How To Block A Website On Google Chrome (6 Methods)

Spending time on the internet is fun, but it also comes with its share of pros and cons. It allows for a great opportunity to learn new things and be entertained, however, there is a side that it can present content that may hinder productivity or is against the beliefs and ethic of a person. Thankfully there are options on Google Chrome that can be used to manage the access to these sites.

In this guide, the author will describe six ways to block sites on Chrome specifically. Continue with us to move towards mastery to influence how the internet is being used and achieve more in the virtual world.

Please read our article on How to Fix ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR in Google Chrome: 3 Methods

Key Takeaways:

• In Chrome there are several methods of blocking websites using browsers’ integrated tools, as well as extensions.
• Thus, the most efficient mechanisms are router-level blocking and using parental control programs.
• Choose safer and on-focus websites in Chrome with a blacklist, Strict NoCoin extension, and other tools
• Blocking can be done by either of the following methods; adding the individual sites or turning on the automatic blockers.
• The workaround methods such as the host file offer other methods of blocking access.

#1. Using Chrome’s Built-In Blacklist

Interestingly, Chrome has this concealed blacklist whereby the user can deny access to specific websites based on his/her desires. This basic method does not involve the use of other software and shuts down access to sites on all browsers once logged into Google.

To use it:

1. Type `chrome: Therefore, type ‘chrome://settings/content/protectedContent’ into the address bar and press the enter button.
2. Click “Add“
3. Type the URL of the site that you want to ban from your network.
4. Click “Add” to confirm

or Simply follow the below steps:

• Open Chrome on your computer.
• Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner.
• Select “Settings” from the menu.
• Scroll down and click on “Privacy and security.”
• Choose “Site settings” to manage permissions for all websites.

This simply means that if any site has been added to the blacklist, it becomes impossible for it to be accessed by users.

Benefits

• Basic not complex, no additional equipment is needed
• It even synchronizes across browsers with your Google profile login.

Downsides

• In order to block a site, you have to type it in yourself in the above input boxes
• It can be easily avoided by creating another profile on the browser or using another browser.

In conclusion, the blacklist is effective in helping you avoid certain sites or several sites that you do not wish to access. Still, some power users may need more options than that, possibly with more settings to tweak.

#2. Leverage Chrome Extensions For Blocking

The Chrome Web Store contains extensions that offer site filtering options like Chrome site-blocking without having to fix settings or files manually. They offer more options to suit the specific needs of the person against whom a blocking order has been sought.

Some top extensions include:

StayFocusd

Stick to the primary sites; avoid going through meaningless sites which take time. There is usually always something more interesting than work to see online; therefore, it is recommended to block certain websites for a specified number of hours in a day. They will become inaccessible for the rest of the day once the stated number of individuals have arrived at the sites.

BlockSite

Restrict specific URLs or multiple addresses simultaneously or categorically, such as social or news. Personalize messages displayed when trying to access the prohibited sites, to encourage users to continue using the site.

Strict NoCoin

Prevent websites that use the users’ CPU for mining cryptocurrencies which may negatively impact their browser and device. Bans such sites or makes it almost impossible for people to visit them.

Whenever one is putting in an extension, it is very important that he or she looks at the permissions that the extension is likely to demand. Choose those that are reputable and ask for permissions that are essential in enabling a simple block feature.

Benefits

• Advanced settings which can be used for filtering out certain sites or certain categories of sites.
• The feature to limit the time interval during which the selected user will be blocked
• Extra measures for mitigating the risk of cryptominers

Downsides

• This is often implemented when the client has to install extra software.
• These settings are located in extension rather than in main windows of the browser.

You don’t have to block something out manually with the help of the right Chrome extension as they allow you to block specific distracting or malicious sites right in the browser.

#3. Use The Hosts File For Basic Blocking

The bonsai Windows users can take advantage of the host file and block web access without the assistance of the browser. This way, he adds sites to the hosts file, thus mapping their domains to the loopback address rather than the actual IP address. This prohibits connections from passing through.

Here is how to edit Hosts for blocking:Here is how to edit Hosts for blocking:

1. Open Notepad as administrator
2. Open C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc\hosts
3. For example, you may have the following entries: 127. 0. 0. 1 www. example. com
4. Save changes and exit

It should be noted now, that when navigating to the added domains it will not be possible to do it. But this only works for site directly accessed and not links or other stuff embedded within webpages.

Benefits

• Simple doesn’t need the installation of any additional programs.
• Implementing the changes at a system level also ensures that the changes are consistent and synchronised.

Downsides

• For individuals with more advanced skills on the computer or a better understanding of how the program works on their computer, less advanced options will be available for them to use.
• Steps followed for Mac/Linux system only
• But as it is merely a list of websites which can be directly accessed, it is only capable of blocking the websites listed on it.

In conclusion, blocking access to a website with hosts file is more laborious than using browser extensions, but this method is not tied to a specific browser. It also allows flexible session blocking by persisting settings across browsing apps.

