a list. When you try to visit a blocked site, you will see a message instead of the page.
If you want to block sites without installing anything, you can use your router settings or your device's parental controls, though these methods take longer to set up and block the site across all browsers on that device, not just Chrome.
Key Takeaways
- Extensions like BlockSite and LeechBlock NG let you block specific websites in Chrome by adding them to a blocklist.
- You can set a password to prevent yourself from removing sites from the blocklist, which adds friction if you are trying to break a habit.
- Router-level blocking affects all devices on your network but requires access to your router settings and is harder to change later.
- Parental control features in Windows, macOS, and Chromebook let you block sites for a specific user account without installing extensions.
Installing and using a browser extension to block sites
Open Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store by typing chrome.google.com/webstore into the address bar. Search for "BlockSite" or "LeechBlock NG" — both are free and widely used. Click the extension name, then click the blue "Add to Chrome" button. Chrome will ask you to confirm; click "Add extension."
Once installed, you will see the extension icon in the top right corner of Chrome, next to the address bar. Click it to open the extension's menu. Look for an option to add a new site or blocklist. Type the website address you want to block — for example, reddit.com or youtube.com — and save it. The next time you try to visit that site in Chrome, the extension will stop you and show a blocking message instead.
Most extensions let you set a password so that you cannot remove sites from your blocklist without entering it. This is useful if you are trying to stop yourself from visiting a site during work hours or to break a scrolling habit. To enable this, look for a "Password" or "Protection" setting in the extension menu and create a PIN or password you will not easily guess.
Blocking sites using Chrome's parental controls
If you are setting up Chrome for a child or another user, you can use Chrome's built-in parental controls instead of an extension. These controls work at the account level, meaning they apply whenever that person uses Chrome on any device they sign into.
Go to myaccount.google.com and sign in with the account you want to manage. Click "Family" on the left side, then select the person whose Chrome you want to control. Click "Screen time and app activity," then toggle on "Manage what [person] can see." Scroll down to "Restricted content" and choose "Restrict mature sites." This blocks adult content automatically, though it is not precise enough to block specific sites you choose.
For more control, you can use your device's operating system parental controls instead. On Windows, use Family Safety; on macOS, use Screen Time; on a Chromebook, use parental controls in the account settings. These methods block sites across all browsers, not just Chrome, but they require you to set them up on each device.
Blocking sites at the router level
If you want to block websites for everyone on your home network, you can do this through your router's settings. This method blocks the site in all browsers and on all devices connected to your Wi-Fi, but it requires you to log into your router, which most people do not do regularly.
Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's label or manual if neither works. Log in with your router's username and password (also on the label or manual). Look for a section called "Parental Controls," "Content Filtering," or "Access Control." Add the website addresses you want to block, then save your changes.
Router blocking is harder to change later because you have to log back into the router each time. It also does not work if someone connects to a different Wi-Fi network or uses mobile data. For these reasons, browser extensions are usually easier for personal use.
Differences between blocking methods
| Method | Works in Chrome only | Blocks across all browsers | Requires setup on each device | Can be password-protected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Browser extension | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Chrome parental controls | Yes | No | No (works across devices) | Yes |
| Device parental controls | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Router blocking | No | Yes | No (affects whole network) | Varies by router |
What happens when you try to visit a blocked site
When you navigate to a blocked website, the extension or control system intercepts the request before the page loads. Instead of seeing the website, you will see a message from the blocking tool — usually something like "This site is blocked" with the name of the extension or control system shown.
Some extensions let you customize this message or set a timer that temporarily unblocks the site. For example, LeechBlock NG can show a countdown and allow you to bypass the block for a set number of minutes if you choose. This is useful if you need occasional access but want to make it inconvenient enough that you think twice before doing it.
Removing or changing blocked sites
To remove a site from your blocklist, open the extension menu by clicking its icon in the top right of Chrome. Find the site in your list and click the delete or remove button next to it. If you set a password, the extension will ask you to enter it before allowing the change.
If you forgot your password, most extensions have a "reset" option, though this usually requires you to uninstall and reinstall the extension, which clears all your settings. To avoid this, write down your password or store it in a password manager you trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone get around a blocked site by using a VPN or proxy?
Yes. Browser extensions block the domain name you type, not the underlying connection, so a VPN or proxy can bypass it. If you need to prevent someone from circumventing blocks, router-level blocking or device parental controls are harder to work around, though still not impossible for someone with technical knowledge.
Will blocking a site in Chrome block it on my phone too?
Not automatically. Browser extensions only work in Chrome on the device where you installed them. If you want to block sites on your phone, you need to install the same extension in Chrome on your phone, or use your phone's parental controls. Google accounts sync some settings across devices, but site blocklists are not one of them.
What if I block a site by mistake?
Open the extension menu, find the site in your blocklist, and click remove. If you set a password and forgot it, you will need to uninstall the extension and reinstall it, which clears all your blocked sites. To avoid this, keep your password written down somewhere safe.
Do I need to pay for a website blocker?
No. BlockSite, LeechBlock NG, and most other blocking extensions are free. Some offer paid versions with extra features like scheduling or detailed reports, but the free versions block websites just as effectively.
Can my employer see which sites I block?
No, unless your employer has installed monitoring software on your device. A browser extension only affects what you see in your own Chrome browser. If you are using a work computer, check your company's acceptable use policy before blocking sites, as some employers monitor or restrict what extensions you can install.