How to Block Websites on Google Chrome?

With the internet being an open space for endless content, not everything we encounter is safe, appropriate, or productive. Whether you’re a parent trying to filter harmful content, an individual looking to boost productivity, or a network administrator enforcing browsing policies, blocking specific websites on Google Chrome can be a smart move.

In this article, we’ll walk you through various easy and effective methods to block websites on Google Chrome — both on desktop and mobile. Each method is explained in a straightforward way, so you can pick the one that fits your need and technical comfort level.

Why Block Websites on Chrome?

There are several reasons why blocking websites might be necessary:

• Protect Children – Restrict access to explicit, violent, or inappropriate content.
• Prevent Malware – Avoid sites that contain viruses or phishing scams.
• Improve Focus – Block distracting websites like social media or gaming portals.
• Control Usage – Manage access in an office or organizational environment.

1. Using Chrome Extensions (Desktop)

The simplest and most popular way to block websites is by using a browser extension. One of the top-rated tools is BlockSite, available in the Chrome Web Store.

Steps to Block Websites Using BlockSite:

1. Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for “BlockSite”.
2. Click Add to Chrome and confirm the installation.
3. After it’s added, click the BlockSite icon near your address bar.
4. Visit the website you want to block and click “Block this site.”

Extra Features of BlockSite:

• Focus Mode: Set timers to block distractions temporarily.
• Category Blocking: Block entire categories like adult, social media, or gambling.
• Redirect Option: Redirect blocked sites to productive websites.
• Password Protection: Prevent changes to your block list.
• Incognito Support: Enable blocking even in Chrome’s incognito mode.

Note: The free version supports up to 3 blocked sites. For unlimited blocks and advanced features, a premium plan is available.

2. Blocking Sites on Mobile (Android & iPhone)

If you’re using Chrome on your mobile device, the BlockSite app is also available for Android and iOS.

How to Block Sites on Android:

1. Download BlockSite from Google Play Store.
2. Allow necessary permissions.
3. Tap the + icon and enter the URL of the site you want to block.
4. Tap Done.

How to Block Sites on iOS:

1. Install BlockSite from the App Store.
2. Follow similar steps as on Android.
3. Alternatively, you can use iOS built-in Screen Time settings:
   • Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Web Content.
   • Tap Limit Adult Websites, then add specific URLs to block.

3. Use Built-In Parental Controls (Windows & Family Link)

For parents or guardians, parental controls offer system-level filtering.

On Windows 11:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Create or manage a child account.
3. Log into your Microsoft Family Safety dashboard.
4. Under Content Filters, enter websites to block.

Using Google Family Link (Android):

1. Install the Google Family Link app.
2. Add your child’s account.
3. Go to Manage Settings > Filters on Google Chrome > Blocked Sites.
4. Add the URLs you want to block.

4. Enable SafeSearch for Content Filtering

Google SafeSearch is an easy way to block explicit search results on Chrome.

How to Turn On SafeSearch:

1. Visit Google Search Settings.
2. Tick the box “Turn on SafeSearch.”
3. Scroll down and click Save.

Ideal for basic filtering of adult content without blocking specific URLs.

5. Modify the Hosts File (Advanced)

For users who want a system-wide solution that works across all browsers, editing the hosts file is a powerful method.

On Windows:

1. Go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.
2. Right-click the hosts file and open with Notepad (as admin).
3. Add this line at the bottom:
   127.0.0.1 www.example.com
4. Save the file.
5. Flush DNS using Command Prompt:
   ipconfig /flushdns

On macOS:

1. Open Terminal and type: sudo nano /etc/hosts
2. Add:
   127.0.0.1 www.example.com
3. Press Control + O to save and Control + X to exit.
4. Run:
   sudo dscacheutil -flushcache

This method blocks the website system-wide, not just in Chrome.

6. Use Google Admin Console (For Organizations)

For workplaces or schools using Google Workspace, administrators can control browsing via the URL BlockList feature.

Steps:

1. Log in to Google Admin Console.
2. Navigate to Devices > Chrome > Settings > Users & Browsers.
3. Select the organizational unit.
4. Scroll to URL Blocking.
5. Add the URLs under URL Blacklist.
6. Save the settings.

Perfect for managing multiple users and enforcing browsing policies.

7. Block Websites Using a Wi-Fi Router

You can also block sites at the network level through your Wi-Fi router.

General Steps:

1. Find your router’s IP (often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Log in to the router’s admin panel.
3. Go to Parental Controls or Security Settings.
4. Add websites under the blocked list.
5. Save and apply the settings.

This blocks the site across all devices connected to that network.

How to Unblock a Website on Chrome

Depending on the method used, here’s how to unblock:

• BlockSite: Open the extension > Edit block list > Click the trash icon next to the URL.
• Parental Controls: Access the Microsoft Family dashboard > Remove from blocked list.
• Hosts File: Reopen and delete the blocked line, then save and flush DNS.
• Google Admin Console: Remove the URL from the blacklist and save changes.
• Router Settings: Remove the blocked URL and save.

Conclusion

Blocking websites on Chrome isn’t just about restricting access — it’s about enhancing security, protecting young users, and fostering better focus. Whether you prefer simple browser extensions or want more advanced system-level controls, there’s a method for everyone.

Quick Summary of Blocking Methods:

Let us know in the comments which method worked best for you!