Blocking certain websites has benefits, including boosting productivity, time management, and removing distractions. When children or others share your devices, protect them from harmful content online. Considering the vast nature of the internet, you may’t restrict every website at once. But you can do it as you go.
You have the luxury of extensions, inbuilt blocking features, andparental control settings on your computer, depending on the browser you use. However, using these features only applies to that browser, which means you’ll bump into the websites on another app. A drastic measure is to alter the hosts file on yourpreferred computerso that installed browsers can’t access the website. This article shows you how to block websites in different ways.
How to block websites on Google Chrome
Chrome doesn’t provide settings for blocking websites unless you use an Enterprise or Education level account and you’re its administrator. On your personal account, install extensions from the Chrome Web Store to block websites.
The mobile version of Chrome doesn’t support extensions, so you may’t block websites. The best you can do is block the content within them, such as annoying pop-ups and redirects, automatic downloads, and more. Blocking websites on your PC doesn’t apply to the mobile browser. You’re still able to access the site.
Alternatively, use SafeSearch. While the feature doesn’t exactly block websites, it filters them so that inappropriate content from search results doesn’t appear often. You can customize its settings to choose the level of filtering that suits your preferences.
How to disable Google Chrome’s pop-up blocker
Not all pop-ups are intrusive ads, Chrome
Use the following steps toopen the Chrome Web Storeand block websites with extensions:
Block websites with extensions on a Chrome computer browser
Block websites with SafeSearch on the Chrome mobile app
How to block websites on Microsoft Edge
Website blocking on Microsoft Edge works similarly to Chrome. You need extensions to do it, and they don’t work on the mobile app. Blocked websites on the PC don’t apply to the mobile app, so you’ll still see the website on your phone or tablet. Use the following steps to begin:
How to block websites on Safari
Apple computers and phones have a Screen Time feature that lets you control and manage how much you use your device. Since Safari has no built-in website blocking features, use Screen Time to restrict adult websites.
The settings apply to every browser you install on the device, not only Safari. You can secure your settings with a passcode so that no one resets them without permission. Safari supports extensions, and you can install one from the App Store. If your computer runs macOS Sonoma, the steps are similar on mobile devices.
Here’s how to block websites on Apple Safari:
How to block websites on every browser with your computer’s hosts file
The hosts file maps IP addresses to host names. Imagine it as a phonebook for the internet that connects website names to their current addresses. When you search for a website’s domain name (for example, www.blockthiswebsite.com) in your browser, your computer looks up the IP address associated with that domain.
You’ll override this lookup process when you alter the file and add a loopback address. A loopback address is a special IP address representing a local host (your device). The most common type is 127.0.0.1.
When you instruct your computer to associate a website with the loopback address, you create a dead end and direct the traffic back to yourself rather than reaching out to a server on the internet.
Changes to your computer’s hosts file apply throughout the system and block a website on every browser and app you install. They take effect immediately. Do not attempt the following procedure unless you have moderate technical knowledge to avoid incorrect modifications and system issues.
Block websites with hosts files on Windows PCs
Block websites with hosts files on MacBooks
Say goodbye to unwanted websites
you’re able to’t control what goes up on the internet. But you can control what you see to some extent. These steps and tricks will help you and your loved ones keep unwanted content at bay. However, search engines are a small part of the ways they can pop up on your screens. Distracting content may also come as ads that interrupt your experience. You canblock them on your phones, tablets, and PCs easily.
