YouTube is a magnet for kids. With countless videos to explore, it’s no wonder they can spend hours glued to the screen.
But as a parent, I understand that not everything on YouTube is suitable for young eyes.
So I looked into how to block YouTube on my child’s iPhone so that they can’t access it without my supervision.
I’ve found and tested three reliable methods that you can use too.
The methods are:
- Method 1 (best overall): Blocking Youtube on iPhone using Canopy
- Method 2: Blocking Youtube on iPhone with Apple’s Screen Time settings
- Method 3: Blocking Youtube on iPhone using your router
Why Is It Worth Blocking YouTube?
As a parent, I’ve often asked myself this question. After all, YouTube is a treasure trove of educational content and entertainment. And kids love it.
A Precise TV survey in 2023 found that 90% of kids across all ages watch YouTube.
But its popularity combined with the amount of content it has, is the reason we should block it—or at the very least monitor its use closely.
Exposure to Inappropriate Content:
YouTube hosts a vast array of content, not all of which is suitable for children. Despite the platform’s efforts to moderate content, inappropriate videos can sometimes slip through the cracks, exposing children to adult themes, explicit language, and violent content.
Impact on Mental Health:
Mental health experts have warned that YouTube can be a source of anxiety and inappropriate sexual behavior among kids under the age of 13. It can also negatively impact body image, contribute to bullying, and form negative thoughts and concepts about family and societal norms.
Disruption of Sleep:
Screen time, including YouTube, can significantly impact your child’s sleep. Kids who go to bed with devices in their room get fewer minutes of sleep each night compared to those who don’t have screens in their room. Lack of adequate sleep can affect a child’s mood, cognitive function, and overall health.
Influence on Behavior:
Children can be heavily influenced by what they see and hear. YouTube influencers and content creators can sometimes promote materialism, unhealthy habits, and unrealistic lifestyle expectations.
Given these potential risks, it’s worth considering blocking or at least controlling access to YouTube on your child’s iPhone.
This is where tools like Canopy come in handy, providing a comprehensive solution to manage your child’s digital experience effectively.
Read more: What is Parental Control?
Best Method: Blocking YouTube on iPhone Using Canopy (Parental Control App)
Here’s the method, the benefits, and step-by-steps for blocking YouTube on an iPhone using Canopy.
Method:
Canopy is a parental control app and porn blocker that works on iPhones and other devices. Canopy creates a safer online environment for your children, or yourself, by blocking access to potentially harmful websites and apps, including YouTube.
Benefits:
Canopy stands out as the premier choice for blocking YouTube on an iPhone, and here’s why:
- Universal Protection: Canopy operates seamlessly across all your devices, offering unwavering protection regardless of the device your child uses to browse.
- Instant Content Filtering: Powered by AI, Canopy’s content filtering system identifies and blocks inappropriate content in real-time, promoting a safer browsing experience.
- Tailored Controls: Canopy empowers you to block specific websites and fine-tune the filtering intensity based on your child’s age and maturity level.
- User-Friendly: Canopy’s intuitive interface and straightforward instructions simplify the process of setting up and maintaining your child’s online safety.
You can learn more about Canopy and its real-time smart filter in the video below:
Why it’s the best:
Canopy is the best method for blocking YouTube on iPhone because it blocks the app and site whether your child is at home or not, can work on multiple devices, and has removal prevention features in place.
Canopy also provides real-time filtering of inappropriate content across all devices and browsers.
It helps you foster healthier digital habits and a safer online environment, making it more than just a content blocker.
With Canopy, you’re able to block YouTube and any other site or content that threatens your child’s wellbeing.
Watch the video below to hear why parents use and trust Canopy to protect their family.
How to Block YouTube in an iPhone with Canopy: Step by Step
1. Create a Canopy account: You can start with a free trial.
2. Download the Canopy for Kids app: Install it on any device you wish to block YouTube on. In this case, an iPhone. I did it for my 8-year-old’s iPhone.
3. Set up protection filters: 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, click ‘Websites’ then choose the ‘+ Add’ option.
5. Enter the YouTube URL: Type in ‘youtube.com’.. For this, you’ll want to choose ‘Blocked’ and then hit ‘Save’.
This blocks YouTube on your child’s iPhone if they’re trying to access it on a browser. To block the app, keep reading.
6. Open ‘Applications’: In the dashboard, navigate to the ‘Applications’ tab (or Apps if you’re on the Canopy for Parents app). The next screen will display a list of all the applications installed on your child’s device.
Block the YouTube App: Locate YouTube. From the drop-down menu on the right side of the screen, choose the level of protection you want for the app you’ve selected.
And there you have it! YouTube (and any other website or app you wish to block) is now off-limits on that iPhone. You can repeat the process for each child.
→ If you want to block YouTube and protect your family online, download the Canopy app today. ←
Method 2: Using Apple’s Screen Time to Block YouTube on iPhone
Here’s the method, the benefits and step-by-steps for blocking YouTube on an iPhone using Screen Time.
