As an avid YouTube user, I know full well how much inappropriate content ends up on the site.
One minute you’re watching a harmless ‘how to’ video, the next you’re seeing suggestions for videos that talk about adult subjects, demonstrate inappropriate behavior, and more.
Like you, I didn’t want my child to use the site unsupervised. So I took action and found three methods to block YouTube in Chrome browsers.
The methods are:
- Method 1 (best overall): Blocking Youtube using Canopy
- Method 2: Blocking Youtube with a Chrome extension
- Method 3: Blocking Youtube using your router
Why Is It Worth Blocking YouTube on Chrome?
YouTube can be a source of educational content and entertainment, but not all of its content is safe or appropriate for all ages.
Young children and teens can stumble upon inappropriate content thanks to YouTube’s auto-play feature which loads videos and plays them automatically when the current video finishes.
A famous example from a few years ago was the ‘Momo challenge’ where visuals of a disturbing image were placed in videos targeting children.
It was said that these videos told children to message a specific number where they would be instructed to complete worrying tasks. The truth of the challenge is still debated but the concern from parents and the creepy nature were all too real.
While that’s one example, there are countless others ranging from cartoons that look child friendly but which contain adult content to nudity.
Plenty of other parents are concerned and have taken action to block access to YouTube.
See the response to a Reddit thread where the original poster was sharing concerns over their child’s behavior after watching YouTube:
So even if YouTube isn’t all bad, the content isn’t clean enough for children to have unchaperoned access.
Best Method: Blocking YouTube on Chrome Using Canopy (Parental Control App)
Here’s the method, the benefits, and step-by-steps for blocking YouTube on Chrome using Canopy.
Method:
Canopy is a parental control app and porn blocker that works across all your devices, including desktops, tablets, and mobile phones. It’s designed to provide a safer online environment for your children by blocking access to harmful websites, including YouTube.
Benefits:
Canopy offers a range of benefits that make it the top choice for blocking YouTube on Chrome:
- Cross-Device Protection: Canopy works across all your devices, providing consistent protection no matter where your child is browsing.
- Real-Time Filtering: Canopy’s AI-powered content filtering sees content before you do and blocks it in real time, ensuring a safer browsing experience.
- Customizable Controls: Canopy allows you to block specific websites and adjust the level of filtering based on your child’s age and maturity.
- Easy to Use: With a user-friendly interface and clear instructions, Canopy makes it easy to set up and manage your child’s online safety.
Find out more about Canopy and its unique features by watching the video below:
Why it’s the best:
Canopy stands out as the best method for blocking YouTube on Chrome because of its comprehensive coverage and advanced features.
Unlike other methods, Canopy provides real-time filtering of inappropriate content across all devices and browsers.
It’s designed to foster healthier digital habits and a safer online environment, making it more than just a content blocker.
Its removal prevention function ensures the progress you make in securing your digital space is not lost.
With Canopy, you’re not just blocking YouTube; you’re taking a significant step toward creating a safer digital environment for your child.
Watch the video below to hear why parents use and trust Canopy to protect their family.
How to Block YouTube in Chrome with Canopy: Step by Step
1. Create a Canopy account: You can get started with a free trial.
2. Download the Canopy for Kids app: Install it on any device you wish to block YouTube on. Here’s how to do that on your child’s iPad.
3. Set up protection filters: Once the app is installed, log into the Canopy web dashboard or open the Canopy app on your device to block a specific website. Choose ‘Protection Settings’, then ‘Custom Filtering Rules.’
4. Block YouTube: On the dashboard, choose the ‘+ Add’ option to open a new window.
5. Enter the YouTube URL: Type in youtube.com and pick your desired filtering level. For this, you’ll want to choose ‘Blocked’. Make sure to also click ‘Save’.
And there you have it! YouTube (and any other website you wish to block) is now off-limits.
Using Canopy will filter and block websites for Chrome or any other browser you or your child uses.
Related Read: How to Block YouTube on iPad
Method 2: Installing a Chrome Browser Extension to Block YouTube on Chrome
Here’s the method, the benefits and step-by-steps for blocking YouTube on Chrome using a browser extension.
Method:
Chrome extensions are small software programs that customize your browsing experience. They enable users to tailor Chrome functionality and behavior to individual needs or preferences. For blocking YouTube on Chrome, I used the extension “Block Site”. But there are other options you can explore.
Benefits:
Chrome extensions offer several benefits that make them a good choice for blocking YouTube on Chrome:
- Ease of Use: Chrome extensions are easy to install and manage. They integrate seamlessly into your browser, providing a smooth user experience.
- Customizable: Extensions like “Block Site” allow you to block specific websites, giving you control over what content can be accessed.
- Automatic Blocking: Once set up, the extension automatically blocks access to the specified websites, saving you the hassle of manual blocking.
