Block a website using Chrome's built-in parental controls

Google Chrome does not have a native website blocker in its main settings. Instead, you can use Chrome's parental controls if you set up a supervised user account, or you can install a free extension from the Chrome Web Store that blocks sites you choose. The simplest method for most people is installing an extension — it takes about two minutes and works immediately.

If you want to block sites without an extension, you can set up a supervised user account on your computer. This account type lets you restrict access to certain websites through Google's Family Link service. However, this requires creating a separate user profile, which is more involved than using an extension.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way to block a website in Chrome is to install a free extension like BlockSite or LeechBlock NG from the Chrome Web Store.
  • Extensions let you block specific URLs, set time limits, or block entire categories of sites, and you can customize the list anytime.
  • For parental controls without an extension, set up a supervised user account through Google Family Link on your computer.
  • Some extensions require a password to disable them, which prevents accidental unblocking if you are trying to stay focused.

Install a website-blocking extension

Open Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store by typing chrome.google.com/webstore into the address bar. Search for "website blocker" or "site blocker" and you will see several free options. Popular choices include BlockSite, LeechBlock NG, and Freedom. Each works slightly differently, but all let you add URLs to a blocklist.

Click the extension you want, then click the blue "Add to Chrome" button. Chrome will ask you to confirm — click "Add extension" in the popup. The extension icon will appear in your toolbar (top right of the browser). Click it to open the extension's settings, then add the websites you want to block by typing the URL or domain name. Most extensions let you block example.com to catch all pages on that domain, or example.com/specific-page to block only one page.

After you add a site to the blocklist, trying to visit it will show a blocked page instead of the website. You can remove sites from the blocklist anytime by opening the extension and deleting them from your list.

Set up a supervised user account for parental controls

If you share your computer with someone else and want to restrict their access without using an extension, create a supervised user account. On Windows or Mac, click your profile picture in the top right corner of Chrome, then click "Manage other people." Click "Add person" and enter a name for the new account. Check the box that says "Supervise this user" and finish creating the account.

Once the account exists, sign out of your own Chrome profile and sign into the supervised account. Go to families.google.com and sign in with your own Google account (the one that created the supervised account). Click the supervised user's name, then click "Controls on Google Play" or "Manage settings." You will see an option to restrict access to websites. Add the URLs you want to block, and they will be inaccessible when that person uses Chrome on that supervised account.

This method requires the supervised user to be signed into their own Chrome profile, and it only works on the computer where you set it up. If they use Chrome on a different device, the restrictions do not follow them.

Use Chrome's content filtering for categories of sites

Some extensions go beyond blocking individual URLs and let you block entire categories — like social media, gaming, shopping, or adult content. LeechBlock NG and Freedom both offer category-based blocking. When you install one of these extensions, you can check boxes for the types of sites you want blocked instead of typing individual URLs.

Category blocking is useful if you want to stay focused during work hours without having to list every possible distraction. For example, you could block all social media sites at once rather than adding Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok separately. The extension updates its category list over time, so new sites in that category get blocked automatically.

Block sites with a password requirement

Many extensions let you set a password that you need to enter to disable the blocker or remove a site from your blocklist. This feature is helpful if you are trying to stay focused and want to make it harder to unblock a site on impulse. When you set a password, even if you change your mind, you will have to type it in — which gives you a moment to reconsider.

To enable password protection, open the extension's settings and look for an option like "Set password," "Require password to disable," or "Lock settings." Enter a password you will remember but that is not obvious to you in the moment. Some people set a password they have to look up in a notebook, which adds another step to unblocking a site.

What to do if you forget your extension password

If you set a password on your blocker extension and forget it, you can uninstall the extension and reinstall it fresh — this removes all settings including the password. Go to chrome://extensions in the address bar, find the blocker extension, and click the trash icon to remove it. Then go back to the Chrome Web Store, reinstall it, and set it up again without a password.

Alternatively, some extensions have a recovery option in their settings. Check the extension's help page or settings menu for a "forgot password" or "reset" option before uninstalling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I block a website on Chrome without an extension?

Yes, by setting up a supervised user account through Google Family Link. This requires creating a separate user profile on your computer and managing restrictions through families.google.com. It is more work than an extension but does not require installing additional software.

Will blocking a website in Chrome block it on my phone too?

No. Extensions only work on the device where you install them. If you want to block sites on your phone, you will need to use a different tool — Android has built-in parental controls in Settings, and iPhone has Screen Time restrictions.

Can someone unblock a website if I block it with an extension?

If you do not set a password, yes — anyone can click the extension icon and remove the site from the blocklist. Setting a password makes it much harder, though not impossible if someone has physical access to your computer and time to work around it.

What happens if I try to visit a blocked website?

You will see a page that says the site is blocked, usually with the extension's logo and a message. Some extensions let you customize this message. You cannot see the website itself unless you remove it from the blocklist or disable the extension.

Do website blockers slow down Chrome?

Most free extensions have minimal impact on Chrome's speed. They run in the background and only check URLs as you navigate. If you install many extensions at once, you may notice a slight slowdown, but a single blocker extension should not be noticeable.