How to Block Websites on Your Browser

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Sometimes, you may want to block certain websites on your browser. This can be useful for a variety of reasons, such as reducing distractions, protecting children, or ensuring security. In this guide, we will explore different ways to block websites on different browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. We will also discuss some more advanced techniques using hosts files and browser extensions. Let's get started!

Blocking a website on Google Chrome

There are several ways to block a website on Google Chrome. Here we will explain how to use extensions and supervised user settings.

Using extensions to block websites

The easiest way to block a website on Google Chrome is to use a browser extension. Here are the steps to do so:

1. Open Google Chrome. Launch the Chrome browser on your computer.
2. Go to the Chrome Web Store: Type Chrome Web Store in the address bar and press Enter.
3. Find the extension: In the Web Store, type "website blocker" or "site blocker" in the search bar and press Enter.
4. Select an extension: Browse the search results and select an extension, such as "BlockSite" or "StayFocusd."
5. Add to Chrome: Click the "Add to Chrome" button next to the extension you want to install.
6. Confirm installation: A popup will appear for confirmation. Click "Add extension" to install the extension.
7. Configure the extension: After installation, click the extension icon in the upper-right corner of the browser to open the settings. Follow the instructions to block a specific website.

Using supervised user settings

If you're setting up a profile for a child or someone else who needs supervision, you can use Chrome's supervised user settings.

1. Open Settings: Click the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner of the browser and select "Settings."
2. Go to People: In the left sidebar, click "People."
3. Manage other people: Click "Manage other people."
4. Add a person: Click the "Add Person" button.
5. Create a supervised person: In the popup window, enter a name and choose an avatar. Check the box for "Control and see the websites this person visits from [your account]." Click "Add."
6. Block websites: Go to the supervised user's profile. Click their avatar in the top right corner and select "Change person" to log into their profile. Open Chrome Settings and go to "People" > "Manage other people" > "[Supervised user's name]". Add the websites you want to block under the "Blocked sites" section.

Blocking websites on Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox also allows users to block websites using add-ons. Here's how you can do it:

Using add-ons to block websites

1. Open Firefox. Launch the Firefox browser on your computer.
2. Go to Add-ons: Click the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner and select "Add-ons."
3. Find an add-on: In the Add-ons Manager, type "website blocker" or "site blocker" in the search bar and press Enter.
4. Select an add-on: Browse the search results and select an add-on, such as "Block Site" or "LeechBlock NG."
5. Add to Firefox: Click the "Add to Firefox" button next to the add-on you want to install.
6. Confirm installation: A popup will appear for confirmation. Click "Add" to install the add-on.
7. Configure the add-on: After installation, click the add-on icon in the upper-right corner of the browser to open the settings. Follow the instructions to block a specific website.

Blocking a website on Safari

On Safari, you can block websites using parental controls. Follow these steps:

1. Open System Preferences: Click the Apple menu and select "System Preferences."
2. Go to Screen Time: Click "Screen Time."
3. Select a user: In the left sidebar, select the user account for which you want to block a website.
4. Go to Content & Privacy Restrictions: Click "Content & Privacy" and make sure it's turned on.
5. Open web content: Click "Content" and select "Web Content."
6. Block websites: Select "Limit Adult Websites," then click "Customize." Under "Restrict," add the URLs of the websites you want to block. Click "OK" to save the settings.

Blocking websites on Microsoft Edge

You can block websites on Microsoft Edge using an extension similar to Chrome. Here's how you can do it:

1. Open Microsoft Edge: Launch the Edge browser on your computer.
2. Go to Microsoft Edge Add-ons: Type Microsoft Edge Add-ons in the address bar and press Enter.
3. Find the extension: In the add-ons store, type "website blocker" or "site blocker" in the search bar and press Enter.
4. Select an extension: Browse the search results and select an extension, such as "Block Site" or "StayFocused."
5. Add to Edge: Click the "Get" button next to the extension you want to install.
6. Confirm installation: A popup will appear for confirmation. Click "Add extension" to install the extension.
7. Configure the extension: After installation, click the extension icon in the upper-right corner of the browser to open the settings. Follow the instructions to block a specific website.

Advanced website blocking techniques

If you want to block a website on all browsers or need more control, you can modify your computer's hosts file. This method requires administrative privileges and some basic knowledge of text editing.

Blocking a website using the hosts file (Windows)

1. Open Notepad as administrator: Search for Notepad in the Start menu, right-click, and select "Run as administrator."
2. Open the hosts file: In Notepad, click "File" > "Open." Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc. Select "All Files" from the file type dropdown, then choose "hosts" and click "Open."
3. Edit the hosts file: Add a new line at the bottom of the file and type 127.0.0.1 example.com, replacing "example.com" with the URL of the website you want to block.
4. Save the file: Click "File" > "Save" to save the changes.
5. Restart browser: Close and reopen your browser for the changes to take effect.

Blocking a website using the hosts file (Mac)

1. Open the Terminal: Go to "Applications" > "Utilities" > "Terminal."
2. Edit the hosts file: Type sudo nano /etc/hosts and press Enter. Enter your password when prompted.
3. Add the website to block: Add a new line at the bottom of the file and type 127.0.0.1 example.com, replacing "example.com" with the URL of the website you want to block.
4. Save the file: Press Control + O to save the file, then press Control + X to exit nano.
5. Flush the DNS cache: Type sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter.

Using router settings to block websites

If you want to block websites for all devices on your network, you can configure your router's settings. Here's how:

1. Access the router settings: Open a web browser and type in your router's IP address (usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Log in: Enter your router's username and password. Default values are often found in the router's manual or on a sticker on the router itself.
3. Find Parental Controls or Security: Go to the "Parental Controls," "Security," or "Access Restrictions" section. The exact location and terminology may vary depending on your router model.
4. Add websites to block: Look for the option to block specific websites. Enter the URLs of the sites you want to block and save the settings.

Conclusion

Blocking websites on your browser can be a very useful tool for maintaining attention, protecting children or ensuring online safety. Whether you use browser extensions, parental controls, hosts files or router settings, each method has its own unique advantages and meets different needs. We hope this guide has given you a comprehensive understanding of how to block websites on different platforms and browsers.

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