How to Block a Website on Chrome: A Comprehensive Guide

With over 3.4 billion users worldwide, it’s no surprise that Google Chrome stands as one of the top web browsers. My team and I tested its methods and found that Chrome’s easy-to-use interface, smooth integration with various Google apps, and strong features truly make it a favorite.

But even with all its popularity, we realized that there are times when we need more control over our browsing experience. Whether it's avoiding distracting websites, safeguarding devices from potential malware, or maintaining security, blocking certain websites can make a big difference. So, what’s the best way to do this?

We found that blocking websites is the key. Chrome provides different methods for this, depending on your needs. I along with my team have tested these methods across multiple devices, including desktops, laptops, and smartphones. Here's a simple guide on how to block a website on Google Chrome—whether you're on Windows, macOS, or Android, we’ve got you covered with easy steps for each!

How to Block Websites on Chrome Without Extension?

Blocking websites on Chrome without adding an extension means using features of the browser itself or settings in the operating system. These methods are strong and lasting, and do not need other software. This is how you can stop sites in Chrome:

Using Hosts File On Windows

To block websites on Chrome without an extension on Windows, you can edit the hosts file. This method redirects the URLs of the sites you want to block to a local IP address (127.0.0.1), effectively preventing access to these sites.

• Step 1: On your administrator account, search for Notepad in the Start menu. Right click on Notepad and select "Run as administrator."

• Step 2: In Notepad, go to File > Open. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc. Select the "hosts" file. Ensure "All Files" is selected in the file type dropdown.

• Step 3: Now, you will have to edit the Hosts File. To do so, scroll to the bottom of the file. Add the websites you wish to block using the format 127.0.0.1 www.blockedwebsite.com.

For example:

127.0.0.1 www.example.com
127.0.0.1 example.com

• Step 4: Save the file and close Notepad. Restart your browser for the changes to take effect.

By editing the host file, you can block sites on Chrome permanently without using any extensions. This method is particularly useful for users who want to block certain websites across all browsers and applications on their system.

Using Screen Time On Mac

Mac users can use the Screen Time feature to restrict websites on Chrome without extensions. Screen Time allows you to limit access to adult websites and add specific URLs to a block list.

• Step 1: Open Apple Menu and locate System Settings. Further, select Screen Time followed by Content & Privacy.
• Step 2: Turn on the Content Privacy toggle and choose App Restrictions.

• Step 3: From the drop-down menu, select Limited Adult Website and click on Customise. This option will let you add specific websites that you wish to block.
• Step 4: Enter the URLs of specific websites that you wish to block and click Done.

By using Screen Time, you can block websites on Chrome on a Mac, ensuring that the restrictions are enforced system-wide, not just within the browser.

How to Block Websites on Chrome Using Third-party Extensions?

The easiest way to block websites on Chrome is by using Google or third-party extensions. Here’s an easy guide to help you block websites on Chrom with extensions. Whether you’re using Mac or Windows, extensions work equally well. 

• Step 1: Open Chrome Web Store and select Extensions.

• Step 2: Search for third-party extensions, such as BlockSite. Open it and add it to Chrome.

• Step 3: Click on the Add Extensions button that will appear as a popup.

• Step 4: In a new window, you’ll find the BlockSite page open. Paste your choice of websites in the active search panel and press on the “+ Add to Block List”. This will save your changes and implement them on your browser.

You are now ready to protect your web browser from accessing any unwanted websites. 

Blocking Websites on Mobile Devices

Blocking websites on mobile devices requires specific steps for Android and iOS:

How to Block a Website on Android Chrome?

Using Google Family Link On Android

Wondering how to block websites on Android Chrome?

To block sites on Chrome on Android devices, you can use Google Family Link, a parental control app that helps manage the browsing experience for children.

• Step 1: Download and install Google Family Link from Google Play Store.

• Step 2: Set up Family Link on both parent and child devices.
• Step 3: Open the Family Link app on the parent device and select the child's account. 
• Step 4: Go to Manage Settings and then Google Chrome. Enable Try to block explicit sites and add specific URLs to block.

How to Block a Website on Chrome iPhone?

iPhone users can also use the Screen Time feature to block sites on Chrome. I tested the same on my iPhone, and here’s an analysis for you:

Using Screen Time on iOS

• Step 1: Go to Settings > Screen Time and enable it.

• Step 2: Select Content & Privacy Restrictions and enable restrictions.
• Step 3: Under Web Content, click on the Limited Adult Websites option. A Never Allow list will be opened where you can add your choice of websites that you wish to block.

Mobile device blocking ensures safe and controlled browsing for users on the go.

How to Block Websites Using Parental Controls?

Parental controls are a great way to block inappropriate websites on Chrome, ensuring a safe browsing environment for children. Here's how to do it as we tested the same:

• Step 1: Access Chrome settings on your browser or go to “https://www.google.com/preferences”

• Step 2: Select "SafeSearch" to enable filtering of explicit content.

Parental control apps offer a robust solution for restricting access to inappropriate content and blacklist websites, ensuring children have a safe online experience.

Blocking Websites via Router Settings

Blocking websites at the router level is a powerful method to control access across all devices connected to your network. My team and I tested this process to ensure its effectiveness in keeping unwanted websites off our devices. By adjusting settings directly in the router, you can prevent access to specific sites for everyone using your Wi-Fi, making it ideal for maintaining a secure and distraction-free environment.

• Step 1: Access Router Settings by entering your router's IP address into the browser's address bar (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).

• Step 2: Log in with your router admin credentials, which is often available on your router.

• Step 3: Navigate to the "Parental Controls" or "Access Restrictions" section.
• Step 4: Add the URLs of the websites you want to block.
• Step 5: Save the settings and restart the router.

Blocking websites via router settings ensures comprehensive control, affecting all devices on the network without additional configuration.

Block Websites Using Chrome Incognito Mode

Even though Chrome’s incognito mode is designed for private browsing, my team and I tested ways to block websites even in this mode, and it’s totally doable. If you already have an extension active for blocking websites, this becomes much easier. Extensions like BlockSite or StayFocusd can be configured to work in incognito mode with just a few tweaks in the settings.

• Step 1: Click on the Manage Extensions button

• Step 2: Locate the third-party website-blocking app on your extensions. In our case, locate the BlockSite extension.

• Step 3: Enable the Allow in Incognito button

The extension will now also work in incognito mode when thinking about how to block certain websites. 

Conclusion

Blocking websites on Chrome is a great way to ensure a safer and more productive browsing experience. My team and I tested different methods to see which ones work best for avoiding spammy sites and distractions. With how to block a website on Google Chrome, you can easily use built-in features like Safe Search and parental controls or install third-party extensions like BlockSite. These solutions help block unwanted websites that disrupt your browsing or pose security risks.

In our tests at MobileAppDaily, we found that Chrome’s built-in settings work well for basic filtering, while extensions provide more advanced options for managing restricted websites. By following the steps we outlined, you can customize your Chrome experience, keeping unwanted sites at bay and protecting yourself or your family from potential online threats. It’s a straightforward solution that enhances both security and productivity.