With the availability of online content in this day and age, there are times when blocking access to particular websites, like YouTube, might be required. This might be the result of things like increased productivity or monitoring. This post provides steps on how to block YouTube on Android devices, desktops, iPhones, and other devices using a no-jailbreak method. Additionally, it will go over how to efficiently manage and restrict YouTube access through the use of parental control apps.
YouTube can provide distractions or unsuitable content, especially for younger users, even if it provides a platform for study and fun. Depending on the device and operating system, there are different steps to ban YouTube.
How to Block YouTube on iPhones
For parents who want to control their children’s content consumption and for individuals who want to cut down on distractions and increase productivity, blocking access to YouTube on an iPhone can be useful. Here are some methods for limiting YouTube access on an iPhone:
Making Use of Screen Time
One easy approach to manage access to YouTube and other websites and applications is through Apple’s Screen Time function.
- Configuration: Select “Settings” > “Screen Time” and turn it on. Select “This is My Child’s iPhone” when configuring for a child in order to gain access to more parental control options.
- Application Limits: To set a time limit for using the YouTube app, choose YouTube, add a limit, and then go to “App Limits.” You can limit how long you use the app each day.
- Content limitations: Go to “Content & Privacy Restrictions,” input a Screen Time passcode, and turn on the limitations to ban the YouTube website. Choose “Web Content” under “Content Restrictions,” and then “Limit Adult Websites.” You can manually include “youtube.com” in the list of prohibited websites here.
Utilizing Limitations in Previous Iterations of iOS
The “Restrictions” function is available for iPhones running previous iterations of iOS (before to iOS 12).
- Turn Restrictions On: Select “Settings” > “General” > “Restrictions,” then turn “Restrictions” on. Choose a passcode that is distinct from the one on your device’s lock screen.
- Block Access: Toggle YouTube off under “Allowed Apps” to make it inoperable. Go to “Websites” and select “Block access to certain websites” or “Block access to adult content.”
Making Use of Parental Control Apps from Third Parties
The App Store offers a number of third-party apps that can assist in controlling and limiting YouTube usage.
- Examples: Applications such as Qustodio, Norton Family, and OurPact provide tools for blocking or restricting access to particular websites and apps, such as YouTube.
- Functionality: These applications might offer more extensive restrictions including location tracking, screen time scheduling, and online activity monitoring.
Modifying DNS Configuration
You can use custom DNS settings to help filter out YouTube and other specialized content.
- Use Family-Friendly DNS: Websites such as CleanBrowsing provide DNS filters that prevent access to YouTube and other adult content. To utilize it, adjust the DNS settings on your Wi-Fi network to the addresses that the DNS provider provides.
Taking down the YouTube app
Although it doesn’t stop users from accessing YouTube through web browsers, simply removing the YouTube app can be a useful solution.
- Uninstall: To uninstall YouTube from the iPhone, press & hold the app icon and select “Delete App.”
Making Use of Guided Access
Guided Access can regulate which features are available in an app and temporarily limit your iPhone to only one app.
- Guided Access: Go to “Settings” > “Accessibility” > “Guided Access” to set up guided access. Set a passcode and activate guided access.
- Use: This allows you to lock the iPhone to a particular app—other than YouTube—for a predetermined amount of time.
How to Block YouTube on Android Devices
Blocking YouTube on Android devices is a step for people who want to control screen usage, impose limitations, or lessen distractions. Here are some effective methods for limiting YouTube access on Android devices:
Using Google’s Family Link App
Google’s Family Link app is a powerful tool for managing the digital habits of children.
- Setup: Install Google Family Link for Parents on your device and Google Family Link for Children & Teens on the child’s device.
- Control: Through the app, you can set content restrictions on Google Play to prevent the YouTube app from being downloaded. If the app is already installed, you can manage its usage or completely block access.
Integrated Android Functionalities
Inbuilt parental control capabilities are available on certain Android handsets.
- Digital Wellbeing: With this function, which is accessible on some devices, you can plan downtime and place time limits on apps like YouTube.
- SafeSearch Filtering: To exclude YouTube from search results, turn on SafeSearch in the Google app or Chrome.
Using Parental Control Apps from Third Parties
The Google Play Store offers a wide variety of third-party apps that can assist with YouTube blocking.
- Examples: You can restrict YouTube and have complete control over how you use apps like Qustodio, Norton Family, and Net Nanny.
- Features: These applications frequently include with extra features like time limitations, usage reports, and the capacity to block websites or other programs.
Changing the Hosts File (Requires Root)
Editing an Android device’s hosts file can restrict YouTube for more tech-savvy users. Root access is necessary for this procedure.
- Process: After rooting the device, use a file manager to navigate to ‘/system/etc/hosts’. Add ‘0.0.1 www.youtube.com’ to this file.
- Be careful: Rooting your smartphone may compromise its security and violate its warranty.
Making Use of a Browser with Integrated Controls
More control over content is possible with certain web browsers, which may also ban access to YouTube and other websites.
