How to Block Websites in Chrome

Introduction

Whether it’s for parental controls, productivity, or simply maintaining focus, knowing how to block websites in Chrome can be essential. This comprehensive guide will walk you through different methods to block websites, including using extensions, modifying system settings, and leveraging router settings.

Block Websites Using Chrome Extensions

One of the simplest ways to block websites in Chrome is by using extensions. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store.
2. Search for a site blocker, such as BlockSite or StayFocusd.
3. Click Add to Chrome, review the permissions it asks for, and click Add extension.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up blocked sites. Typically, you’ll find these settings in the extension icon in the toolbar.

An extension is easy to switch off on the extensions page, so it works best for blocking your own distractions, not for keeping a child off a site.

Modify the Hosts File (Windows, macOS, Linux)

If you prefer not to use extensions, you can modify the hosts file on your computer to block websites.

Windows

1. Click Start, type Notepad, right-click it and choose Run as administrator. Without administrator rights you can’t save the hosts file.
2. In Notepad, click File > Open and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts.
3. Add new lines at the end of the file with the format 127.0.0.1 [website] (e.g., 127.0.0.1 facebook.com). Add the www. version on its own line too, because each name is blocked separately.
4. Save the file and restart Chrome.

macOS

1. Open Terminal (found in Applications > Utilities).
2. Type sudo nano /etc/hosts and press Return.
3. Enter your password and add new lines in the format 127.0.0.1 [website].
4. Press Control + O to save and Control + X to exit.
5. Flush the DNS cache with sudo dscacheutil -flushcache, then restart Chrome.

Linux

1. Open a terminal window.
2. Type sudo nano /etc/hosts and press Enter.
3. Add new entries in the format 127.0.0.1 [website].
4. Save changes with Control + O and exit with Control + X.

Block Websites at the Router Level

Blocking websites via your router ensures all devices on the network are restricted. Here’s a general approach:

1. Access your router’s settings by entering its IP address in your browser (often 192.168.1.1).
2. Log in with your router credentials.
3. Navigate to settings such as Parental Controls or Access Restrictions.
4. Add the websites you want to block and save the changes.
5. Restart your router to apply the settings.

Use Google Family Link for a Child

Chrome’s old “supervised users” profiles no longer exist. Parents now block sites through Google Family Link, which applies to Chrome when your child signs in with their own supervised Google Account:

1. Open the Family Link app and select your child.
2. Tap Controls, then Google Chrome and Web.
3. Choose Allow all sites, Try to block explicit sites or Only allow approved sites.
4. To block one site, under Manage sites tap Blocked sites and add it.

On Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone and iPad, a child can sign out of Chrome or use another browser, and then these settings don’t apply, as Google notes in its Family Link Chrome help.

Utilize Focus Apps

For increased productivity, focus apps can block distracting websites across devices:

• Standalone focus apps can block websites in every browser, and other apps too, on a schedule.
• Install and configure these apps according to your blocking preferences.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively block websites in Chrome across different platforms and devices. Choose the method that best fits your needs, whether it’s using extensions, modifying system files, or setting up network restrictions. For further assistance, consult the official Google Chrome Help page for more detailed guidance.