The simplest way to block a site in Chrome
Chrome does not have a built-in blocking feature in its main settings. To block a website, you need either an extension (a small program that adds features to Chrome) or your router's parental controls. The easiest route for most people is installing a free extension like BlockSite or LeechBlock NG, which you can set up in under two minutes.
If you want to block sites across all devices on your home network — so the block applies whether someone uses Chrome, Safari, or any other browser — you configure it in your router instead. This takes longer but is more powerful.
The method you choose depends on whether you are blocking sites for yourself (extension is faster) or managing what others can access on your network (router is more reliable).
Key Takeaways
- Chrome extensions like BlockSite let you block individual websites in seconds and work only in Chrome on that device.
- Router-level blocking prevents access to sites across all devices and browsers on your home network, but requires you to log into your router's settings.
- Extensions can be bypassed if someone uninstalls them, while router blocks are harder to work around.
- If you are blocking sites for a child, router blocking is more effective because it applies to all their devices.
Blocking a site using a Chrome extension
Open Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store by typing chrome.google.com/webstore into the address bar. Search for "BlockSite" or "LeechBlock NG" — both are free and widely used. Click the blue "Add to Chrome" button next to the extension you choose.
Chrome will ask you to confirm. Click "Add extension" in the popup that appears. The extension icon will now appear in the top right of your browser, next to the address bar.
Click the extension icon and look for a settings or options button (usually a gear icon or three dots). Add the website you want to block by typing its address — for example, facebook.com or reddit.com. Most extensions let you choose whether to block it all day or only during certain hours. Save your settings, and the site is now blocked in Chrome on that device.
When you try to visit a blocked site, you will see a message saying the site is blocked instead of the website loading. To unblock it later, return to the extension settings and remove it from your block list.
Blocking sites through your router
Router blocking works across all devices on your home network, so it is more effective if you are managing access for a household. Open a web browser (any browser works) and type your router's IP address into the address bar. This is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's label or manual if those do not work.
You will be asked to log in. The default username is often "admin" and the password is either "admin" or "password", but this varies by router brand. If the default does not work, check your router's manual or the sticker on the back of the device.
Once logged in, look for a section called "Parental Controls", "Access Control", "Content Filtering", or "Website Blocking" — the exact name depends on your router brand. Click into that section and add the website address you want to block. Save the settings and exit.
The block now applies to all devices connected to your network. Anyone trying to visit that site on any browser will see a message that the site is blocked by the network administrator.
Why you might want to block a site
People block websites for different reasons. You might block social media to reduce distractions while working, block news sites to avoid doom-scrolling, or block shopping sites to control spending. Parents often block adult sites or gaming platforms to manage what their children can access.
The method you choose should match your goal. If you are blocking a site for yourself and you live alone, a Chrome extension is fast and sufficient. If you are managing a household or want the block to be harder to bypass, router blocking is more effective because it applies everywhere on your network.
The difference between extension blocking and router blocking
| Feature | Chrome Extension | Router Blocking |
|---|---|---|
| Works in Chrome only | Yes | No — blocks on all browsers |
| Takes effect when ready | Yes | Yes |
| Can be disabled by uninstalling the extension | Yes | No |
| Requires router access | No | Yes |
| Blocks across all devices on your network | No | Yes |
Unblocking a site you blocked by mistake
If you blocked a site using an extension, click the extension icon in the top right of Chrome, find the blocked site in your list, and remove it. The site will be unblocked when ready.
If you blocked it through your router, log back into your router using the same IP address and login you used before. Find the blocked site in your parental controls or content filtering section and delete it from the list. Save your changes. The site will be unblocked within a few seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone unblock a site I blocked with an extension?
Yes, if they have access to your computer. They can uninstall the extension or access its settings and remove the site from your block list. If you want a block that is harder to bypass, use router-level blocking instead, which requires knowing your router's login password.
Will blocking a site in Chrome block it on my phone too?
No. A Chrome extension only works in Chrome on the device where you installed it. If you want to block a site on your phone, you need to install the same extension in Chrome on your phone, or use router blocking, which applies to all devices on your network.
What if I forget my router login password?
You can reset your router to factory settings by holding down the reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all your settings, including any blocks you created, and restore the default username and password. After resetting, you will need to set up your WiFi network again.
Can my internet provider see which sites I block?
No. Blocking happens on your device or router, not on your internet provider's network. Your provider cannot see which sites you have blocked, only which sites you visit.
Does blocking a site stop it from sending me notifications?
No. Blocking a website in Chrome or your router prevents you from visiting it, but it does not stop the site from sending you emails or push notifications. To stop notifications, you need to unsubscribe from them in the website's settings or your browser's notification settings.