What blocking a website means and where it happens
Blocking a website means preventing your browser from loading it — the page won't open even if you type the address or click a link. This is different from deleting your browsing history or clearing cookies. The block stays in place until you remove it.
The block happens on your device, not on Google's servers. Google doesn't control which websites you can visit; your browser does. This means blocking works only on the device where you set it up. If you block a site on your laptop, it will still open on your phone unless you block it there too.
Most people block websites to reduce distractions while working, to prevent children from reaching certain content, or to stop themselves from visiting sites they're trying to avoid. The method you use depends on what you're trying to accomplish and which browser you use.
Key Takeaways
- Website blocks happen on your device in your browser, not through Google, so you must set them up separately on each device you use.
- Chrome, Firefox, and Edge all require a browser extension to block websites — the browsers themselves don't have a built-in blocking feature.
- Common blocking extensions include Freedom, Cold Turkey, and LeechBlock, each with different strengths for work focus versus parental control.
- Blocking only works if you don't uninstall the extension or switch to a different browser, so it's not tamper-proof for monitoring children.
Blocking websites in Chrome using an extension
Chrome doesn't have a native blocking feature, so you'll need to install a browser extension. Open Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store by clicking the three vertical dots in the top right, then selecting "Extensions" and "Open Chrome Web Store." Search for "website blocker" and you'll see several options. Freedom, Cold Turkey Blocker, and LeechBlock NG are the most widely used.
After you choose an extension and click "Add to Chrome," the browser will ask for permission to read and change your data on websites. This is normal — the extension needs this access to intercept the sites you want to block. Click "Add extension" to confirm. The extension icon will appear in your toolbar.
Open the extension and add the websites you want to block by typing the full address (for example, reddit.com or twitter.com). Most extensions let you set a schedule — you can block a site only during work hours, for instance, and allow it after 6 p.m. Some extensions also let you set a password so you can't unblock a site on impulse.
Blocking websites in Firefox
Firefox uses the same approach as Chrome. Click the three horizontal lines in the top right, select "Add-ons and themes," then click "Extensions." Search for a website blocker — Freedom and LeechBlock NG both work in Firefox. Click "Add to Firefox" and confirm the permissions.
Once installed, open the extension from your toolbar and enter the websites you want to block. Firefox extensions work the same way as Chrome extensions, though the interface looks different. You can usually set time-based blocking and password protection through the extension's settings.
Blocking websites in Microsoft Edge
Edge also requires an extension. Click the three dots in the top right, go to "Extensions," then "Get extensions for Edge." Search for a website blocker and select one. Click "Get" and then "Add extension" to install it.
The process from there is identical to Chrome and Firefox — open the extension, add your blocked sites, and configure any schedules or passwords you want. Many extensions sync across browsers if you sign in with the same account, so blocking a site in Chrome might automatically block it in Edge if you use the same extension and account.
Why blocking doesn't work for parental control
If you're trying to prevent someone else from visiting certain sites, blocking through a browser extension has a major limitation: the person can uninstall the extension or switch to a different browser. A determined user can also restart the computer in safe mode or use a different device entirely.
For actual parental control, you need a different tool. Windows has built-in parental controls through Settings, and macOS has Screen Time. These work at the operating system level, not the browser level, so they're much harder to bypass. Your internet provider may also offer filtering at the router level, which blocks sites for all devices on your network.
What happens when you try to visit a blocked site
When you navigate to a blocked website, the extension intercepts the request and shows a message instead of the page. The message usually says something like "This site is blocked" and reminds you why you blocked it. Some extensions show a motivational message or let you customize what appears.
If you set a password on the block, you'll see a prompt asking you to enter it before you can unblock the site. This creates a friction point — you have to consciously decide to unblock rather than just clicking through. That moment of friction is often enough to break the impulse to visit.
Removing a block or changing your blocked sites list
To unblock a website, open the extension from your toolbar, find the site in your list, and click the delete or remove button. The site will be accessible again when ready. If you set a password, you'll need to enter it first.
You can also disable the entire extension temporarily by clicking it in your toolbar and selecting "Turn off" or "Disable," though most extensions will ask you to confirm. Uninstalling the extension removes all blocks at once. Go to your Extensions page, find the blocker, and click "Remove."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I block a website on my phone the same way I block it on my computer?
No. Phone browsers like Chrome on Android and Safari on iPhone don't support extensions the way desktop browsers do. You'll need to use your phone's built-in parental controls or a separate app designed for mobile blocking. Android has Family Link and iOS has Screen Time, both of which can restrict websites at the device level.
Will blocking a website stop me from accessing it through a VPN?
No. A VPN changes your internet connection but doesn't affect your browser's blocking extension. The extension will still block the site even if you're using a VPN. However, if you uninstall the extension or switch browsers, the block is gone regardless of whether you use a VPN.
Do I need to pay for a website blocker?
Many blockers offer a free version with basic features like adding sites to a list and setting schedules. Paid versions usually add features like detailed time tracking, password protection, or blocking across multiple devices. LeechBlock NG is free; Freedom and Cold Turkey offer both free and paid tiers.
What if I block a site but still see it in search results?
Blocking prevents the site from loading when you click a link or type the address, but it doesn't remove it from search results. You're still seeing the link — you just can't open it. If you want to remove sites from your search results entirely, you can use Google Search settings or a search filter extension.
Can my internet provider see which sites I've blocked?
No. Blocking happens on your device, so your internet provider can only see that you're connecting to the internet, not which sites you've blocked or attempted to visit. If you want to hide your browsing from your provider, you would need a VPN, which is a separate tool from website blocking.