The fastest way to stop seeing YouTube Shorts
You can block YouTube Shorts on most devices by turning off the Shorts feed in your YouTube settings, though the method differs slightly depending on whether you use the app or a web browser. On the YouTube app for phone or tablet, go to Settings, then tap "General" and toggle off "Show Shorts feed". On a computer browser, you cannot disable Shorts through settings, but you can use a browser extension like "Return YouTube Dislike" or "Shorts Blocker" to hide them from your home page and search results.
If you want to prevent Shorts from playing when you accidentally click one, or if you manage a family account, you have additional options. YouTube does not offer a parental control specifically for Shorts, but you can restrict the entire YouTube app through your device's built-in parental controls, which will require a PIN to open YouTube at all.
Key Takeaways
- The YouTube app on phones and tablets has a built-in toggle to hide the Shorts feed from your home screen, found under Settings > General.
- Desktop browsers do not have an official setting to disable Shorts, but free browser extensions can remove them from your home page and search results.
- YouTube does not offer a Shorts-only parental control, but you can restrict the entire YouTube app through your device's parental controls if needed.
- Blocking Shorts on one device does not affect your account on other devices — you must configure each one separately.
Disabling Shorts on the YouTube mobile app
Open the YouTube app on your phone or tablet and tap your profile picture in the top right corner. Select "Settings" from the menu that appears. Tap "General" and look for the option labeled "Show Shorts feed" — it will have a toggle switch next to it. Tap the toggle to turn it off. The Shorts feed will no longer appear on your YouTube home page, though you may still see Shorts recommendations mixed into other feeds or in search results.
This setting only affects the device where you change it. If you use YouTube on multiple phones or tablets, you will need to repeat these steps on each one. The setting is tied to your Google account, so if you sign out and back in on the same device, the setting will remain as you left it.
Removing Shorts from a web browser
YouTube's website does not have an official setting to disable Shorts. Instead, you can use a free browser extension to hide them. The most common options are "Shorts Blocker" (available for Chrome and Edge), "Return YouTube Dislike" (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari), and "Enhancer for YouTube" (Chrome and Firefox). Each extension works slightly differently — some remove Shorts from your home page only, while others also hide them from search results and recommendations.
To install an extension, open your browser's extension store (Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, Microsoft Edge Add-ons, or Safari Extensions), search for the extension name, and click "Add to [Browser]". Most extensions are free and do not require an account. After installation, Shorts will be hidden the next time you visit YouTube. If you change your mind, you can remove the extension the same way you installed it.
Using parental controls to restrict YouTube entirely
If you want to prevent someone from watching YouTube Shorts (or YouTube in general), you can use your device's built-in parental controls. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions, enter your Screen Time PIN, tap "Apps", and select "Don't Allow" next to YouTube. On an Android phone or tablet, go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls, tap "Parental controls", create a PIN, and toggle off YouTube. On a Windows computer, go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, select the account you want to restrict, and choose which apps to block.
This approach blocks the entire YouTube app or website, not just Shorts. The person trying to use YouTube will see a message saying the app is restricted and will need your PIN to open it. This is useful if you want complete control, but it is more restrictive than straightforward hiding Shorts.
What happens when you block Shorts
When you disable the Shorts feed on the YouTube app, the Shorts section disappears from your home page. However, you may still encounter Shorts in other places: in the "Recommended" section, in search results, or if someone sends you a direct link to a Short. Clicking a link to a specific Short will still play it — disabling the feed only removes the dedicated Shorts section.
Browser extensions work differently depending on which one you use. Some hide Shorts from your home page and recommendations but not from search results. Others hide them everywhere except direct links. If you find that Shorts are still appearing after you have disabled them, try a different extension or check the extension's settings to see if there are additional options you can adjust.
Why YouTube Shorts might reappear
YouTube occasionally re-enables the Shorts feed for some users as part of testing or updates. If you disabled Shorts and they suddenly reappear, check your settings again — the toggle may have been reset. This is more common on the mobile app than on desktop. You can straightforward turn the toggle off again.
If you are using a browser extension and Shorts reappear, the extension may have been disabled or removed during a browser update. Check your extensions list to confirm it is still installed and active. Some extensions also require periodic updates to keep working as YouTube changes its website layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I block Shorts for just one person on a shared account?
No. YouTube settings are tied to your account, not to individual devices or people. If you share a YouTube account with family members, disabling Shorts will disable them for everyone using that account. If you need different settings for different people, each person should have their own Google account.
Will blocking Shorts affect my YouTube watch history or recommendations?
No. Disabling the Shorts feed only hides the Shorts section from your home page. It does not change what YouTube recommends to you or how your watch history works. YouTube will still track what you watch and use it to suggest videos.
Do browser extensions work on YouTube's mobile website?
Most browser extensions do not work on mobile browsers because phones and tablets do not support extensions the same way desktop browsers do. If you want to block Shorts on mobile, use the YouTube app's built-in toggle instead. Some mobile browsers like Firefox do support extensions, but availability varies.
What if I change my mind and want to see Shorts again?
On the YouTube app, go back to Settings > General and toggle "Show Shorts feed" back on. On a desktop browser, uninstall the extension or disable it in your extensions menu. Shorts will reappear on your home page the next time you refresh the page.
Does blocking Shorts on my phone also block them on my computer?
No. Each device has its own settings. If you disable Shorts on your phone, they will still appear on your computer unless you also disable them there. You must configure each device separately.