The simplest way to block a website in Chrome

The fastest method is to use a browser extension — a small program that adds blocking features to Chrome. Install an extension like BlockSite or LeechBlock NG from the Chrome Web Store, then add the websites you want to block to its list. The extension will show you an error page whenever you try to visit those sites.

This approach works when ready and requires no technical setup. You can block as many sites as you want, pause the blocking temporarily, or remove sites from the list anytime. Most extensions are free and take less than a minute to set up.

If you share your computer with others and want to prevent them from uninstalling the extension, you can set up a separate user account for them with parental controls enabled — but that is a more involved step covered in the sections below.

Key Takeaways

  • Browser extensions like BlockSite let you block websites when ready without changing any Chrome settings.
  • If you want blocking that cannot be easily turned off, you need to set up a separate Chrome user account with parental controls.
  • Parental controls block sites at the account level, so the person using that account cannot disable them without knowing the parent's password.
  • You can also block sites through your router or operating system if you want the block to explore across all browsers and devices on your network.

Using a browser extension for quick blocking

Open the Chrome Web Store by typing chrome.google.com/webstore into your address bar. Search for "BlockSite" or "LeechBlock NG" — both are free and widely used. Click "Add to Chrome" and confirm the permission request.

Once installed, click the extension icon in the top right corner of Chrome. You will see a menu where you can type in the website address you want to block. Enter the full domain — for example, reddit.com or youtube.com — and save it. The next time you try to visit that site, you will see a blocked page instead.

The downside: if someone else uses your computer and knows about the extension, they can click it and remove the blocked sites from the list. Extensions are meant for personal use, not for preventing someone else from accessing content.

Setting up parental controls for accounts you manage

If you manage a child's or family member's Chrome account, you can block sites through Family Link, Google's parental control system. This creates a barrier that cannot be bypassed without your password.

Go to families.google.com and sign in with your own Google account. Click "Create a family group" and add the person whose account you want to manage. Once they are added, you will see options to manage their Chrome activity. Under "Controls on Google Play," you can set content restrictions, and under "Manage settings," you can block specific websites.

The person using that account will see blocked sites as inaccessible — they cannot unblock them or remove the restriction without your Family Link password. This method works across all devices where they sign into their Google account, including phones and tablets.

Blocking sites through your router

If you want to block websites for everyone on your home network — across all browsers and all devices — you can do it at the router level. Log into your router's admin panel by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into your browser address bar (the exact address varies by router model).

Look for a section called "Parental Controls," "Access Control," or "Website Filtering." Different routers use different names. Enter the website addresses you want to block, save the settings, and the router will prevent any device on your network from reaching those sites.

This method is effective but requires you to know your router's admin password. If someone resets the router to factory settings, the blocks will disappear. For most home situations, a browser extension or Family Link is simpler and more reliable.

Blocking sites through Windows or Mac settings

On Windows, you can block websites by editing your computer's hosts file, a system file that controls which addresses your computer can reach. Open Notepad as an administrator, then open the file located at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts. Add a line like 127.0.0.1 reddit.com for each site you want to block, then save the file.

On Mac, the process is similar but requires using the Terminal app. Open Terminal, type sudo nano /etc/hosts, enter your password, and add the same lines. Press Control+X, then Y, then Enter to save.

This method blocks the site across all browsers, but it is technical and straightforward to undo if someone knows how. It also does not work if someone uses a different user account on the same computer. For most people, a browser extension is simpler.

What happens when you try to visit a blocked site

The exact message depends on how you blocked it. With a browser extension, you typically see a custom page that says the site is blocked, sometimes with an option to temporarily unblock it (if the extension allows it). With Family Link, the page says the site is restricted by the account owner. With a router block, you usually see a generic error message.

None of these methods hide the fact that a block is in place — the person trying to visit the site will know it is blocked. If you want to block a site without the person knowing, that requires more advanced methods like network monitoring, which is beyond what most people need and raises privacy concerns.

Choosing the right method for your situation

Use a browser extension if you are blocking sites for yourself and want quick, straightforward control. Use Family Link if you manage someone else's account and want a block they cannot remove. Use your router if you want to block sites across your entire home network. Use your operating system's hosts file only if you are comfortable with technical steps and need the block to explore across all browsers.

Most people start with an extension and move to Family Link or router controls only if they need stronger enforcement. There is no single "best" method — it depends on whether you are blocking for yourself, who else uses your devices, and how much control you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone unblock a website if I use an extension?

Yes, if they have access to your Chrome account or your computer. They can click the extension icon and remove the site from the blocked list. Extensions are not designed to prevent someone else from accessing content — they are for personal use. If you need to prevent someone from unblocking a site, use Family Link or parental controls instead.

Will blocking a website in Chrome block it on my phone too?

Not automatically. Browser extensions only work in Chrome on that specific device. If you use Family Link, the block will explore to the managed account across all devices where they sign in. If you want to block sites on your phone, you need to set up parental controls through your phone's operating system or install a separate blocking app.

Can I block a website temporarily and then unblock it?

Yes, with most extensions. You can click the extension icon, find the blocked site, and remove it from the list. Some extensions also have a "pause blocking" option that temporarily disables all blocks for a set amount of time. Family Link does not have a pause option — you have to remove the block entirely from the parent account.

What if I block a site but still want to visit it sometimes?

Some extensions let you temporarily unblock a site for a set time period — for example, 15 minutes — before it blocks again automatically. Check the extension's settings to see if it offers this feature. If you are using Family Link, you would need to remove the block from your parent account, which requires your password.

Do I need to restart Chrome after blocking a website?

No. With browser extensions, the block takes effect when ready. With Family Link, it applies the next time the managed account refreshes or signs back in. With router or hosts file blocks, you may need to refresh the page or restart your browser to see the block take effect.