How to Block Websites in Chrome

This guide shows you how to block distracting or inappropriate websites in the Google Chrome browser on Windows, Mac, and Chromebooks. You’ll learn several methods, from simple extensions to built-in parental controls, so you can choose the one that fits your needs.

What You’ll Need

• Google Chrome installed and updated.
• For extension methods: a Google account (to sync settings) and internet access to install the extension.
• For parental controls: a Google account for the parent/administrator and a separate Google account for the child (if using Family Link).
• Admin rights on your computer if you plan to edit the hosts file or use router-level blocking.

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Use a Chrome Extension (Easiest)

1. Open Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store (chrome.google.com/webstore).
2. In the search bar, type “website blocker� or “block site�. Popular options include “BlockSite�, “StayFocusd�, and “uBlock Origin� (which also has a site-blocking feature).
3. Click on the extension you want, then click “Add to Chrome�. A pop-up will ask for confirmation; click “Add Extension�.
4. After installation, click the puzzle piece icon (Extensions) in the toolbar, then click the pin icon next to your blocker extension so it’s visible.
5. Click the extension’s icon. A small panel will open. Look for an option like “Add siteâ€� or “Block siteâ€�.
6. Type the website address (e.g., www.facebook.com) and click the “Add� or “Block� button. The site is now blocked.
7. Some extensions allow you to set a schedule (e.g., block during work hours) or a daily time limit. Explore the extension’s settings to customize this.

Method 2: Use Google Family Link (For Children’s Accounts)

1. On your own device (parent), install the “Family Link� app from the Google Play Store or App Store.
2. Open Family Link and follow the setup to create a Google account for your child, or link an existing one.
3. On your child’s device, ensure they are signed into Chrome with that child account.
4. Open the Family Link app on your device. Select your child’s profile.
5. Go to “Controls� → “Content restrictions� → “Google Chrome�.
6. You can choose to “Allow all sites�, “Block explicit sites� (automatically filters adult content), or “Only allow approved sites�.
7. If you choose “Only allow approved sitesâ€�, you’ll need to add each allowed website manually. All other sites will be blocked.

Method 3: Edit the Hosts File (Advanced, Blocks on All Browsers)

1. Close Chrome.
2. Open the hosts file as an administrator. On Windows, it’s at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts. On Mac/Linux, it’s at /etc/hosts. Use Notepad (Run as Administrator on Windows) or a terminal editor like nano.
3. Add a line at the bottom of the file: 127.0.0.1 www.example.com (replace with the site you want to block). You can add multiple lines for multiple sites.
4. Save the file. If you get a permission error on Windows, you may need to copy the file to your desktop, edit it there, and then copy it back.
5. Flush the DNS cache. On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /flushdns. On Mac, type sudo dscacheutil -flushcache in Terminal.
6. Restart Chrome. The website should now be blocked.

Method 4: Use Router-Level Blocking (Blocks All Devices)

1. Find your router’s IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). You can find this by typing “ipconfigâ€� in Command Prompt (Windows) or checking network settings.
2. Enter that IP in a browser to open the router’s admin panel. Log in with the admin username and password (often printed on the router).
3. Look for a section called “Parental Controls�, “Access Restrictions�, or “Firewall�. The exact name varies by router brand.
4. Find the option to block websites or add a URL filter. Enter the website addresses you want to block.
5. Save the settings. The block applies to every device connected to your Wi-Fi, including phones, tablets, and computers.

Common Mistakes

• Blocking the wrong URL: Blocking “facebook.comâ€� does not block “www.facebook.comâ€� in some methods. Add both, or use a wildcard like “*facebook.comâ€� if the extension supports it.
• Forgetting to sync extensions: If you use Chrome on multiple devices, the extension must be installed on each one. Some extensions sync via your Google account, but not all.
• Using only an extension: Extensions can be disabled or removed by the user. For children or strict self-control, a router-level or Family Link block is more reliable.
• Not clearing browser cache: After editing the hosts file, the site might still load until you clear the DNS cache and restart the browser.

Tips

• For productivity, use a tool like “StayFocusdâ€� that allows you to set a daily time limit on distracting sites rather than blocking them entirely.
• If you’re blocking sites for yourself, consider using a password-protected extension or a separate profile for work.
• Regularly review your block list – sites change, and you might want to unblock something after a while.
• For parents, combine Family Link with open communication about why certain sites are blocked.

Troubleshooting

The extension doesn’t block the site

Check if the site is using HTTPS. Some extensions have trouble with HTTPS. Try adding “https://� before the URL in the block list. Also, ensure the extension is enabled and not paused.

The site still loads after editing the hosts file

This usually means the DNS cache wasn’t flushed. Repeat the flush command and restart Chrome. If it still loads, check that you edited the correct hosts file and saved it without a .txt extension.

Family Link is not blocking anything

Make sure your child is signed into Chrome with the child’s Google account, not a different one. Also, check that the “Content restrictionsâ€� are set to “Only allow approved sitesâ€� if you want strict blocking.

The router block isn’t working

Some routers have a separate “URL filterâ€� and “Keyword filterâ€�. Make sure you’re using the correct one. Also, the block might not apply to devices that use a different DNS server (like Google’s 8.8.8.8). You may need to change the DNS settings on the router or the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I block websites on Chrome for free?

Yes, most extensions like BlockSite and StayFocusd have free versions that include basic blocking features. Family Link is also free.

Will the block work on incognito mode?

Most extensions will block sites in incognito mode only if you enable “Allow in incognitoâ€� in the extension’s settings. Hosts file and router blocks work everywhere.

Can I block a website temporarily?

Yes, many extensions allow you to set a schedule or a timer. For example, you can block social media during work hours and unblock it in the evening.

How do I unblock a website?

For extensions, simply remove the site from the block list in the extension’s settings. For hosts file, delete the line you added. For Family Link, remove it from the approved list or change the restriction level.

Will these methods work on other browsers?

Extensions are Chrome-specific, but hosts file and router blocks work on all browsers. Family Link works on Chrome and Android devices.

Is it possible to block a website on Chrome without an extension?

Yes, you can use the hosts file method, router blocking, or Family Link (for children). These don’t require installing anything in Chrome.

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