How to Block Websites: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Block Websites
Image Credit: Appauls

When you block certain websites, you are simply restricting certain individuals from accessing the content. There could be a lot of reasons why schools block websites from students, parents from their underage children, and organizations from their staff.

If you find yourself in any of these categories or have any reason to block a website, this article is for you.

Read also: How to Unblock a Website: Ultimate Guide

How to Block Websites on Chrome

Not every Chrome user has access to an integrated website-blocking feature. Using an extension is the simplest approach to block websites in Chrome. In Chrome, a website can only be blocked by a Google Admin Account without the need for an extension. You have to be logged in as an administrator to accomplish this.

Here’s how to use a Chrome extension-free method to block any website:

  • Open the Chrome browser and log in to your Google Admin Account.
  • To view Users & Browsers, select Devices > Chrome > Settings.
  • Select the users whose access to particular websites you wish to restrict.
  • Locate the section on URL blocking.
  • In the Blocked URLs tab, type the URL you wish to block.
  • Save the changes you’ve made.

You can restrict third-party cookies, control permissions, stop pop-ups, and disable alerts in Chrome even if you don’t have a Google Admin Account. To select the rights you wish to grant while visiting a website, navigate to Settings > Privacy and Security> Site Settings and make the necessary changes.

To guarantee you’re browsing as safely as possible, make sure you update Chrome frequently. You should also use a browser cleaner to routinely clear third-party cookies and maintain the functionality of your browser.

How to Block Websites on Desktop Chrome

As I said earlier, using an extension to block websites on Chrome is by far the simplest method. When you browse the internet, extensions are a great way to increase your security and privacy.

To use a website blocker on Chrome, follow these steps:

  • Click Add to Chrome after finding a website blocker plugin in the Chrome Web Store.
  • Install the Chrome browser extension to prevent access to certain websites.
    After clicking on the extension, provide your username and password to create an account.
  • After creating your account, select Add Item from the left menu, input the URL of the website or websites you wish to block, and click OK.
  • On the extension, type the URL of the website you wish to block.

How to Use Parental Controls to Block Websites

Setting up parental controls allows you to restrict websites without the need for a browser extension. Parental controls enable parents to restrict their children’s screen time and help keep them from visiting inappropriate websites.

Check out these parental control apps

It’s easy to block websites with parental settings. Parental controls are available for Mac, Windows, iPhone, and Android devices.

  • Navigate to Accounts > Family & Other Users > Control family preferences online
  • Select content filters by clicking on your child’s account.
  • Enter the URL of the website or websites that you wish to block.
  • Add its URL to the Windows family safety settings.

Block websites in the Edge Browser.

Although Edge gives you the ability to choose which websites your family members can visit with your account, the setup process is a little difficult. Users of Android can easily control blocking by downloading and using the AppBlock app. Although AppBlock doesn’t officially qualify as a parental control tool, it nonetheless offers all the functionality you require.

  • Launch the AppBlock application.
  • Choose “Try Quick Block,” then “Choose what to block,” before clicking “See all.”
  • Select the “Webs” tab.
  • After entering the website’s URL to be blocked, hit “Save.”

How to Use a Wi-Fi Router to Block Websites

You can use your router to block a website directly. Users can block URLs on their devices and browsers on their home network with the majority of Wi-Fi routers.

To use a router to block websites, follow these steps:

  • Verify the IP address of your router, which is typically found on the device itself. Alternatively, you can open Command Prompt, type cmd, hit Enter, and then type ipconfig to obtain the IP address on Windows. Once more, hit Enter, and the IP address of your router will show up under the listing of default gateways.
  • In the Chrome search bar, enter the IP address of your router.
  • Enter your router’s login credentials, which can also be found on the device itself.
  • Log in to change your WiFi router’s settings. Find the settings page, where you can impose restrictions on websites. Although it varies from router to router, it is typically accessible under the security tab and frequently subject to parental controls.
  • In your wifi router’s settings, go to the security tab and block websites. To add the URLs of the websites you wish to block, select the Template tab, follow the on-screen instructions, and then click Apply.

Any websites you add to the list will be inaccessible on the device or devices you have specified.

Block Websites on an Android Device Using Mozilla

Get the LeechBlock NG add-on for Android smartphones if you want to block particular websites on Mozilla.

  • In Mozilla, tap the three dots in the top-right corner, then click “Settings.”
  • Click “Advanced” and choose “Add-ons.”
  • Next to “LeechBlock NG,” tap the + sign. Then, hit “Add” to make sure you have selected what you want.
  • Go to the add-on’s “Settings” after it has been enabled.
  • Add the websites you wish to block, then adjust the other settings.
  • Select “Save Choices & Close.”

How to Block Websites on Your iPhone or iPad

Apple provides some useful parental control options for iOS users that allow you to block specific websites. This is how to do it:

  • Navigate to General > Settings > Restrictions.
  • Hit Enable Restrictions and set up a passcode that is different from the passcode that unlocks your phone.
  • After establishing the passcode, select websites by scrolling down. Here, you have the option of limiting access to adult content or just to particular websites.
  • You can add websites by tapping on Add a Website, but there is a short list of permitted websites on certain websites including Disney and Discovery Kids.

Apple restricts websites that are considered objectionable if you select Limit adult material. However, you may add websites to your whitelist by selecting Add a Website under Always Allow or add them to your blacklist by tapping on Never Allow.

A notice informing you that the website is restricted appears when you attempt to visit it. To access the website, tap Allow Website and enter the Restrictions passcode, which only you know, of course.

How do I block websites on my Android without an app?

Without an app, how can I block websites on my Android phone?

By altering the host file

You can change your host file, but to do so, your Android phone must be rooted. Technical expertise might be needed for this approach to work. The following potential risks are associated with rooting your phone:

It will render your warranty worthless.
There will be an increased risk of malware and hacking on your phone.
Access to safe and reputable apps on the Google Play store could be lost.

Use a firewall to block websites

A firewall can be set up to restrict specific websites. You could also adjust the settings of your apps with certain firewalls. You have the option to grant them access to undesirable websites or prohibit them from using mobile data to surf the internet.

However, to install a firewall and go thus far into your phone’s settings, you might have to root your device. Rooting your phone exposes it to several risks, as seen above. Thus, you ought to think about using firewall apps like from the Google Play store. Verify if they demand that your device be rooted.

Use an antivirus program to block websites.

A virus scanner is another alternative. It enhances your smartphone’s security in general and assists you in blocking unsafe sites that may conceal malware. Certain antivirus programs enable you to filter internet traffic and implement parental control, such as preventing access to pornographic or gambling websites.

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