Why it’s a good choice:
I find Chrome extensions like “Block Site” are a good choice for blocking YouTube on Chrome because it’s free and easy to use.
However, extensions only work on the device and browser where they’re installed. For a more comprehensive solution that works across all devices and browsers, Canopy is still my top choice.
How to Block YouTube in Chrome with a Browser Extension: Step by Step
1. Open Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store: Just search “Chrome Web Store” on Google and click on the first result.
2. Search for the Block Site Extension: In the search box on the top left of the screen, type in “Block Site” and press enter. Click on the first result, which should be the “Block Site – Website Blocker for Chrome™”.
3. Add the extension to Chrome: Click on the “Add to Chrome” button next to the extension name. In the confirmation box that appears, click “Add extension”.
4. Access the extension settings: Once installed, you will see the Block Site extension icon at the top right corner of your browser. Click on it and then click on the gear icon to open the settings.
5. Enter the URL of YouTube: In the “Block Sites” section, type in the URL of YouTube and click on the “+ Add page” button. YouTube will be added to your block list.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully set up the Block Site extension to block YouTube on your Google Chrome browser.
Remember, this method only blocks YouTube on the device and browser where the extension is installed. For a more comprehensive solution, consider using Canopy.
Method 3: Using Your Home Router to Block YouTube on Chrome
Here’s the method, the benefits, and step-by-steps for blocking YouTube on Chrome using a router.
Method:
Your home router, the hub of your home’s internet connection, can serve as an unexpected ally in blocking YouTube on Chrome. Many modern routers come equipped with features that allow you to block specific websites across all devices connected to your network.
Benefits:
Using your router to block YouTube on Chrome offers several benefits:
- Network-Wide Blocking: Router-level blocking applies to all devices connected to your network. This means you only need to set up the block once, and it will apply to all devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
- Persistent Blocking: The blocking persists even if the device’s browser or operating system is updated, ensuring consistent protection.
- No Additional Software Required: Since the blocking is done at the router level, there’s no need to install additional software or extensions on each device.
Why it’s a good choice:
Using your home router to block YouTube on Chrome is a good choice if you have multiple devices at home and want to ensure consistent blocking across all of them.
However, this method only works when the devices are connected to your home network. If your child leaves the house or simply disconnects from your home router they can easily navigate to YouTube.
If you want protection across all networks and devices, it’s best to go with Canopy.
How to Block YouTube in Chrome with a Router: Step by Step
1. Access your router settings: This typically involves typing your router’s IP address into a web browser on a device connected to your network. The IP address is often found on a sticker on your router and typically looks something like “192.168.0.1” or “192.168.1.1”.
2. Log in to your router: You’ll be prompted for a username and password. If you’ve never changed these, they’ll likely be the default settings (often “admin” for both). If you don’t know the login details, you can find them in the router’s manual or online.
3. Find the parental control or website blocking settings: This can vary by router brand and model, but it’s typically under “settings” or “advanced settings”. Look for terms like “parental controls”, “content filtering”, or “block sites”.
4. Set up website blocking: Many routers let you block specific websites by entering their URLs. Enter “www.youtube.com” and save your changes.
5. Apply the settings to your network: Make sure to apply or save your changes. The router may need to reboot for the changes to take effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I block YouTube in Chrome on both my mobile device and computer?
Yes, you can block YouTube in Chrome on both your mobile device and computer using Canopy.
Canopy is a parental control app that works across all your devices, providing consistent protection no matter where your child is browsing.
Once you set up Canopy and block YouTube, the block will apply to all devices connected to your Canopy account, including both mobile devices and computers.
How can I use Chrome’s site-blocking features to prevent access to YouTube?
Chrome itself doesn’t have a built-in feature to block specific websites. However, you can use a Chrome extension like “Block Site” to block access to YouTube.
Once installed, you can add YouTube to the extension’s block list, and it will prevent access to YouTube on that device.
Remember that this method only works on the device where the extension is installed.
Are there any recommended extensions for blocking YouTube in Chrome?
Yes, “Block Site” is a highly recommended extension for blocking specific websites on Chrome.
It’s easy to use and allows you to add any website to its block list. However, keep in mind that extensions only work on the device and browser where they’re installed.
For a more comprehensive solution that works across all devices and browsers, consider using a parental control app like Canopy.
Other Guides for Blocking Content Across Browsers and Devices
If you’re interested in creating a safe browsing experience beyond Google Chrome, check out our other guides:
- how to block YouTube on Mac
- how to block YouTube on a computer
- how to block websites on iPhone and iPad
- how to block adult websites on iPhone
- how to block websites on Android
- how to block websites on Chrome mobile
- how to block websites on Safari
- how to permanently block adult websites on phone
- how to block websites on Firefox