#4. Router-Level Blocking For Whole-Network Protection

When it comes to blocking, there are a number of ways it can be done with one of the most efficient being blocking at the router level. This can be useful in setting parameters of the whole network to all devices which connect to the WiFi.

Here is how to block sites on a router:

1. To access the router’s admin panel, use the following credentials:
2. Go to the options either called Parental Control or Content Filtering.
3. Just provide the URLs of the sites you wish to block or choose to block the entire category.
4. Save settings

Now any device under the same network of your home will not be able to access the blocked content. And you have one list of rules for the entire home or office and do not have to set up each device.

Benefits

• Single place to set restrictions applied to the entire overlying configured network.
• May work for all browsers and devices that are connected to the network
• Facilitating scheduling and time limit assignment related to blocking

Downsides

• The access requires router admin privilege
• The first time setting up of this aspect might be a little challenging.
• Despite some advantages, it is less portable compared to the browser-only blocking.

For parents, strict studying environments or productivity-oriented workplaces, blocking at the router level proves to be practical and viable to ensure consistent access restrictions.

#5. Enable Family Safety Settings In Chrome

Family Safety options available in Chrome have practical and effective category blocking ideal for keeping children safe while browsing the internet. Switching these on helps in avoiding sites with such content from loading.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Open your profile by clicking on your picture, then click Family, Supervised appears on the Chrome toolbar
2. Select ‘Add child’ This is applicable if the account has already been setup under a family account.
3. Navigate to the “Content restrictions” tab, then select “Category blocking”.
4. Cross off elements such as violence, alcohol and so on.
5. Click “Done” and confirm

There will also be filtering of sites in prohibited categories which shall be done by chrome. This assists protect vulnerable minds without having to look into specific domains of information.

Benefits

• Detailed and encompassing subcategory outlets
• Reduces the number of content types that need to be blocked
• More particularly, it is aimed to meet the requirements of child safety and family protection.

Downsides

• Since it is a utility for children, it is necessary to create a supervised child profile
• Protection to be offered only within one browsing profile
• Avoidable by either creating a new profile or a new browser

In such a case, Chrome’s Family options are useful when parenting young children by installing omnibus category restrictions. However, the isolated profile approach is less useful in applications requiring general site blocking across multiple industries and types of sites.

#6. Pair With Parental Control Software For Comprehensive Blocking

For the toughest blocking that extends beyond the browser, consider using a parent control software such as Qustodio, Net Nanny, and Circle Home. They also track the use across the devices and ban the site throughout the system.

Typical capabilities:

• While categories like social media should be limited to a certain extent to reduce time wastage.
• A browser history is recorded in different devices.
• Filter out porn and other forbidden websites
• It should be noted that this method would completely disable the use of web browser or internet altogether.
• Other things that can be avoided include arranging for time when one is not to be online such as at night.

Alongside the parental apps, Chrome has its options of filtering and blocking websites and managing the activities of the users. It also retains child profiles while browsing across different browsers or while using the incognito tab.

To be more effective, consider using the two in combination since some content may get through the parental controls but not the router level blocking. This sandwiches kids’ internet access between concentric layers of filtering for a truly locked down experience.

Benefits

• Single usage approach across devices
• Unfortunately, such tricks are much more difficult to implement given system-level constraints.
• Saves time that would have been wasted in physically monitoring whether the computer is browsing allowed sites or categories.

Downsides

• A major factor that has influenced the market for parental control apps is the issuance of annual licensing fees.
• Other potential implications of continuous performance tracking
• Concerns that are privacy-related arising from copious amounts of tracking

In short, the standalone parental software addition takes the Chrome blocking to the next level. The best way to ensure that costs are saved is to compare different products in the market which offer solutions for filtering according to the customer’s preferences.

FAQs About Blocking Websites In Chrome

Do you not understand some aspects of Chrome and locking down its browsing? Some of the following should address the last remaining questions:

The Final Word On Blocking Access In Chrome

It is also worth mentioning that none of the listed methods ensures 100% blocking, but together with Chrome controls, extensions, parents’ applications, and routers’ settings create quite a strong protection line. Assess your personal requirements to design a scalable approach – this way, it is easier if certain shifts in requirements occur.

The tools which are first to consider are Chrome tools such as ‘blacklist’ and ‘Family’ because of their proximity. This functionality should be extended to extensions where users can customize the filter to sites and categories. This guarantees that all routers within the company have a standard set of policies as required in modern large corporations. Do not let yourself be fooled by parental control software for an all-around monitoring of browsers and gadgets.

More important than whether we over- or underestimate its utility is that there are guardrails out there that can help to protect people from fostering unhealthy relationships with the internet. Restraining material that is unwholesome to the individual in terms of personal values and aspirations also answers the call. Do not leave it to the end of the day, week, or month once blocks have been set – accountability is key to changing behavior.