How to block YouTube in Chrome

Chrome has no regular site block switch

An ordinary Chrome profile lets you clear site data, block pop-ups, and change permissions. It does not have a setting that blocks any website you type in.

For a child account, Google Family Link adds a real site block. For a school or work browser, an administrator can set a URL blocklist. Everyone else needs an extension, an operating system rule, or a network filter.

Block YouTube with Family Link

Use this method when your child signs in to Chrome with a Google Account that you supervise through Family Link.

1. 1
   Open the Family Link app and select your child.
2. 2
   Open Controls, then Google Chrome and Web.
3. 3
   Under Manage sites, select Approved sites and Blocked sites.
4. 4

   Add the domain youtube.com to Blocked sites. A domain rule covers its subdomains, while a single website rule may not.

5. 5

   Test the home page and a direct video link while signed in to the child's Chrome profile.

Google lists the current path in its Chrome and child account guide. Family Link also turns off Incognito for a supervised child account.

On Windows, macOS, and Linux, Google warns that the child can sign out of Chrome, switch profiles, or open another browser. The site rule only follows the supervised Chrome account.

Close the profile and browser gaps

A Chrome profile separates bookmarks and settings. It does not secure the computer by itself.

Give the child a separate, non-admin operating system account. Keep the adult account password private. Remove or block browsers that do not carry the same site rule.

On Windows, read how to make a child a standard user. On macOS, read the standard Mac account guide.

On a personal Chromebook, make the parent the owner, turn off guest mode, and limit who can add users. The Chromebook blocking guide covers that setup.

If Chrome says it is managed

Open Chrome's menu. If the bottom says Managed by your organization, the school or employer controls browser policy. You can also open chrome://management to check.

Do not try to bypass that control. Ask the administrator to block youtube.com with Chrome's URL blocklist. Google documents that tool for managed Chrome browsers and ChromeOS devices.

For a school device, use the school laptop guide before changing anything.

Keep YouTube but block the parts causing trouble

A site block is the right answer when you want no YouTube at all. It is the wrong answer when a child needs some channels for school, hobbies, or music.

Vidward is a desktop browser extension plus a parent dashboard. It keeps the normal YouTube site, then applies rules inside it. A parent can block channels, single videos, and title words. A parent can also remove Shorts and keep autoplay off.

1. 1
   Install Vidward in the Chrome profile your child uses.
2. 2

   Create the child in your parent dashboard and link Chrome with the activation code.

3. 3

   Add channel, video, or title rules. Turn on Block Shorts or Autoplay off if those are part of the problem.

Vidward does not block the whole YouTube site. It does not cover phone or tablet apps, TVs, consoles, or the network. If you need a true website-only block, read how to block the YouTube website, not the app.