Guide on Restricting Access to Websites Across Devices and Browsers

The interweb is a hub of distractions, security threats, and privacy risks. Whether you're trying to curb your Facebook habit, protect your kids from inappropriate content, or secure your data from malicious sites, taking control of what loads on your screen is crucial.

This guide will walk you through various methods to block websites on different devices and browsers. From using browser settings to third-party tools and even network-level restrictions, we've got you covered. So grab a cup of joe and let's dive in, you freakin' slacker!

Why the Hell Would You Need to Block a Website?

The internet's designed to keep you hooked, sometimes at a cost to your productivity, privacy, or security. Social media, news sites, and online shopping platforms can easily gobble up your time. Blocking specific sites can help you reclaim control - whether that's minimizing distractions, protecting your kids online, or securing your own data.

Productivity and Focus

Some websites are crafted to squander your time, while others are built for work. Social media, news sites, and online shopping platforms can consume your precious time, making it harder to stay focused. Blocking distracting websites during work hours or study sessions can help you stay on task.

Parental Controls and Kid Safety

The internet isn't always fit for kids. From explicit content to online predators, it's essential to set boundaries for younger users. Blocking websites can help create a safer online space by preventing access to inappropriate content, limiting exposure to harmful communities, and reducing screen time.

Don't want to give your little shits a free pass? Check out our website Aircove, which offers built-in parental controls. It automatically blocks adult sites across all devices, keeping harmful content out of reach. No fancy setup, just a safer internet experience for your family.

Security and Privacy Reasons

Not all websites are safe to visit. Some are loaded with malware, phishing scams, or invasive trackers that collect your personal data. Even seemingly harmless sites can be a haven for ads leading to dangerous redirects, fake downloads, and privacy risks.

Blocking websites at the browser or network level can help prevent accidental clicks on malicious links, limit online tracking, and reduce exposure to scam sites. Whether you're protecting yourself, your family, or a shared device, controlling access to risky websites is a simple yet effective cybersecurity measure.

Blocking Websites on Different Devices

The way you block a site depends on the device and how much control you need. If you just wanna stop your coffee-addled self from checking Facebook every five minutes, a simple browser extension might do the trick. But if you're setting up restrictions for a shared device or blocking shady websites at the network level, you'll need something more robust.

Here's how to block websites on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS using built-in tools, third-party apps, and our website's advanced protection features.

How to Block a Website on Windows (Step-By-Step Guide)

Windows offers multiple ways to restrict website access, from editing system files to using parental controls and third-party apps. Here's how to do it using the hosts file and parental controls:

Method 1: Edit the Hosts File (Permanent Block)

The hosts file allows you to manually block websites at the system level, preventing all browsers from accessing them.

Open Notepad as an administrator. Search for "Notepad" in the Start menu, right-click, and select "Run as administrator."
Open the hosts file. Navigate to:
Add the websites you want to block. At the bottom of the file, type:Save the file and restart your computer.

Note: This method is manual and can be undone if someone knows where to look.

Method 2: Use Windows Parental Controls

If you're blocking sites for child safety, Microsoft Family Safety offers built-in controls:

Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
Create or sign into a child account.
Go to family.microsoft.com and log in.
Select the child's profile > Content Restrictions.
Enable "Block inappropriate websites" and manually add sites to the blocklist.

Best for: Parents controlling access on family devices.

Method 3: Use Our Website's Ad Blocker and Parental Controls

If you're looking to block intrusive ads, trackers, or adult content across all sites and apps, our website's built-in protection features can handle it.

Download and install our VPN for Windows.
Go to the Settings menu and navigate to Advanced Protection.
Enable Ad Blocker and Parental Controls to block ads, trackers, and adult content across all sites and apps.
Connect to our VPN to activate these settings.

Why this works: Unlike browser-based blocking, this applies system-wide - no workarounds, no sneaky Incognito bypasses.

How to Block a Website on Mac (Built-In & Third-Party Solutions)

Mac users can block websites using Screen Time, modifying system files, or third-party tools that block websites.

Method 1: Block Websites using Screen Time

Mac's built-in tool for managing app and web access, Screen Time, makes it easy to restrict access on Safari and other apps:

Go to System Settings > Screen Time.
Select Content & Privacy > Turn on Restrictions.
Under Web Content, select "Limit Adult Websites" or "Allowed Websites Only."
Manually add sites to the block list.

