The fastest way to block YouTube on Chrome
You can block YouTube on Chrome using the browser's built-in parental controls, a free extension, or your router settings. The simplest method for most people is installing a free extension like BlockSite or LeechBlock NG, which takes about two minutes and works when ready. If you want to block YouTube across all browsers and devices on your home network, you can do it through your router instead — this prevents anyone from reaching YouTube unless they change the network settings themselves.
The method you choose depends on what you're trying to accomplish. If you're blocking YouTube for yourself as a distraction, an extension works well. If you're managing a child's device, Chrome's built-in Family Link gives you more control. If you're blocking it across your entire household, the router approach is strongest.
Key Takeaways
- BlockSite and LeechBlock NG are free Chrome extensions that block YouTube when ready and let you set schedules for when the block turns on and off.
- Chrome's Family Link lets a parent or guardian block YouTube on a child's device and monitor which sites they visit.
- Blocking YouTube through your router prevents access on any device connected to your home network, including phones and tablets.
- A blocked site usually shows an error page or a message from the blocking tool, not a blank screen.
Using a Chrome extension to block YouTube
Installing an extension is the quickest method if you only need to block YouTube on one computer. 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 have thousands of reviews.
Click "Add to Chrome" on the extension page, then confirm by clicking "Add extension" in the popup. The extension icon will appear in the top right corner of your browser. Click it, then click the settings or gear icon to add YouTube to your blocked list. You can type the site name or URL. Most extensions let you set times when the block is active — for example, blocking YouTube on weekdays but allowing it on weekends — or you can block it all the time.
Once YouTube is added to your blocked list, trying to visit youtube.com will show a message from the extension instead of the site. You can turn the block off temporarily by clicking the extension icon and selecting "Disable" or "Pause", though some extensions require you to enter a password to do this.
Blocking YouTube using Chrome Family Link
If you're setting up a device for a child, Chrome Family Link gives you more detailed control than an extension. Family Link is Google's parental control system built into Chrome and Android devices. To set it up, you need a Google account and the child needs their own Google account.
Go to families.google.com and sign in with your account. Click "Create a family group" and follow the steps to add your child's account. Once the child's account is added, go to myaccount.google.com on the child's device, sign in as the child, and turn on Family Link supervision. After that, you can manage their account from your own device.
In Family Link, you can block specific sites, set screen time limits, and see which sites the child visits. YouTube can be blocked entirely, or you can restrict it to approved content only. Changes you make take effect when ready on the child's device.
Blocking YouTube through your router
Blocking YouTube at the router level prevents access on any device connected to your home network — computers, phones, tablets, and smart TVs. This is the strongest method because it works regardless of which browser someone uses or whether they install an extension.
Log into your router's settings by opening a web browser and typing your router's IP address, usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You may need to enter a username and password — check the sticker on your router or your internet bill if you don't know them. Look for a section called "Parental Controls", "Content Filtering", or "Access Control".
In that section, you can usually enter website addresses or keywords to block. Add youtube.com and www.youtube.com to the blocked list. Some routers let you set times when the block is active. Save your changes, and YouTube will be blocked for all devices on your network. Anyone trying to visit YouTube will see an error message from the router.
What happens when YouTube is blocked
When you try to visit a blocked site, you won't see the YouTube homepage. Instead, you'll see an error page or a message from the blocking tool. If you blocked it with an extension, the message will say something like "This site is blocked by BlockSite" and may offer a button to temporarily disable the block. If you blocked it at the router, you'll see a generic error message like "This site can't be reached".
YouTube's mobile app will also be blocked if you blocked it through the router, because the app connects to YouTube's servers the same way a browser does. If you blocked it with a Chrome extension, the app will still work on that device because extensions only affect the browser.
Differences between extension, Family Link, and router blocking
| Method | Setup time | Blocks on one device or all devices | Blocks the YouTube app | Can set schedules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chrome extension | 2 minutes | One device only | No, only the browser | Yes, most extensions support this |
| Family Link | 5 minutes | One device only | No, only the browser | Yes, you can set screen time limits |
| Router blocking | 10 minutes | All devices on your network | Yes | Yes, if your router supports it |
Removing a YouTube block
If you blocked YouTube with an extension, click the extension icon in the top right corner of Chrome and look for a "Disable" or "Pause" button. Some extensions ask for a password before you can disable them — if you set one up, you'll need to enter it. You can also right-click the extension icon and select "Remove from Chrome" to uninstall it completely.
If you used Family Link, sign into families.google.com with your account, find the child's device, and turn off the YouTube restriction. If you blocked it at the router, log back into your router's settings and remove youtube.com from the blocked list, then save your changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone bypass a YouTube block on Chrome?
If you blocked it with an extension, someone can uninstall the extension if they have access to Chrome settings. If you blocked it at the router, someone would need to change the router's password and access the settings themselves. Family Link is harder to bypass because the child's account is supervised by your account.
Will blocking YouTube on Chrome also block it on my phone?
No. A Chrome extension only blocks YouTube in the Chrome browser on that specific computer. If you want to block YouTube on your phone, you need to install a blocking app or block it at the router level. Family Link works on Android phones if you set it up on the child's account.
What if I block YouTube but still need to watch it sometimes?
Most extensions let you pause the block temporarily or set schedules so the block only turns on at certain times. Family Link lets you set screen time limits instead of a complete block. If you blocked it at the router, you'll need to log back in and remove it from the blocked list.
Does blocking YouTube slow down my internet?
No. Blocking happens at the browser or router level and doesn't affect your internet speed. Your connection works the same way whether the site is blocked or not.
Can I block YouTube but allow YouTube Kids?
YouTube Kids is a separate app and service, so blocking youtube.com won't block it. If you want to block regular YouTube but allow YouTube Kids, you can do that with Family Link by setting content restrictions instead of a complete block.