YouTube is one of the most popular websites for watching videos online. However, it can also be distracting and time-consuming. Additionally, some videos on YouTube may contain inappropriate content. As such, you may want to block or restrict access to YouTube on your devices.
Here are some effective methods to block and restrict YouTube website in the Google Chrome browser.
Table of Contents
Using Chrome Browser Extensions
One of the easiest ways is to use a Chrome browser extension that blocks websites. Here are the steps:
1. Install Block Site Extension
- Open the Chrome Web Store and search for “Block Site”.
- Choose the extension named “BlockSite – Website Blocker for ChromeTM”.
- Click on “Add to Chrome” to install the extension.
2. Add YouTube to Blocked Sites List
- Once installed, click on the Block Site extension icon in the top right corner.
- In the extension pop-up, click on the gear icon to access the settings.
- Under “Block Sites”, enter “youtube.com” and click “Add Site”.
3. Customize Blocking Options
In the Block Site settings, you can:
- Set a password to prevent uninstalling the extension
- Set specific block schedules, like only blocking during work hours
- Block YouTube on incognito mode
This allows you to fully customize when and how YouTube is blocked.
Using Chrome Restricted Mode
Chrome has a built-in Restricted Mode that filters out mature content. Here’s how to enable it:
1. Sign in to your Google Account
- Click on your profile picture on the top right corner of Chrome.
- Sign in to your Google account if required.
2. Turn On Restricted Mode
- Click on “Restricted Mode” in the drop-down menu.
- Toggle “Activate Restricted Mode” to the “On” position.
Restricted Mode will now be enabled, filtering inappropriate videos.
3. Lock Restricted Mode
- Click on “Lock Restricted Mode” in the pop-up.
- Enter your Google account password to confirm.
This prevents anyone from disabling Restricted Mode without your password.
Using Advanced Protection
You can leverage Google’s Advanced Protection Program for maximum security:
1. Enroll in Advanced Protection
Go to g.co/advancedprotection and click on “Get Started”. Follow the steps to enroll your Google account.
2. Use App Passwords
For apps like Chrome, scroll down and click on “App Passwords”. Generate an app password for Chrome.
3. Sign in to Chrome with App Password
Sign out of Chrome. Sign back in with your Google email and use the app password instead of your main password.
With Advanced Protection, you get the highest level of security with features like blocking third-party account access, blocking malicious links in emails, and more.
Using Router-Level Blocks
Blocking at the router-level blocks YouTube on all devices connected to your Wi-Fi network:
1. Access Router Admin Interface
Refer to your router manual to access the admin interface through a web browser.
Look for parental control or content filtering options in the admin interface. Common names are Access Control, Firewall Rules, Content Filter.
3. Add Site Blocking Rule
Add a rule to block the YouTube website by entering:
- Policy Name: Block YouTube
- Devices: All Devices
- Website URL/Domain: youtube.com
Save the rule. YouTube will now be blocked for all connected devices.
Using Operating System Controls
You can also use built-in parental controls in Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android to block websites:
Windows and macOS
- Open Family Safety/Parental Controls settings
- Click on Content Restrictions
- Check the box for “Block Specific Websites”
- Enter “youtube.com” to block YouTube
iOS
- Go to Screen Time settings
- Select Content & Privacy Restrictions
- Choose “Content Restrictions”
- Tap “Web Content” and select “Limit Adult Websites”
- Add “youtube.com” to “Never Allow” list
Android
- Open Google Family Link app
- Choose child account
- Tap “Manage Settings”
- Go into “Apps & Content” section
- Add YouTube website to list of blocked sites
Using Third-Party Apps
For advanced filtering, you can use third-party parental control apps like Net Nanny, Qustodio, Norton Family Premier.
These apps offer benefits like:
- Blocking content across devices (mobiles, tablets, computers)
- Filtering video streaming services beyond just YouTube
- Providing detailed reports on attempts to access blocked content
- Offering advanced AI-based dynamic content filtering
So in summary, some effective methods to block and restrict YouTube website in Chrome browser are:
- Using browser extensions like BlockSite
- Enabling Chrome’s Restricted Mode
- Leveraging Google Advanced Protection
- Blocking at router-level
- Using built-in OS parental controls
- Using third-party filtering apps
The best approach depends on your specific needs and environment. Combining methods like router-level blocking along with device-level restrictions provides the most secure protection.
About the Author
John is an independent technology writer and online safety consultant with over 15 years of experience. He is passionate about educating parents and families on digital wellbeing. John provides private consultations, workshops and one-on-one training on cyber safety best practices.