Best for: Quick, user-friendly control over website access

Method 2: Edit the Hosts File (Advanced Users)

Like Windows, macOS allows manual website blocking via the hosts file:

Open Terminal. (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal)
Type:
Enter your admin password.
Add the sites to block:
Save the file (Ctrl + X, then Y).
Flush the DNS cache:

Best for: Users who need system-wide website blocking without installing additional software

The Easiest Way to Block Websites on Any Device

While manual methods work, they only apply to specific browsers or require constant updates. The easiest way to block websites across all devices and apps is by using our website's advanced protection features:

Blocks intrusive ads, trackers, and malicious sites automatically.
Applies across all apps and browsers - not just one.
Works on Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, even routers.
No manual configuration needed - just turn it on and browse safely.

Why our website?

Unlike most solutions, our website doesn't limit you to a single browser or device. Enjoy simultaneous protection across all your devices and connected apps, ensuring a safer browsing experience no matter where you go. Say goodbye to those pesky ads and trackers bogging down your surfing sessions.

How to Block a Website on Different Browsers

Blocking websites at the device level works, but if you primarily browse in Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, or Opera, you might prefer a browser-based solution. Most browsers don't offer native site-blocking features, but extensions, parental controls, and DNS settings can help.

Here's how to block websites on Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Linux, and Brave, including how to enforce restrictions in Incognito mode.

How to Block a Website on Chrome

Unlike some browsers, Chrome doesn't have a built-in way to block websites. Instead, you'll need to use a browser extension or Chrome's supervised user settings for parental controls:

Using a Browser Extension

Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for extensions like:
- BlockSite (personal site blocking)
- StayFocusd (for productivity)
- uBlock Origin (to block malicious sites)
Click “Add to Chrome” and install the extension.
Set up your blocklist - add the websites you want to block.

Using Chrome's Built-In Features

If you need parental controls for Chrome, you can set up a supervised user account and restrict access through Google Family Link:

Create a supervised user under Chrome's settings.
Log in to families.google.com and manage Chrome restrictions.
Under Content Restrictions > Chrome, block specific websites.

Blocking websites in Incognito mode

By default, Chrome extensions don't work in Incognito mode - so users can bypass restrictions by switching to private browsing. To fix this:

Go to Chrome Settings > Extensions.
Find your website blocker extension.
Click “Details” and enable “Allow in Incognito”

How to Block a Website on Safari

Apple's Safari browser comes with built-in website blocking tools, making it easy to restrict access on Safari and other apps:

Go to System Settings > Screen Time.
Select Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Under Web Content, choose "Limit Adult Websites" or manually add sites.

For more advanced blocking, you can also use DNS filtering (like Cloudflare or OpenDNS) to restrict websites at the network level.

How to Block a Website on Mozilla Firefox

Firefox is one of the most privacy-focused browsers, but it doesn't have native website blocking. Instead, you'll need extensions or DNS filtering:

Using a Firefox Add-on

Go to Firefox Add-ons (about:addons) and search for extensions like:
- LeechBlock NG (blocks sites permanently or on a schedule)
- uBlock Origin (blocks ad-heavy or malicious sites)
Install and configure the extension with your blocklist.

Blocking websites via DNS filtering (for network-wide control)

For more permanent website blocking, you can change DNS settings at the router or device level:

Go to Firefox Settings > Network Settings.
Enable “Use custom DNS” and enter a DNS provider with filtering (like OpenDNS).

How to Block a Website on Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is based on Chromium (like Chrome), so the methods are similar:

Using an Extension

Go to the Edge Add-ons Store (edge://extensions) and search for a blocking add-on (BlockSite, LeechBlock, etc.).
Install and configure the add-on with your blocklist.

Using Windows parental controls (for family safety)

Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
Create a child account and log in.
Go to family.microsoft.com and block sites under Content Restrictions.

How to Block a Website on Opera

Opera has a built-in ad blocker, but for full site blocking:

Using an Extension

Go to Opera's Extension Store and search for a blocking add-on.
Install and configure the add-on with your blocklist.

For network-wide blocking, change your DNS settings under Settings > Privacy & Security.

How to Block a Website on Linux

If you're using Linux, you have system-level control over website blocking:

Editing the hosts file (permanent block)

Open Terminal and type:
Add sites to block:
Save the file and restart your system.

