The fastest way to block a URL in Chrome

Chrome does not have a built-in feature to block websites directly from the browser settings. Instead, you need to use an extension — a small program that adds blocking features to Chrome. The most straightforward approach is to install a free extension like BlockSite or LeechBlock NG, then add the URLs you want to block to that extension's list.

Once installed, these extensions sit in your toolbar and let you block specific websites, set time limits on them, or prevent access during certain hours. The block happens before the page loads, so you cannot accidentally visit the site by typing it in or clicking a link.

If you want to block sites for someone else using your computer — a child, for example — you will need to set up a supervised account in Chrome and use parental controls instead. That method is stronger because the person being restricted cannot simply remove the extension.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome extensions like BlockSite and LeechBlock NG are the standard way to block URLs, and they work by preventing the page from loading when you try to visit.
  • You can block individual websites, set time windows when sites are blocked, or create a blocklist that applies to multiple URLs at once.
  • If you are blocking sites for a child or dependent, use Chrome's supervised account feature instead of an extension, because extensions can be removed.
  • Some extensions let you set a PIN or password so that you cannot unblock a site on impulse, which is useful if you are blocking sites for yourself.

Installing and setting up BlockSite

BlockSite is one of the most popular free extensions for this task. Open Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store by typing chrome.google.com/webstore into your address bar. Search for "BlockSite" and click the blue "Add to Chrome" button on the official BlockSite page (the one with a red circle icon).

Chrome will ask you to confirm that you want to add the extension. Click "Add extension" and wait a few seconds. You will see a small icon appear in your toolbar — usually in the top right corner of your browser window. Click that icon to open BlockSite's menu.

In the BlockSite menu, you will see a text field that says "Enter URL to block". Type the full website address you want to block — for example, youtube.com or reddit.com — and press Enter. The site is now blocked. The next time you try to visit it, you will see a message saying the site is blocked instead of the actual webpage.

You can add as many URLs as you want. If you want to block a specific page rather than an entire site, you can paste the full URL including the path — for example, youtube.com/watch — though blocking the whole domain is usually simpler.

Using LeechBlock NG for time-based blocking

LeechBlock NG works similarly to BlockSite but gives you more control over when sites are blocked. Install it the same way: go to the Chrome Web Store, search for "LeechBlock NG", and click "Add to Chrome".

Click the LeechBlock icon in your toolbar and select "Options" to open the settings page. You will see a list of "Block sets" — these are groups of websites you can block together. Click on "Block set 1" to edit it.

In the "Sites" field, type the URLs you want to block, one per line. For example:

  • facebook.com
  • twitter.com
  • instagram.com

Below that, you will see "Time allowance" and "Time-based blocking". If you want the block to apply only during certain hours — say, 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays — you can set those times here. You can also set a daily time limit: if you set it to 30 minutes, you can visit those sites for 30 minutes per day, and then they are blocked for the rest of the day.

Blocking sites on a child's account with parental controls

If you want to block websites for a child or dependent who uses your computer, extensions are not the right tool because they can be removed. Instead, set up a supervised account in Chrome and use Google's parental controls.

Open Chrome and click your profile icon in the top right corner. Select "Manage your Google Account" and go to the "Family" tab. Click "Create a supervised account" and follow the steps to create a new account for the child. This account will be linked to your Google account, and you will be able to manage it from your own account.

Once the supervised account is created, sign out of Chrome and sign in with the child's account. Go to families.google.com and sign in with your own account. You will see the child's account listed. Click on it and select "Manage settings". Under "Sites to restrict", you can add URLs that the child cannot visit. These restrictions are enforced by Google's servers, not by an extension, so they cannot be bypassed by removing software.

What happens when you try to visit a blocked site

When you try to visit a blocked URL, the extension stops the page from loading and shows you a message instead. With BlockSite, you will see a red screen that says "This site is blocked" and shows the URL you tried to visit. With LeechBlock NG, you will see a similar message with the option to unblock the site if you know the password.

Some extensions let you set a PIN or password that you must enter to unblock a site temporarily. This is useful if you are blocking sites for yourself and want to prevent yourself from unblocking them on impulse. If you set a PIN, you will be prompted to enter it when you try to visit a blocked site.

If you use a supervised account, the child will see a message saying the site is blocked by their parent or guardian. They cannot unblock it themselves — only you can change the restrictions from your own account.

Removing or changing blocked sites

To remove a blocked site from BlockSite, click the extension icon and find the site in the list. Click the trash icon next to it and confirm. The site is now unblocked.

In LeechBlock NG, go back to the Options page, find the site in the "Sites" field, and delete it. Save your changes and the site will be unblocked.

If you forget the PIN you set on an extension, you will usually need to uninstall and reinstall it to reset it. Some extensions offer a recovery option if you provided an email address when you set the PIN — check the extension's settings page to see if that option is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else remove the extension I installed to block sites?

Yes, if they have access to your Chrome account or your computer. Extensions can be uninstalled by anyone who can access Chrome settings. If you want to prevent someone from removing a block, use a supervised account instead, because those restrictions are enforced by Google and cannot be removed locally.

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

No. 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 a separate app or use your phone's built-in parental controls. Some extensions sync across devices if you are signed into the same Google account, but this varies by extension.

What if a website changes its URL or I need to block multiple similar sites?

Most extensions let you use wildcards or partial matches. For example, blocking *.youtube.com will block youtube.com and any subdomain like m.youtube.com or www.youtube.com. Check your extension's documentation to see if it supports this feature.

Can I block a site only on certain devices?

Extensions block sites only on the device where they are installed. If you want to block sites across multiple devices — your laptop, desktop, and phone — you need to install the extension on each device separately, or use a supervised account, which applies across all devices signed into that account.

Does blocking a site in Chrome affect other browsers like Firefox or Edge?

No. Chrome extensions only work in Chrome. If you want to block sites in other browsers, you need to install a similar extension in each browser, or use your router or internet service provider's parental controls to block sites across all browsers on your network.