How to Block YouTube on Chrome with or without Extension

YouTube videos can be entertaining but distracting. Some YouTube videos are age inappropriate. Blocking access to YouTube website helps you reduce distractions or keep your child away from inappropriate videos. In this article, we’ll show you how to block YouTube on Chrome without extension or with one on Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad, and Chromebook.

 

A quick comparison

Here's a quick comparison of the five methods to block YouTube on Chrome.

 

How to block YouTube on Chrome with AppCrypt

Applies to: Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, and iPad

If you're looking for an easy and reliable way to block YouTube on Chrome, this method is for you. Unlike browser extensions that can be disabled, AppCrypt protects your settings with a password, making YouTube blocking much harder to bypass.

Cisdem AppCrypt is a website blocker and app locker that helps you block YouTube and other distracting or inappropriate websites in just a few clicks. It lets you:

• Block YouTube permanently or only during certain hours.
• Block specific YouTube channels instead of the entire site.
• Set daily schedules for study, work, or bedtime.
• Block YouTube and other video sites with one click.
• Prevent others from changing or removing restrictions without the password.

Setting up AppCrypt only takes a minute. The example below uses Windows, but the process is similar on Mac, Android, iPhone, and iPad.

Steps to block YouTube on Chrome with AppCrypt:

1. Download and install Cisdem AppCrypt.

Free Download Windows 10 or later Free Download macOS 10.12 or later

GET IT ONGoogle Play Download on theApp Store

2. Launch the app. Set a password when prompted.

3. Right-click the AppCrypt icon on the taskbar. Choose Open Main Window.

4. Enter the password to access the main window.

5. Click the Web Block tab. Click Install next to Chrome when prompted.

(Users on Mac, Android, iPhone, and iPad can skip this step. AppCrypt automatically works with major browsers on those platforms.)

6. Enter youtube.com in the URL field. Click Add.

YouTube is now blocked in Chrome.

In step 6, you can also click the Import button and choose Video Sites. This way, all popular video websites including YouTube will be added to block.

Note: To unblock YouTube, you can remove the site from the block list, disable Web Block, or quit AppCrypt. All of these actions require the password.

Tip 1. Block YouTube on Chrome only during certain times

Don't want to block YouTube all the time? AppCrypt lets you create custom schedules.

In the Web Block tab, select YouTube and click the clock icon next to it. Enable Custom Schedule. Specify the days and times when YouTube should be blocked. You can create multiple schedules if needed.

For example, you can block YouTube during school hours, work time, or bedtime.

Tip 2. Block specific YouTube channels instead of the entire website

If you only want to make certain channels inaccessible, go to the Web Block tab. Add the YouTube channel you want to restrict to the block list.

Check out our guide on how to block YouTube channels on Chrome.

This tutorial uses Windows as an example, AppCrypt also works on Mac, Android, iPhone, and iPad. If you're using a device other than Windows, follow one of the guides below:

How to Block YouTube on Mac

How to Block YouTube on Android

How to Block YouTube on iPhone

 

How to block YouTube with a Chrome extension

Applies to: Windows, Mac, Chromebook

When it comes to blocking a website on Google Chrome browser, the first thing that comes to many people’s minds is using Chrome extensions. There are YouTube blocker extensions available, which are handy to install and use.

However, there is a disadvantage. One can easily get around blocked YouTube by removing the installed extension from Chrome browser.

I use an extension called YouTube Blocker to show you how such extensions work. This one is very easy to use and understand.

Steps to block YouTube on Chrome with YouTube Blocker:

1. On your Windows, Mac, or Chromebook, go to the Chrome Web Store.

2. Search for and install YouTube Blocker offered by Boshra.

3. Open the Chrome browser. Click the Extensions icon on the upper right corner next to the address bar.

4. Select YouTube Blocker. Click Settings.

5. On the next screen, set a password. Then this password will be required when you or anyone else try to change settings. Click Set.

6. Set the Maximum amount of time that you allow yourself or your child to access YouTube. You can set it to 0 minute to block YouTube completely. Click Set.

This step is optional: click on Allowed Channels at the top. Add some necessary YouTube Channels to the allow list.