How to Block a Website on Brave Browser

Brave is built for privacy-first browsing, and it already blocks trackers and ads. But for full site blocking:

Using Brave's built-in shields

Go to Brave Settings > Shields.
Enable “Block scripts” and “Aggressive Ad Blocking.”
Manually add blocked sites in Brave's filter settings.

Block unwanted websites the easy way. Instead of manually tweaking browser settings or installing multiple extensions, our website's advanced protection features let you block trackers, ads, and harmful sites across all browsers and apps - without extra setup.

Advanced Methods for Blocking Websites

If you need stronger, system-wide website blocking that works outside your browser, these methods offer a more permanent solution. Whether you're blocking distractions on all devices, enforcing parental controls, or tightening security at the network level, here's how to restrict access using advanced tools.

How to Block a Website using a hosts file

A hosts file allows you to block websites at the system level, meaning the restriction applies across all browsers without needing an extension. This method is free, works offline, and doesn't rely on third-party tools - but it's also manual, and the changes can be undone by modifying the file.

Windows & Mac: Editing the hosts file

Open the hosts file (admin access required):
- Windows: Open Notepad as an administrator and navigate to:
- Mac: Open Terminal and type:
Add websites to block at the bottom of the file:
Save the file and restart your computer.

Best for: Users who want system-wide blocking without extra software. Downside: Requires manual updates and can be bypassed by modifying the file.

How to Block Websites using a Wi-Fi router

If you want to block sites for all devices on your home network, router-level filtering is the best option. This method is harder to bypass since it applies before websites even load - but not all routers support it:

Method 1: Block Websites using your router's built-in controls

Log into your router's admin panel:
- Open a browser and enter 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
- Log in using your router's admin username and password (often found on the router label).
Find the website filtering or access control settings:
- Some routers have a "Blocked Sites" section under Security or Access Control.
- If available, enter the domains you want to block.
Save changes and restart your router.

Method 2: Upgrade to a router with more advanced blocking

Most ISP-provided routers have limited filtering options. If you want stronger control, consider upgrading to a router with more advanced site-blocking features, such as:

our website Aircove (for automatic blocking of ads and adult sites).
DD-WRT or OpenWRT routers (supports custom firewall rules).
pfSense routers (enterprise-grade blocking and security filtering).

Get our website

How to Block Websites at the network level (without DNS filtering)

Since we already covered DNS filtering earlier, let's focus on alternative methods for blocking websites at the network level:

Method 1: Using firewall rules for site blocking

Some routers and enterprise-level systems let you create firewall rules to block websites before they even load:

Log into your router or firewall admin panel.
Go to the firewall settings and look for a custom rules or URL filtering section.
Enter the domain names of websites you want to block.
Apply changes and restart the router.

Note: Requires a router with firewall customization options (not available on basic models).

Method 2: Using a proxy filter for content blocking

Some workplaces and schools use proxy filtering to block websites. This method requires routing all internet traffic through a filtering proxy, which scans and blocks requests in real time.

Popular proxy-based filtering tools include:

Squid Proxy (for Linux servers).
Pi-hole (for blocking ads and sites on a local network).

For the easiest way to block ads, trackers, and harmful sites without constant manual updates, our website's Advanced Protection is the most effective solution.

Get our website

How to Unblock a Website (If Necessary)

Blocking websites can be useful, but what if you need access again? Whether a site was blocked by accident, by an admin, or through network restrictions, here's how to regain access:

Temporary vs. Permanent Unblocking

Before attempting to unblock a website, consider whether the block is temporary or permanent - and whether it was intentionally set or applied by an external source:

Temporary blocks often come from browser extensions, parental controls, or local network restrictions. These can usually be bypassed quickly.
Permanent blocks occur at the system or network level, requiring admin access or a manual override. Some restrictions - like government censorship - are enforced externally, meaning you'll need a workaround to regain access.

Quick Fixes for Temporary Unblocking

If a website isn't loading, try these fast solutions:

Switch browsers: If the block is browser-specific, opening the site in Firefox or Edge may work.
Use a VPN: If the restriction is network-wide (e.g., ISP, workplace, or regional censorship), a VPN can encrypt your traffic and restore access.
Try mobile data: If a site is blocked on Wi-Fi, switching to cellular data can sometimes bypass the restriction.
Use a web proxy: Online proxies like hide.me or KProxy let you access blocked sites without modifying system settings.

