How to Block Websites on Chrome: 4 Methods That Work

There are four main ways to block websites on Chrome: using a browser extension (easiest), editing your device’s hosts file (most permanent), using parental controls through your router or OS, or setting up Chrome’s supervised profiles. Depending on your goals, mastering how to block websites on chrome gives you complete control over your digital environment and productivity.

For most people, a Chrome extension like BlockSite or StayFocusd does the job in under two minutes. For parents who need something a child can’t easily bypass, router-level blocking is the more reliable path. Here’s how to use all four methods.

Which Method Is Right for You?

Method 1: Use a Chrome Extension (Easiest)

Extensions like BlockSite (free + paid) and StayFocusd (free) are the fastest way to block distracting websites on Chrome. They install in seconds and work immediately.

Using BlockSite:

1. Open Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store.
2. Search for “BlockSite” and click Add to Chrome.
3. After installation, click the BlockSite icon in your toolbar.
4. Go to the Block List tab and type in the URL of any site you want to block.
5. Save – done. The site will now show a block page when accessed.

StayFocusd is better if you want time-limited access – for example, allowing yourself only 10 minutes of social media per day before it locks you out.

Method 2: Edit the Hosts File (Blocks All Browsers)

The hosts file is a system file that tells your computer how to resolve domain names. Blocking a site here affects every browser on the device – not just Chrome.

On Windows:

1. Open Notepad as Administrator (right-click → Run as Administrator).
2. Go to File → Open and navigate to: C:WindowsSystem32driversetchosts
3. At the bottom of the file, add a new line: 127.0.0.1 www.siteyouwanttoblock.com
4. Save the file and restart your browser. The site will no longer load.

On Mac:

1. Open Terminal and type: sudo nano /etc/hosts
2. Add the same line: 127.0.0.1 www.siteyouwanttoblock.com
3. Press Ctrl+X, then Y, then Enter to save. Flush your DNS cache with: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache

Method 3: Block via Your Router (Best for Families)

Router-level blocking is the most thorough method – it blocks websites across every device connected to your home Wi-Fi, including phones, tablets, and laptops.

1. Log into your router’s admin panel – usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in your browser.
2. Enter your admin username and password (default credentials are often on a sticker on the router).
3. Look for a section called “Parental Controls”, “Access Restrictions”, or “Content Filtering”.
4. Add the URLs you want blocked and save the settings.

Some routers also allow time-based restrictions – useful if you want social media blocked during study hours but accessible in the evenings.

Method 4: Use Chrome’s Family Link (For Kids’ Devices)

Google’s Family Link allows parents to manage a child’s Google account and Chrome browsing from their own device. You can approve or block specific websites, set screen time limits, and get activity reports.

• Download Google Family Link on the parent’s phone.
• Set up or link a Google account for your child.
• From the parent app, go to Settings > Manage Settings > Content Restrictions.
• Toggle on “Try to block explicit sites” and add specific sites to the blocked list.

Pro Tips

• Extensions are easily disabled by the user – if you’re blocking for yourself, commit to not disabling them. Willpower helps.
• Router blocking is the strongest method for households but requires the admin password to change – keep it secure.
• If you’re blocking for productivity reasons, consider also scheduling your day – blocking is only half the battle; replacing distraction time with focused work is the other half.