Method:
Another method I’ve found effective for blocking YouTube on an iPhone is leveraging the built-in Screen Time feature in iOS. This feature enables you to set content and privacy restrictions, including the ability to block specific websites.
This feature allows you to set content and privacy restrictions, including blocking specific websites.
Benefits:
Using Screen Time to block YouTube on an iPhone offers several benefits:
- Built-In Feature: Screen Time is an inherent feature in iOS, eliminating the need for additional software or apps.
- Customizable Controls: Screen Time grants you the ability to block specific websites, offering control over the content accessible on the device.
- Usage Insights: Screen Time also delivers insights into the duration spent on apps, websites, and more, aiding you in understanding and managing your child’s device usage.
Why it’s a good choice:
Using Screen Time to block YouTube on an iPhone is a good choice if you’re looking for a free solution.
However, Screen Time settings are device-specific and are easy for a child to remove. For a more comprehensive solution that works across all devices and networks, Canopy is the number one
How to Block YouTube on iPhone with Apple’s Screen Time Step by Step
1. Open Settings: From your child’s iPhone, go to ‘Settings’ and then tap on ‘Screen Time’.
2. Turn on Screen Time: If it isn’t activated, you’ll need to follow the prompts to set it up.
3. Access Content & Privacy Restrictions: Once Screen Time is enabled, tap ‘Content & Privacy Restrictions’.
4. Enable Content & Privacy: If not already turned on, tap the switch to activate it.
6. Access Content Restrictions: Select ‘Content Restrictions’, then ‘Web Content’.
7. Add YouTube to the Blocked List: Tap ‘Add Website’ under ‘NEVER ALLOW’ and input the URL for YouTube: www.youtube.com.
The above will block YouTube from showing up on the iPhone’s browser apps. Now we need to block access to the app as well.
8. Go back a step: Take yourself back into the menu of Content & Privacy Restrictions.
9. Block the YouTube app: Now click on ‘Allowed Apps’ and toggle the switch next to YouTube so that it’s in the off position’.
And there you have it! YouTube was now blocked on my child’s iPhone.
However, it’s just easily undone by a child. For total control, I’d recommend Canopy.
Method 3: Using Your Home Router to Block YouTube on an iPhone
Here’s the method, the benefits, and step-by-steps for blocking YouTube on an iPhone using a home router.
Method:
Many modern routers have built-in features that allow you to block specific websites for all devices connected to your network.
Benefits:
Using your router to block YouTube on an iPhone 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 iPhones, iPads, and computers as long as their on your network.
- Persistent Blocking: Your child won’t be able to change the settings.
- No Additional Software Required: 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 an iPhone is a good choice if you have multiple devices at home and want to ensure consistent blocking across all of them.
However, it only works when the devices are connected to your home network. So if your child leaves the house or turns off wifi, they can access YouTube.
Compare that to Canopy where every device is protected whether you’re at home or not.
How to Block YouTube on an iPhone with a Router: Step by Step
1. Access your router settings: For most routers, this is done by typing your router’s IP address into a web browser. The IP address looks something like “192.168.0.1” or “192.168.1.1”. It’s usually found on your router.
2. Log in to your router: You’ll be asked for a username and password. 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: It’s typically under “settings” or “advanced settings”. Look for terms like “parental controls”, “content filtering”, or “block sites”.
4. Set up website blocking: Enter the URL you want to block. In this case, it’s: “www.youtube.com”.
5. Apply the settings to your network: Make sure to save the settings. The router may need to reboot for them to take effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I use the restrictions feature in iOS to block YouTube on an iPhone?
iOS has a feature called “Restrictions” that allows you to block or limit specific apps and features on your child’s iPhone. Here’s how I used it to block YouTube:
1. I opened the Settings app on my iPhone.
2. I tapped on “Screen Time.”
3. I tapped on “Content & Privacy Restrictions.”
4. If asked, I entered my passcode.
5. I tapped on “Allowed Apps.”
6. I turned off the switch next to YouTube.
What are some reliable methods to limit a child’s access to YouTube on their iPhone?
There are several methods to limit a child’s access to YouTube on their iPhone. The ones I’ve found most effective are:
Using Canopy: This parental control app allows you to block specific websites and provides real-time filtering of inappropriate content.
Using Screen Time: This built-in iOS feature lets you block specific apps, including YouTube, and provides insights into your child’s device usage.
Using Your Home Router: Many modern routers allow you to block specific websites for all devices connected to your network.
Are there any ways to block specific YouTube channels on an iPhone?
Yes, you can block specific YouTube channels on your iPhone.
When you see a channel or video pop up on your YouTube homepage, you can block it from being recommended to you in the future by clicking the three dots on the video, and selecting ‘Don’t recommend channel’.
Other Guides for Blocking Content Across Devices and Browsers
If you’re interested in creating a safe browsing experience beyond iPhones, check out these 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 Fire
- how to block YouTube on iPad