- Examples: Browsers with content filtering and blocking capabilities include Firefox Focus and Spin Safe Browser.
Modify The Router’s Configuration
To restrict YouTube on all devices connected to your home network, including Android devices, you may change the settings on your router.
- Technique: Go into the router’s configuration and include YouTube in the list of prohibited websites. Using your house Wi-Fi, this technique disables YouTube on all devices.
Turn Off Or Remove YouTube
It is possible to turn off the YouTube app on some Android smartphones.
- Disable: Choose “Disable” under “Settings” > “Apps” > “YouTube.” This won’t erase the app from the device, but it will render it useless.
- Uninstall: You may also remove the YouTube app directly if your device permits it.
How to Block YouTube on Computer
It can be beneficial to block YouTube access on your computer for a number of reasons, including increasing productivity, preventing disruptions, or controlling limitations. Here are some ways to help you do this:
Making Use of Browser Extensions
Using browser extensions to disable YouTube on your computer is a simple and efficient method. They function in tandem with your web browser to limit access to particular websites.
- For Chrome: You can block YouTube by using extensions like “StayFocusd” or “BlockSite.” You can allocate a certain amount of time for the day or designate specific times.
- For Firefox: You can block YouTube for specific times by using similar extensions like “LeechBlock NG.”
- For Safari: Extensions such as “WasteNoTime” can be used for blocking, even though Safari offers fewer possibilities.
The Hosts File Editing
You may manage website access by using the hosts file on every computer. You risk permanently blocking YouTube on your computer if you edit this file.
- Windows: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts is where you’ll find the hosts file. Add “0.0.1 www.youtube.com” at the end of the file after opening it as an administrator in a text editor such as Notepad. Save the modifications.
- Mac: On a Mac, you can access the hosts file by opening Terminal and typing ‘sudo nano /etc/hosts’. Add ‘0.0.1 www.youtube.com’ to the file and save it.
Using the Router’s settings
You may use your router’s settings to ban YouTube on all of the devices that are connected to your network.
- You may access the router’s admin panel by using a web address such as 168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. Your admin login and password are required.
- Seek out the “Parental Controls,” “Access Restrictions,” or comparable area.
- Incorporate “youtube.com” into the list of prohibited websites.
Making Use of Windows Family Safety
YouTube users using Windows 10 or later can restrict YouTube using the Family Safety features.
- Create an account for a child and include it in your family group.
- You may use the Microsoft Family Safety settings to restrict YouTube for that particular account.
Utilizing External Software
YouTube is among the many third-party apps that have the ability to ban websites.
- Both Mac and Windows users frequently choose programs like “Freedom” and “Cold Turkey.”
- With features like scheduling and setting locking to make it difficult to go around, these apps provide greater versatility.
Make Use of a DNS Service
You may restrict the material on your network with DNS services like OpenDNS.
- Create a free OpenDNS account and switch the DNS on your router to OpenDNS servers.
- You may disable YouTube on all of the devices linked to your network from your OpenDNS dashboard.
How to Block YouTube on Parental Control Apps
Applications for parental control are computer programs designed to help parents keep an eye on and supervise their kids’ activities. These programs provide features that help protect kids, such the option to limit access to particular websites and apps, like YouTube.
Through features like “Instant Lock,” which allows parents to immediately block device access when necessary, “Insight Reports,” which generate reports on children’s activities, including YouTube video views, and “Platform Support,” which is compatible with Windows, Android, and iOS, it also offers insights into the search terms and videos that children watch on YouTube. The best parental control applications available are as follows:
The Parentaler
Features: Parentaler is well-known for its real-time content filtering, which allows it to block YouTube videos as they happen. It also gives information and sends notifications.
Family Feed: Provides a stream of searches, YouTube activity, and videos and websites seen.
Customizable Profiles: Makes it possible to create user profiles with settings specific to each kid.
Platforms Supported: Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Safe Kids by Kaspersky
Features include social network monitoring, screen time management, and content screening. Parents may use it to limit their children’s access to YouTube and other certain websites or apps.
Location Tracking: To monitor a child’s location, the program offers GPS tracking.
Low Battery Notifications: Alerts parents when the battery on their child’s smartphone is about to die.
Compatible: PCs, Macs, iOS, and Android devices are all compatible.
Circle Home Plus
- Features: Circle manages all connected devices at home by combining a physical device and a software. It makes screen time limits, content screening, and internet access pausing possible.
- Customized Profiles: Every member of the family may have a profile with unique preferences.
- Encouraging Balance: Circle might limit access to applications like YouTube depending on the time of day or overall use length in an effort to provide a well-rounded experience.
- Device Compatibility: Circle is a hardware-driven solution that works with any household internet-connected device.
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Conclusion for How to Block YouTube
Limiting YouTube access can help create a productive online environment, especially for children. There are ways to control YouTube access on various devices, including using device settings, browser add-ons, and specialist monitoring programs. Whether it’s about improving individual productivity or parental monitoring, each strategy delivers advantages catered to your needs.