How to block the YouTube website, not the app

Use a rule with the right scope

To block the YouTube website but leave the app alone, put the rule on one computer, user account, or browser. Do not block YouTube at the router or DNS level. A network rule can catch the app and every other device on the same network.

The best method depends on where the website opens.

Windows and Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Family Safety can block youtube.com in Edge for one child. It does not block the YouTube app on an unrelated phone, tablet, TV, or console.

Open the child's Family Safety overview, select Edge, turn on Filter inappropriate websites and searches, and add youtube.com under Blocked sites. The child must use Edge while signed in to their Microsoft account.

Microsoft says the web filter works only in Edge. Read the full Microsoft Edge setup if you also need to close other browser paths.

Mac and Safari

Screen Time can restrict youtube.com in Safari. Open System Settings, then Screen Time, choose the child, and open Content & Privacy. Under App Store, Media, Web & Games, set Safari to Limit Adult Websites. Add YouTube to the custom Restricted list and lock Screen Time settings.

That website list is for Safari. It does not block Chrome. The Mac YouTube guide covers the exact steps and the browser limit.

Chrome and Chromebook

Family Link can block a domain for a supervised child in Chrome. Open Family Link, select the child, then go to Controls, Google Chrome and Web, and Approved sites and Blocked sites. Add the domain youtube.com to the blocked list.

On a Chromebook, a YouTube app installed from Google Play is a separate app control. Leave it allowed if the goal is website only. On Windows or Mac, Google warns that a child can switch Chrome profiles or open another browser.

Use the Chrome guide or Chromebook guide for the bypass checks.

A Windows hosts file is wider than a browser rule

Adding YouTube to the Windows hosts file blocks the main site across browsers on that PC. It still leaves an app on a different device alone.

The tradeoff is user scope. The hosts file affects every Windows account, so it is a poor fit if an adult needs YouTube on the same PC. The Windows blocking guide gives the file steps and the safer Family Safety option.

Watch for installed web apps and embedded videos

A YouTube icon installed from Chrome or Edge may be a web app. It still loads youtube.com, so a website rule can block that icon too.

Videos embedded on school or news sites may also load from YouTube. Test the sites your child needs after you add the block. If class videos stop working, ask the teacher for another source or switch to a narrower YouTube rule.

Vidward is not a full website blocker

Vidward keeps the YouTube website open in Chrome. It filters what appears inside it. Parents can block channels, videos, and title words, remove Shorts, and keep autoplay off.

Choose Vidward when the child still needs part of YouTube. Do not choose it when the goal is to make youtube.com stop loading.

Vidward is a desktop browser extension plus a parent dashboard. It does not filter phone or tablet apps, TVs, consoles, or the network.