The main ways to block websites

You can block websites at three different levels: on a single device using browser settings or software, across all devices on your home network using your router, or on a specific user account using parental controls. Browser-level blocking is fastest to set up and works immediately. Router-level blocking affects everyone on your Wi-Fi but requires access to your router's admin panel. Account-level blocking through your operating system works across all browsers on that account but only on that one device.

The method you choose depends on what you're trying to accomplish. If you want to block distracting websites from your own work computer, a browser extension takes two minutes. If you're managing internet access for children across multiple devices, router blocking or parental controls are more reliable because they're harder to bypass.

Key Takeaways

  • Browser extensions like Freedom, Cold Turkey, and LeechBlock NG block websites on a single device and are the quickest option to set up.
  • Router-level blocking through your Wi-Fi settings affects all devices connected to your network but requires you to log into your router's admin panel.
  • Operating system parental controls (Screen Time on Mac and iOS, Family Link on Android, Parental Controls on Windows) block websites across all browsers on a specific account.
  • Website blockers can be bypassed by switching browsers, using a VPN, or restarting in safe mode, so they work best as a friction tool rather than an absolute barrier.

Blocking websites in your browser

Browser extensions are the easiest starting point. Install an extension like Freedom, Cold Turkey Blocker, LeechBlock NG, or StayFocusd from your browser's extension store. After installation, you add the websites you want to block and set a schedule if you want them blocked only during work hours. The extension then prevents you from visiting those sites by showing a blocking page instead.

Each browser has its own extension store. Chrome and Edge use the Chrome Web Store, Firefox uses Add-ons, and Safari uses the App Store. Search for "website blocker" or "focus" in your browser's extension store and read the reviews before installing — popular blockers have thousands of user ratings that show whether they actually work.

Browser-level blocking only works in that specific browser. If you use Chrome to work but switch to Firefox to check blocked sites, the blocker won't stop you. This is why browser blocking works best as a personal commitment tool rather than a way to prevent access entirely.

Blocking websites on your router

Router blocking affects every device on your Wi-Fi network — phones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs. Log into your router's admin panel by opening a web browser and typing your router's IP address, usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You'll find the IP address on a sticker on the router itself or in your router's manual.

Once logged in, look for a section called "Parental Controls," "Access Control," "Content Filtering," or "Blocked Sites." The exact name and location varies by router brand — Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, and Asus all organize this differently. Add the websites you want to block by typing their domain name (for example, facebook.com or youtube.com). Some routers let you block by category, like "social media" or "streaming," which blocks entire groups of sites at once.

Router blocking requires you to know your router's admin password. If you don't know it, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, but this erases all your custom settings. Write down your admin password after you set it up so you don't lose access later.

Using parental controls on your device

Every major operating system has built-in parental controls that block websites on a specific user account. On Mac, open System Settings, go to General, then Parental Controls, and create a managed account. On Windows 10 and 11, go to Settings, Accounts, Family & other users, and set up a child account. On iPhone and iPad, use Screen Time in Settings. On Android, use Family Link.

These controls let you block websites, set time limits, and restrict app access all from one place. They're more difficult to bypass than browser extensions because they operate at the account level — restarting the browser or switching to a different one won't help. However, they still have limitations: a user who knows the account password can disable the restrictions, and they don't block content accessed through apps (like YouTube through the YouTube app rather than a web browser).

Setting up device-level controls takes longer than installing a browser extension, but they're worth the time if you're managing access for multiple people or want restrictions that follow a user across all their browsing.

Blocking websites on your phone

Phone blocking works differently than computer blocking because phones don't have traditional browser extensions. On iPhone, use Screen Time: go to Settings, Screen Time, Content & Privacy Restrictions, Allowed Apps, and toggle off Safari. Then go to Content Restrictions and add websites to the "Limit Adult Websites" section. You can also add specific sites to block under "Always Allow" and then remove them.

On Android, use Google Family Link if you're managing a child's device, or use a third-party app like AppBlock or Freedom if you're blocking sites on your own phone. Family Link is built into Android and works similarly to parental controls on other devices. Third-party apps require you to grant them device administrator access, which gives them permission to enforce blocking even if you try to disable them.

Phone-level blocking is less reliable than computer blocking because many sites are accessed through apps rather than the browser. YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram can be blocked as apps, but blocking the website alone won't stop someone from using the app.

What happens when someone tries to visit a blocked site

When a blocked site is accessed, the user sees a blocking page instead of the website. Browser extensions typically show a custom message from the extension developer. Router blocking usually shows a generic "This site is blocked" message. Parental controls show a message explaining that the site is restricted on this account.

Some blockers let you customize the message — for example, Freedom lets you add a motivational quote or a reminder of why you're blocking the site. This can reinforce your own commitment or remind someone why a site is off-limits.

How to bypass website blocks

Website blocks can be circumvented in several ways. Browser blockers are bypassed by switching to a different browser or using a VPN service. Router blocks are bypassed by using a VPN or connecting to a different Wi-Fi network. Parental controls are bypassed by restarting in safe mode, using a different user account, or entering the account password if you know it.

This is why website blocking works best as a friction tool — something that makes visiting a blocked site slightly harder and gives you time to reconsider — rather than as an absolute barrier. If someone is determined to bypass the block, they usually can. The goal is to make distraction slightly harder and to create a moment of pause before visiting a site you've decided to avoid.

If you're managing access for children, combine website blocking with open conversation about why certain sites are off-limits. Blocking alone, without explanation, often leads to more determined attempts to bypass it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I block websites on just one person's account if we share a computer?

Yes, through parental controls or account-level restrictions. On Windows, create a separate user account and apply restrictions to that account only. On Mac, use Parental Controls on a managed account. On both systems, the restrictions apply only when that specific account is logged in. Browser extensions, by contrast, block sites for anyone using that browser on that computer.

Will blocking a website slow down my internet?

No. Browser extensions and parental controls have minimal impact on speed. Router-level blocking might add a tiny delay (milliseconds) because the router has to check each request against your blocked list, but you won't notice it in normal use.

What's the difference between blocking a website and uninstalling an app?

Blocking prevents access but keeps the app or website installed. Uninstalling removes it entirely. Blocking is reversible — you can unblock a site anytime. Uninstalling means you have to download and reinstall if you want it back. Blocking is better if you want temporary restrictions; uninstalling is better if you want to remove something permanently.

Can my internet provider block websites without my permission?

Your internet provider can block certain categories of sites (like illegal content) as part of their terms of service, but they can't block arbitrary websites without telling you. Some providers offer optional parental control services you can turn on. If you think your provider is blocking sites, contact them directly — they can tell you what's blocked and why.

Do I need to block websites if I just want to limit my own screen time?

Blocking is one option, but not the only one. You could also use app timers (built into most phones), set specific hours when you check certain sites, or use a separate device for work. Blocking works best when you want to remove temptation entirely. If you just want to limit time spent, a timer or schedule might be less disruptive.