How to block websites on Chrome? and the reasons why you may want to do this. Google Chrome is one of the most used web browsers in the world and for a perfect cause. Chrome provides simplicity and high functionality over any other web browser out there today. Chrome is so widespread that even Google’s rival Microsoft is considering replacing the Edge browser with a chromium-based browser on Windows 10.
Block Websites on Chrome
Today, we have so many websites and information out there that it can be quite distracting. You may also be looking for a way to block “fake news” websites from popping up in your Google search results. In this article, we will show you how you can limit your searches and block websites on Chrome that you may not want for yourself or your child to access.
1. uBlacklist
uBlacklist is a handy extension that allows you to block websites on Chrome right from your search results. uBlacklist is a free extension that you can download from the Chrome Web Store.
Once you install the extension, it will be active during your searches, and as shown below, you can easily toggle on the “Block this site” option.
You can also indicate specific sites you want to block within the options menu. You can access the options menu by right-clicking on the extension icon, as shown below.
In the window that pops up, add the websites that you wish to block and click Save.
uBlacklist is more of a simplistic extension that gets the task done quickly. Now, if you are looking for a bit more control, do check out Block Site.
2. Block Site
Block Site – is another excellent extension that you can use to block websites on Chrome. The “Block Site” Chrome extension includes a few advanced features such as Work Mode, Password Protection, and Block by Words. All of the tools mentioned can be accessed from the Block Site extension’s options menu.
Work Mode – Allows you to block a list of websites during certain times of the day or working hours. You can turn on work mode by going to Block Site’s options menu, as shown below.
You can also set up parental controls for your children by setting up password-protected websites, if they circumvent the protection by uninstalling the app, Block Site app will send you an email notification.
3. Microsoft Windows Hosts File
Some of us are paranoid about installing an extension in Google Chrome, and it may be for a good reason. Some of these apps can collect data and sell it to advertisers. If you are one of these people, then you can use the built-in Windows hosts file editor to block unwanted websites.
The location of the Microsoft Windows Hosts file is as follows:
C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc\If you are running Windows 10, you can paste the above directory link to the search bar as shown below and press the Enter key to open the folder.
Keep the above directory open as we move to the next step. Repeating the process this time – type “notepad” into the Windows 10 search bar – Right-click the notepad program and run as administrator.
Once the notepad program opens up, you can click and drag the Hosts file from the previous folder and into the blank notepad file and start editing.
For most older versions of Microsoft Windows, you can go to the Start Menu > Run and paste the same directory link as above and press enter.
C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc\Microsoft Windows versions that keep the Hosts file in an alternate location are as follows:
Editing Windows Hosts File
Now we will revise the Hosts file to add the websites that we wish to block. Add the sites that you want to block, as shown below, excluding the # sign. In my case, the websites I want to block are FaceBook and Amazon.
Save the Hosts file and test out the sites that you have blocked. If it all worked out, you should get the following error when trying to visit Facebook.com on that specific computer.
You will notice that sites are blocked immediately in Internet Explorer or Edge after editing the Hosts file. Google Chrome, for some reason, doesn’t always respect the Windows Hosts file right away, so be sure to open up a Command Prompt and type in the following command and try again.
ipconfig /flushdns
4. Stay Focusd
Stay Focusd is another Chrome extension that keeps you focused online and can be used to block unwanted websites. You can use this app to limit your browsing habits per day in minutes and increase your productivity.
Like many other apps mentioned in this article, you can also use Stay Focusd to block or allow websites in Chrome.
5. Router Parental Controls
Let’s say if you wanted to block websites on Chrome or limit access on devices throughout your home for kids, no matter what devices they use. You can replace your current router with a more advanced router to serve that purpose.
An internet router such as the NETGEAR Nighthawk, already has parental controls built-in. You can monitor your child’s internet activity at home remotely through the Circle app (Android) or Circle App (Apple) and block websites that are not allowed for them.
Some of the parental controls available to you through the Circle app include setting online browsing time limits, scheduling internet access, tracking usage history, etc. The filtering service costs $4.99 per month, and you can try a free month trial before you commit.
If you are looking for more advanced options to monitor your kid’s web activity or a web filter for your home, take a look at these suggestions for the best free parental control software list. Some are free with limitations, but paid options will get you the best monitoring and control.
You may also like our article on Disabling Chrome Notifications.
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