How to block websites from Google Chrome without external apps

Control access to certain web pages in Chrome can make a noticeable difference in your digital environment, whether it's protecting your little ones, improving your productivity, or avoiding cyber threats. In this article, we show you how. block web pages from Google Chrome without having to resort to external apps. Both on computers and mobile devices.

In our daily lives, blocking certain websites is useful for managing the content we access at work, at home, or on shared devices. These are the methods available to you:

Why block websites in Google Chrome?

Apply restrictions on certain websites It is an increasingly common and necessary practice. It is not just about preventing access to problematic sites; it also serves to promote concentration, protect from inappropriate content and avoid malware or phishing risks. There are several common reasons:

• Safety for minors: Prevent children from accessing pages with adult content, violence, or online risks.
• Productivity: Help reduce distraction by blocking addictive social media or websites in your work or school environment.
• Malware Prevention: Preemptively blocks suspicious or unsafe sites that could endanger your computer or personal data.
• Organizational management: Businesses and educational institutions establish access policies to keep the network protected and oriented toward the desired purposes.

Ways to block websites in Google Chrome

There's no single method for blocking websites from Google Chrome. The best option will depend on whether you want to do it on a single device, an entire network, or whether you're looking to limit access temporarily, completely, or with exceptions. Next, We review the most popular and effective alternatives:

1. Using Chrome extensions

The browser extensions are probably the quickest and easiest option if you're looking to block specific pages in Chrome, whether on Windows, Mac, or Linux. Many, such as BlockSite, StayFocusd o UBlackList, They offer free versions and advanced features such as password protection, whitelisting, timers, and keyword blocking.

Why are these extensions so interesting?

• Simple installation: Just go to the Chrome Web Store, search for the extension and click on Add to Chrome.
• Intuitive management: They allow you to create a list of blocked or allowed sites, directly from the extension icon.
• Immediate blocking: When you try to access a blocked website, a message will appear informing you of the block.

In each extension's settings menu, you can adjust options such as blocking in incognito mode, scheduling locks, or defining specific exceptions.

2. Modify the system hosts file

For those looking for a blockade operating system level and not just in Chrome, edit the file hosts This is a very effective (albeit somewhat less intuitive) solution. This method prevents access to specified websites from any browser, not just Chrome, and is ideal if you want a robust, global restriction.

• In Windows: Open Notepad as administrator, navigate to C: \ Windows \ System32 \ drivers \ etc and open the file hosts. Add a line for each blocked website, following the format 127.0.0.1 www.address.com. Save the changes.
• On Mac: Open Terminal and run sudo nano / etc / hosts. Add the websites at the end following the same format and save with Ctrl+O, then exit with Ctrl+X.

This method locks pages system-wide, So it is useful for homes or businesses where you want to prevent unauthorized access regardless of the browser used.

3. Setting up parental controls

If the goal is protect minors or set family browsing limits, the operating system's parental controls are your best ally. Windows, Mac, and mobile devices offer powerful tools for restricting websites and managing usage time.

• Windows: Allows you to create child accounts and manage blocked sites and usage schedules from the Family Safety website. From the Content filters You can add the URLs you want to restrict.
• Mac and iOS: Through Use time You can restrict specific websites by going to Content Restrictions and selecting the URLs to block.
• Android: Using Google Family Link, you can choose which websites or apps your little ones can access, set limits, and filter results in Chrome.

These solutions also include protection against adult content, a maximum daily time limit option, and automatic blocking of risk categories.

4. Advanced settings for administrators (Chrome Enterprise)

If you manage multiple devices in a company, educational center or large family, Chrome allows you to apply policies at the organizational level from the Google Admin console. This is the most professional and personalized method for managing large-scale:

1. Accede to admin.google.com with an administrator account.
2. Go to Devices → Chrome Management → Settings → Users & Browsers.
3. Configure the URLBlocklist y URLAllowlist to establish which websites are blocked or which are allowed access.
4. Apply settings to entire organizational units or specific users.

This option allows a detailed control by groups, exceptions, and it is very useful if you need to restrict access to internal websites, apps or system functions (camera, settings…).

5. Blocking websites from your home or office router

Another alternative to block web pages from Google Chrome is to configure the Wi-Fi router to get a global blockade across the entire network This way, no connected device will be able to access restricted websites, regardless of the browser or operating system.

1. Access your router's dashboard by typing its IP address into Chrome (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Enter your access credentials.
3. Go to the section parental control o Security and look for the option to block URLs.
4. Add the websites you want to restrict and save the changes.

This method is ideal for families or businesses, although each router model has different menus and options, and not all allow URL blocking.

6. Native content settings in Chrome

It's also possible to partially block web pages from Google Chrome. For example, you can limit the loading of elements such as JavaScript, images, notifications, or pop-ups on specific websites, from Settings → Privacy & security → Site settings.

Simply find the section you want to customize (for example, JavaScript or Images), click on Add within "Block" and enter the desired URL. This method doesn't prevent full access, but it can make pages look bad or malfunction, helping to discourage their use. It doesn't block access as such, but it can be useful as a deterrent in some cases.

7. SafeSearch: Filtering results in Google searches

Another additional option to block web pages from Google Chrome is activate SafeSearch in your Google account. This automatically filters out much of the explicit content in search results, making it an ideal addition for homes with children.

To activate it, log in to your Google account, go to ".com/preferences" and activate Filter explicit results in the Safe Search section. Please note that this filter only affects searches and does not block direct access to websites from the address bar.

How to block pages in Chrome from your mobile device

On mobile devices, blocking web pages from Google Chrome varies depending on the operating system:

• Android: It doesn't include native blocking, but you can install apps like BlockSite or use Google Family Link to restrict websites and apps. You can also check out How to block adult websites on Android.
• iOS (iPhone/iPad): You can block websites in Settings → Screen Time → Content Restrictions → Web Content by adding the desired URLs.

Parental control apps offer advanced filtering, scheduling, and tracking options for web and app usage, making them more effective for comprehensive control.

How can I unblock a website in Chrome?

In addition to blocking websites from Google Chrome, you'll also need to know how to unblock them. The process for removing the block varies:

• In extensions: Find the website on your blocked list and delete it.
• In parental control: Access your account or profile management panel and edit your list of restricted sites.
• In the hosts file: Delete the corresponding line and save the changes.
• In the Google Admin console: Remove the URL from the blocklist and reapply the policy.

Common questions about blocking websites in Chrome

• Can any website be blocked? Virtually yes, although some methods cover only the Chrome browser and others affect the entire device or network.
• Can I block by keywords or categories? Many extensions and apps allow you to filter by keywords, topics, or even specific times/days.
• Does the block only affect Chrome? It depends on the method: using extensions, only Chrome is affected; using the hosts file or router, all browsers are affected.
• What happens if I try to access a blocked website? Chrome often displays an error message or extension-specific screen informing you that access is restricted.

Blocking web pages from Google Chrome has become an essential function in both the domestic and professional spheresYou can choose simple methods like extensions or advanced configurations for complete control from your system, router, or Google Admin console. Analyze your needs and select the solution that best suits you, as current technology makes it easy to securely and conveniently manage access to web content.