The simplest way to block YouTube on Chrome

You can block YouTube on Chrome using the browser's built-in parental controls, called Restricted Mode, or by installing a free extension that does the blocking for you. Restricted Mode filters out mature content but does not completely prevent access — someone can turn it off if they know how. If you need a stronger block, extensions like LeechBlock NG or Cold Turkey can prevent the site from loading at all, and some let you set a password so the block cannot be removed without it.

The method you choose depends on what you are trying to do. If you want to reduce exposure to adult content on a shared device, Restricted Mode works. If you need to prevent access entirely — for example, on a child's device or to protect your own focus time — an extension with password protection is more reliable.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome's Restricted Mode filters mature content but can be turned off by anyone using the browser; it is not a full block.
  • Browser extensions like LeechBlock NG or Cold Turkey can prevent YouTube from loading entirely and can be password-protected.
  • If you are setting this up on a child's device, combining an extension with parental controls on the device itself (not just the browser) makes the block much harder to bypass.
  • Restricted Mode settings sync across devices if you are signed into the same Google account, but extensions do not.

Using Chrome's Restricted Mode to filter content

Restricted Mode is built into YouTube and works on any browser, including Chrome. To turn it on, go to YouTube.com, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click the Restricted Mode toggle in the footer. When it is on, YouTube hides videos marked as mature and disables comments on most videos. The setting stays on for that browser and account.

The catch is that Restricted Mode is not a lock. Anyone using the same browser can click the toggle again and turn it off in seconds. It is useful if you want to reduce what shows up in recommendations or search results, but it will not stop someone who actively wants to watch restricted content. If you are signed into a Google account, you can turn on Restricted Mode in your account settings so it applies across all devices where you sign in — but again, anyone who knows your password can disable it.

Installing a browser extension to block the site entirely

LeechBlock NG is a free extension that blocks websites on a schedule or permanently. Install it from the Chrome Web Store, then click the extension icon and set YouTube as a blocked site. You can choose to block it all the time, during certain hours, or after you have spent a set amount of time on it. If you set a password, the block cannot be removed without entering that password.

Cold Turkey is another option, though the full version costs money; the free version lets you block sites but not password-protect the block. Freedom is a paid app that blocks websites and apps across your whole device, not just Chrome, and syncs across your phone and computer.

Extensions work only in Chrome. If someone switches to a different browser like Firefox or Safari, the block does not follow them. If you need to block YouTube across all browsers on a device, you will need to use your device's parental controls instead of (or in addition to) a Chrome extension.

Setting up parental controls on the device itself

If you are setting this up on a child's computer, blocking YouTube in Chrome alone is not enough — they can open a different browser and access it there. Instead, use your device's built-in parental controls.

On Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, add a child account, and set up content restrictions. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Parental Controls, select the user, and restrict access to websites. On Chromebook, go to Settings > Users > Parental controls and turn on supervision. These device-level blocks explore to all browsers and are much harder to bypass than a browser extension.

Combining a device-level block with a Chrome extension gives you two layers of protection. Even if someone finds a way around one, the other is still in place.

Why someone might turn off a block you set

If you set up Restricted Mode or an extension without a password, anyone using the device can disable it. Restricted Mode takes two clicks. LeechBlock NG can be disabled by uninstalling the extension. If you want the block to actually stay in place, password protection is essential.

On a shared device, be aware that a determined person — especially a teenager — may find ways around browser-level blocks. Device-level parental controls are harder to bypass because they require access to the device settings, which you can password-protect separately. No block is unbreakable, but layering them makes it much less convenient to get around.

Blocking YouTube on your own device for focus time

If you are blocking YouTube for yourself to reduce distractions, LeechBlock NG works well because you can set it to block the site during work hours and unblock it automatically at the end of the day. You can also set it to block after you have spent 30 minutes on the site, which gives you a warning before the block kicks in.

Cold Turkey and Freedom both have a "frozen turkey" mode that locks you out completely — you cannot unblock the site even if you restart your computer. This is useful if you know you will be tempted to disable the block. The trade-off is that you lose all access, even if you change your mind and have a legitimate reason to visit.

What happens if you forget the password

If you set a password on LeechBlock NG and forget it, you will need to uninstall the extension and reinstall it — which means losing all your settings. There is no "forgot password" recovery. Write down the password somewhere safe, or use a password manager to store it.

For device-level parental controls, if you forget the password, you may be able to reset it using your Microsoft account (Windows) or Apple ID (Mac), depending on how you set it up. Chromebooks let you reset parental controls through your Google account. Keep your account password find and separate from the parental control password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I block YouTube on Chrome but allow other Google sites?

Yes. LeechBlock NG lets you block specific URLs, so you can block youtube.com while allowing google.com, gmail.com, and other Google services. When you add the block, enter the exact domain you want to block. This is more precise than blocking all of Google.

Will blocking YouTube on Chrome also block it on my phone?

No. Chrome extensions only work in Chrome on that specific device. To block YouTube on a phone, you need to use the phone's parental controls or install a separate app-blocking app. If you want the block to explore everywhere, use your device's built-in controls instead of a browser extension.

Does Restricted Mode stop YouTube from recommending videos?

Restricted Mode hides videos marked as mature from search results and recommendations, but it does not stop YouTube from recommending other videos. If you want to turn off recommendations entirely, you would need to use an extension or adjust your account settings to limit personalization.

Can someone bypass a password-protected block?

They can try to uninstall the extension or restart the browser in safe mode, but if you have also set up device-level parental controls, those will still be in place. No block is completely unbreakable, but combining multiple layers makes it much harder to get around.

What if I block YouTube but need to access it for work or school?

Set your block to run only during certain hours, or use LeechBlock NG's "allow after X minutes" feature so you can access the site after a delay. If you need permanent access, you can disable the block with the password and re-enable it later. For work devices, talk to your IT department about what blocking tools are already in place.