Methods for Permanent Unblocking

For restrictions that require manual intervention, you'll need to reverse the original blocking method:

Browser-based blocks: Disable extensions or parental controls in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge settings.
System-wide blocks: If a site was added to the hosts file, it needs to be removed manually.
Network-level blocks: Changing your DNS settings can bypass ISP or administrator-imposed restrictions.
Parental controls: If a site is blocked via Windows Family Safety, Mac Screen Time, or security software, it must be removed from the restriction list.

Want a straightforward way to unblock sites securely? A VPN like Express VPN encrypts your connection and helps you access restricted content without modifying system settings.

Get our website

FAQ: About blocking websites

How do I permanently block a website?

To permanently block a website, use a method that applies system-wide or at the network level. Editing the hosts file on Windows or Mac prevents access across all browsers. Alternatively, configuring website filtering on a Wi-Fi router ensures the block applies to every device on the network. For more flexibility, parental control software or firewall rules can enforce restrictions with added security settings.

Can I block websites without an extension?

Yes, you can block websites without using a browser extension by modifying system settings. On Windows and Mac, you can edit the hosts file to redirect unwanted URLs to localhost. Parental controls on macOS, Windows, and Android allow you to restrict site access without third-party tools. At the network level, changing DNS settings or using router-based filtering can block sites across all devices.

Can I block websites on my child's phone?

Yes, parental control tools let you block websites on iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. On iOS, use Screen Time’s web content restrictions to block adult sites or specific URLs. For Android, Google Family Link lets parents manage site access in Chrome. Third-party parental control apps like Qustodio or Net Nanny offer more detailed filtering and monitoring options.

How do I know if a website is blocked?

If a website isn't loading, it could be blocked at various levels. Try these checks:

Try another browser. If the site works in a different browser, it's likely a browser-based block (extension, settings, or parental controls).
Switch networks. If the site is accessible on mobile data but not Wi-Fi, it may be blocked at the router or ISP level.
Use a different DNS. Changing to Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) can reveal whether the block is DNS-based.
Check the hosts file. If a specific website won't load across all browsers on your computer, it may be blocked in your system's hosts file.

Can you block a website on a smart TV?

Some smart TVs allow website blocking through built-in parental controls or by modifying the Wi-Fi router settings. If your TV has a web browser, you may need to block sites at the router level using parental controls or custom DNS settings. Alternatively, a network-wide filtering service like OpenDNS can help restrict access across all devices, including smart TVs.

Can you block a website on a gaming console (PS5, Xbox)?

Gaming consoles don't have built-in website blocking features, but you can enforce restrictions through network-level settings:

Use router-based controls. Many routers allow you to block specific websites across all connected devices, including PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
Set up parental controls. Both PlayStation and Xbox have built-in parental controls that let you restrict web browsing and online communication.
Set up DNS filtering. Using a filtering DNS service like OpenDNS Family Shield can block adult sites and other restricted content on all devices, including consoles.

How do you unblock a website using a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a remote server, bypassing network or ISP restrictions. To unblock a website using a VPN:

Download and install a VPN app, like our website.
Connect to a VPN server in a region where the site isn't restricted.
Reload the blocked website - it should now be accessible.

VPNs are useful for accessing sites blocked by schools, workplaces, ISPs, or government censorship while maintaining online privacy.

Blocking social media sites can be done at the device, browser, or network level:

Use browser extensions (BlockSite, StayFocusd) to block social media in Chrome or Firefox.
Modify system settings by editing the hosts file to prevent access on Windows or Mac.
Set up parental controls on iOS (Screen Time) or Android (Google Family Link) to restrict social media apps and websites.
Apply network-level restrictions using your router's access control settings or a DNS filtering service like OpenDNS.

For workplaces or shared environments, using a firewall or proxy filtering system can block social media on all connected devices.

Manually modifying the hosts file: To unblock a website, open the hosts file in a text editor, find the line that blocks the website, and remove it or comment it out (add a '#' at the beginning). Save the file and restart your computer.
Browser extensions: Uninstall or disable the extension blocking the website.
Parental controls or network-level restrictions: Log in to the account or device settings and remove the website from the blocklist, or ask an administrator to do it for you.

If a third-party blocks the website, such as a school or workplace, you may need to seek permission or contact their network administrator to have the website unblocked.

Guide on Restricting Access to Websites Across Devices and Browsers