You can block a site on Android Chrome using the parental controls built into Google Family Link, or by using a third-party app that filters web traffic

The built-in method works best if you manage a child's device or want a straightforward block for yourself. Google Family Link lets you add sites to a blocklist directly from the Family Link app on your own phone, and the blocked sites won't load on the child's Chrome browser. The third-party method gives you more control over what gets blocked and why, but requires installing an extra app and usually costs money.

Neither method is foolproof — a determined person can sometimes work around blocks — but both stop casual browsing and accidental clicks.

Key Takeaways

  • Google Family Link is free and built into Android, but only works if you set up a supervised account for a child or another person.
  • To block a site in Family Link, open the app on your phone, select the person whose device you manage, tap Settings, then Blocked apps and sites, and add the URL.
  • Third-party apps like OpenDNS, Mobicip, or Net Nanny offer more detailed filtering and work on any Android device, but usually charge a monthly or yearly fee.
  • Blocked sites won't load in Chrome, but a person with device admin access can usually unblock them or uninstall the blocking app.

Setting up Google Family Link to block sites

Family Link is Google's parental control system. It works by linking your Google account to another person's account — usually a child's — so you can manage what they see on their Android device. To use it, you need to set up a supervised Google account first, which means the person whose device you're managing must be under 18 (or you can create a supervised account for an adult if they agree).

Once the account is set up and Family Link is installed on both your phone and their device, open Family Link on your phone. Select the person whose device you manage, tap Settings, then scroll down to Blocked apps and sites. Tap that option, then tap the plus sign to add a new blocked site. Type the full web address — for example, example.com — and tap Block. The site will be blocked when ready on their device.

The block applies to Chrome and most other browsers on that device. If the person tries to visit the blocked site, they'll see a message saying the site is blocked by Family Link, with no option to bypass it without your permission.

Using third-party blocking apps for more control

Apps like OpenDNS, Mobicip, Net Nanny, and Qustodio offer more detailed filtering than Family Link. Instead of blocking individual sites, they let you block entire categories — like social media, gambling, or adult content — and they show you reports of what was blocked and when. Some also let you set time limits for internet use or pause the internet entirely during certain hours.

These apps work by routing your device's internet traffic through their own servers, which filter out blocked content before it reaches your browser. Most require a paid subscription, usually between $5 and $15 per month, though some offer free versions with limited features. You install the app on the device you want to protect, create an account, and configure what you want blocked.

The downside is that these apps use more battery and can slow down your internet connection slightly, because every request has to go through an extra step. They also require you to remember your account password — if you forget it, you may not be able to unblock sites without contacting the app's support team.

What happens when someone tries to visit a blocked site

In Family Link, the person sees a message that says the site is blocked by Family Link, with the option to request permission. If you allow the request, the site unblocks for a set amount of time — usually 30 minutes — and then blocks again. You can also unblock a site permanently from the Family Link app on your phone.

In third-party apps, the message varies. Some show a generic "This site is blocked" page, while others explain which category the site falls into — for example, "This site is blocked because it contains adult content." Most don't offer a request feature; instead, you unblock sites by logging into the app's settings with your account password.

Why blocks can be bypassed and what that means

A person with access to the device's settings can sometimes disable or uninstall blocking apps, especially if they know the device password. Family Link is harder to bypass because it's tied to the Google account itself, not just the device, but someone with physical access to the phone and enough technical knowledge can sometimes work around it.

Neither method is meant to be a security system — they're meant to reduce accidental exposure and make it slightly harder to reach blocked content. If you're trying to protect a child, the block works best alongside conversations about why certain sites are off-limits. If you're using it on your own device to reduce distractions, the block mainly works because you're not actively trying to defeat it.

Blocking sites without Family Link or a third-party app

Chrome itself doesn't have a built-in site blocker, but you can use your router's parental controls to block sites across all devices on your home network. Log into your router's settings (usually by typing your router's IP address into a browser), find the parental controls or content filtering section, and add sites to a blocklist. This blocks the sites on any device connected to your Wi-Fi, including phones, tablets, and computers.

The downside is that this only works on your home network. Once someone leaves the house and connects to a different Wi-Fi or uses mobile data, the block no longer applies. It also requires you to know how to access your router's settings, which varies by router model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I block a site just for myself in Chrome, without Family Link?

Chrome doesn't have a built-in blocker for this. Your best options are a third-party app like Freedom or Cold Turkey, which block sites across your entire device, or a browser extension like LeechBlock NG, which blocks sites only in Chrome. Both require you to set a password so you can't easily unblock yourself when you change your mind.

Will the person know I blocked a site?

Yes. In Family Link, they'll see a message saying the site is blocked by Family Link. In third-party apps, they'll see a blocked page, though the message varies by app. There's no way to block a site invisibly.

Can I block a site on someone else's phone without their knowledge?

No. Family Link requires you to set up a supervised account on their device, which they'll see. Third-party apps require installation and account setup on their device. Both methods are visible to the person using the phone.

What if I forget my Family Link password?

You can reset it using your Google account recovery options. Go to myaccount.google.com, select Security, and follow the steps to reset your password. You'll need access to your recovery email or phone number.

Do these blocks work on mobile data, or only Wi-Fi?

Family Link and third-party apps work on both Wi-Fi and mobile data. Router-based blocks only work on your home Wi-Fi network.