After completing these steps, if you try to visit youtube.com on Chrome and open any channel, you’ll see a “This channel is not allowed” message.

To unblock youtube.com, click the Extensions icon in Chrome’s toolbar. Click the 3-dot icon next to the browser. Then select Remove from Chrome. Click Remove.

 

How to block YouTube on Chrome with hosts file

Applies to: Windows, Mac

If you're looking for a free way to block YouTube on Chrome without extension, editing the hosts file is a good option.

The hosts file allows you to redirect specific websites so they become inaccessible on your device. But this method has some limitations. It doesn't support password protection, or setting schedules. Users can also undo the changes by editing the hosts file again.

Steps to block YouTube by editing the hosts file:

1. Open Notepad as administrator.

2. Click File > Open.

3. Navigate to:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc

4. Open the hosts file.

5. Add the following lines at the bottom of the file:

127.0.0.1 youtube.com

127.0.0.1 www.youtube.com

6. Click File > Save.

Restart Chrome if it's already open. Now YouTube is blocked in Chrome.

Tip: If YouTube still not blocked after you modify the hosts file, read our guide on fixing hosts file not blocking websites on Windows.

 

How to block YouTube on Chrome with router

Applies to: All devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network

This method is for users who want to block YouTube in Chrome on multiple devices at once, including computers, phones, and tablets.

However, it only works when devices are connected to the router. This means, if a device switches to other Wi-Fi networks, or uses mobile data, YouTube will become accessible again.

Steps to block YouTube with router:

1. Open a web browser. Sign in to your router's admin page.

2. Find the feature called Parental Control, Web Filter, Content Filter, or a similar option.

3. Add youtube.com to the block list.

4. Save the changes and restart the router.

Now YouTube is blocked in Chrome and other browsers on your device.

 

How to block YouTube on Chrome with Family Link

Applies to: Android, Chromebook

This method is for parents who want to restrict YouTube access on kid’s device.

Google Family Link allows you to remotely restrict access to websites or apps from your own device. You can set up the restrictions through the Family Link app or directly on the families.google.com website.

Steps to block YouTube with Family Link on child’s Chromebook:

1. Log in your child’s Google account on his Chromebook. Create one account if he doesn’t have.

2. Click the Notifications icon on the bottom left corner of your child’s Chromebook screen.

3. Click the Settings icon on the pop up window.

4. Go to the Privacy and security tab.

5. Scroll down to find the People section.

6. Click Parental Controls > Set up > Get Started.

7. Click Next on the next window.

8. Click Yes when it asks: Is this the child you want to supervise? Click Next again.

9. Then log in your account on the next page. Agree to supervision.

10. Now your account is linked to your child’s and you can restrict him access to YouTube. Get Family Link app from the Play Store. Install and open it on your device. Sign in with your account.

11. Go to the People section. Go to Manage Other People. Select your child.

12. Click Manage settings > Google Chrome > Manage sites > Blocked.

13. Add youtube.com to block.

Now your child is not allowed to access YouTube on Chromebook. You can block other unwanted websites, set screen time limit, find his device location, and more with the help of the Family Link app.

 

FAQs

Can I block YouTube on Chrome without using third-party tools?

Yes. You can use built-in tools on your device. Such as the hosts file on Windows and Mac, Screen Time on Apple devices, or Digital Wellbeing on Android. While these methods can successfully block YouTube, they may be easier to bypass than dedicated website blockers.

Can I block YouTube on Chrome in incognito mode?

Yes. If you use Cisdem AppCrypt and add YouTube to the block list, it will be blocked in both regular and Incognito mode.

Can I block YouTube Shorts on Chrome?

Yes. Cisdem AppCrypt can block YouTube Short on Chrome easily. Mobile users can also use YouTube’s “Not interested” option to temporarily hide Shorts in the feed. For detailed instructions, read our guide on How to Block YouTube Shorts on Desktop or Mobile.

 

Conclusion

Many users want to block YouTube to improve productivity, or protect children from inappropriate content. This article covered several ways to block YouTube on Chrome. If you need a reliable, easy-to-use solution that works across devices, AppCrypt is the best option.