It’s only getting harder to manage screen time for kids — whether it’s setting up time limits, or making sure they don’t access inappropriate content. Sometimes you’ll think you’ve covered your bases by blocking access to an app (like YouTube(nouvelle fenêtre) or game apps like Roblox), but it turns out they’ve found a workaround by accessing the same content through their browser.
If you need to block a website on your Chrome browser, it’s important to note that Chrome doesn’t have a built-in way to do this, so we’ll share a few different approaches for both desktop and mobile.
Why would I need to block a website on Chrome?
There are any number of reasons why you might want to block websites on Chrome. These might include:
- To block inappropriate content
- To limit screen time
- To prevent access to social media
- To block access to certain games
Blocking access to specific websites can be an important part of your approach to limiting screen time and protecting your child’s mental health.
Options for blocking websites on Chrome
Here’s a quick overview of your options before we go into detail for each one.
| Option | Ease of use | Devices impacted |
| Family Link | Simple | Mobile and desktop |
| Chrome extensions | Simple | Desktop |
| Device-level settings | Simple | Mobile |
| Router-level blocking | Difficult | All devices |
How to block websites on Chrome with Google Family Link
Family Link is the most robust free option for parents, and it’s pretty simple to set up. You can use the Family Link categories to block sites, or add individual websites.
- Create a Gmail account for your child using Family Link(nouvelle fenêtre)
- Open Family Link and select your child’s profile
- Tap Controls > Google Chrome and Web
- Choose one of the existing settings (Allow all sites, Try to block explicit sites, or Only allow approved sites)
- Select Approved sites and Blocked sites under “Manage sites” to add approved and or blocked websites
This option works across desktop and mobile, provided your child is signed into their Google account. If you have an older device, however, you should check to confirm it’s compatible(nouvelle fenêtre).
Google’s SafeSearch(nouvelle fenêtre) is another feature that helps you manage explicit content in your child’s search results. If your child is logged in to their Google account with their correct age (and is under 18), this feature will already be toggled on to the Filter setting, which blocks any explicit content that’s been detected.
Parent tip: Once your child turns 13 they can opt for an unsupervised Gmail account, meaning you can no longer manage their account. They can then visit the previously blocked websites, and adjust the SafeSearch settings.
How to use Chrome extensions to block websites
Installing a Chrome extension is the most popular method if you only need to worry about desktop solutions. These extensions generally allow you to be more granular about permissions, so you can block websites at certain times (for example overnight, or during homework times) and allow them at others.
- Choose an extension and install it
- Add the URLs for the websites you’d like to block
- Set a password so that your kids can’t disable the extension
- Optional: Set time usage limits for sites, set blocking schedules, or block by category
Some commonly recommended extensions include BlockSite and Stay Focusd, however, you should do your due diligence and make sure the extension you choose meets your needs and gets a good rating in the Google Play or App Store. Note that while many of them are technically free, you’ll probably need to pay in order to block more than one or two sites.
Parent tip: Chrome extensions won’t work if your child switches to another browser.
How to block websites on Chrome Mobile
If you only need to block websites on mobile devices, or want to supplement your Chrome extension solution, here’s how you can go about blocking sites on your child’s mobile device:
Android devices
The Digital Wellbeing and parental controls settings on Android allow you to adjust how long they can spend on each site, but if you’re looking for more targeted control, you’ll need to download Google’s Family Link app(nouvelle fenêtre), which integrates with Android’s Digital Wellbeing.
Parent tip: Digital Wellbeing’s website filtering applies to the Chrome browser. If your child decides to use a different browser, you may need to block those browser apps entirely through Family Link’s app controls.
iPhone/iPad
The Screen Time settings offer a lot of control over what your kids can see on their devices, including the ability to block websites.
- Navigate to Screen Time, scroll down to Family and select your child’s name
- Scroll down and select Content & Privacy Restrictions
- Ensure this option is toggled on and tap App Store, Media, Web & Games
- Select Web Content and choose your preferred settings
Parent tip: These settings apply to everything on the iPhone or iPad, not just websites accessed using Google Chrome.
How to block websites on Chrome using your router
For parents who want to block sites across every device in the house, including gaming consoles, smart TVs, and more, you may be able to do this by updating your router settings. This is a more advanced option, but most routers have an app you can download, which makes the process slightly easier.
These are the steps for the ASUS router, which allows you to block categories, such as pornography and gambling, rather than specific pages.
- Tap on the Family tab
- Add a profile using the + on the top right of the screen
- Choose the age range that’s appropriate
- Add all the devices that you want grouped under that profile
- Select the time scheduling mode
- Go into the new profile and select Content Block
- Block all relevant categories
We recommend looking up the specific steps for your home router as the level of customization varies across devices and models.
Parent tip: Kids can circumvent router blocks by using mobile data.
What you can’t block (and what to do instead)
Kids are digital natives, and they’re shockingly good at finding workarounds when it comes to technical blockers; lock down Chrome and they may download another browser or use a friend’s device. Parental controls are important, including for social media, but they work best alongside open conversations about internet safety and digital literacy.
If you’re using multiple services to manage your child’s online activity, you may find it useful to use a secure password manager to keep all your logins in one place. Proton Pass also offers a dedicated family password manager that can help you share and manage family logins.
Parent tip: While these are all good options for preventing your child from seeing inappropriate content on Google Chrome, using Google products leaves your child vulnerable to Google’s data collection, tracking, and profiling. You may want to consider looking into a privacy-focused browser..
FAQ: Blocking websites on Chrome
Can I block websites on Chrome without an extension?
Yes, the best way to block websites on Chrome without an extension is to use the Family Link app.
How do I block websites on Chrome on my child’s phone?
To block websites on your child’s phone, you can use the Family Link app on Android or iOS, or update the Screen Time settings on iOS devices.
How do I stop my child from unblocking websites?
The Family Link restrictions are tied to your Google account, so your child can’t change Chrome’s filter settings without parental approval. However, this doesn’t mean they won’t attempt to access websites on a browser other than Chrome, or on a device that isn’t covered by parental controls. It’s best to pair technical solutions with conversations around what’s appropriate and why.
Does blocking work in incognito mode?
If your child is signed in to Chrome with an account managed by Family Link, then incognito mode is not available to them.
Is there a free way to block websites on Chrome?
Yes, Family Link is free, and there are some Chrome extensions that offer basic site blocking at no cost, although you’ll have to pay to get the really useful features.
