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The Guide to Blocking Websites: A No-Nonsense Handbook for Every Brit

Published: Updated: Reading Time: 11 minutes

The definitive guide for UK users on how to block distracting, unsafe, or adult websites on computers, phones, and home Wi-Fi using simple, effective methods.

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Ever found yourself tumbling down an internet rabbit hole at 2 AM, watching cat videos when you should be sleeping? Or perhaps you’re a parent, rightfully concerned about what your kids might stumble upon online. Maybe you’re just trying to get some work done without the siren song of social media calling your name every five minutes.

Whatever your reason, you’ve decided you want to block a website. Good on you. Taking control of your digital world is a smart move. But where do you even start? The internet is a big, sprawling place, and trying to put up a ‘No Entry’ sign can feel a bit like trying to stop the tide with a teaspoon.

Don’t you worry. This guide is your digital toolkit. We’re going to walk you through everything, step-by-step, from the dead-simple fixes to the more techy tricks. Think of it as your friendly local guide to building digital fences. We’ll cover how to block sites on your computer, your phone, and even for your entire house, all without needing a degree in computer science. Let’s get cracking.

Why Bother Blocking Websites in the First Place?

Before we dive into the ‘how’, let’s quickly touch on the ‘why’. Understanding your reasons will help you pick the best method. Most people want to block websites for one of three main reasons:

  1. To Boost Productivity: Let’s be honest. Procrastination is a national sport. Websites like Facebook, Twitter (or X, if you prefer), and YouTube are expertly designed to keep you scrolling. When you’ve got a deadline looming, blocking these distractions can be a lifesaver. It’s like putting digital blinkers on to help you focus on the race.
  2. To Keep the Kids Safe: The internet is an incredible tool for learning and fun, but it has its dark corners. As a parent, you want to let your children explore without them accidentally wandering into a dodgy neighbourhood. Blocking inappropriate or adult websites is a fundamental part of modern parenting. It’s the digital equivalent of teaching them to look both ways before crossing the road.
  3. To Bolster Your Security: Not all websites are what they seem. Some are designed to trick you into giving away personal information (this is called ‘phishing’), while others might try to sneak nasty software onto your device. Blocking known malicious websites is a great way to add an extra layer of protection, working alongside your antivirus software to keep the digital riff-raff out.

So, whether you’re a student trying to revise for your GCSEs, a parent setting up a family tablet, or just someone who wants a bit more peace and quiet online, you’re in the right place.

The Simplest Ways to Block a Website: Starting Easy

Right, let’s start with the easiest methods. These don’t require any special software and can be done in just a few minutes. We’ll look at options built right into your computer’s operating system – whether you’re using Windows or a Mac.

Blocking Websites on a Windows PC (The ‘Hosts’ File Method)

Every Windows computer has a special little text file called the ‘hosts’ file. Think of it as a personal address book for websites. Before your computer asks the wider internet for a website’s location, it checks this file first. By adding an entry here, we can trick your computer into thinking a website doesn’t exist. It’s a bit sneaky, but very effective.

Here’s how you do it. It looks a bit technical, but if you follow these steps precisely, you’ll be golden.

  1. Find Notepad, but with Superpowers: First, you need to open ‘Notepad’ as an Administrator. This gives it the special permissions needed to edit this protected file.
    • Click the Start button in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
    • Type “Notepad” into the search bar.
    • You’ll see the Notepad app appear. Right-click on it and choose “Run as administrator”. A box might pop up asking for permission; just click ‘Yes’.
  2. Open the Hosts File: Now that you have your super-powered Notepad, you need to open the hosts file itself.
    • In Notepad, click File > Open.
    • This is the tricky bit. You need to navigate to a specific folder. Copy and paste this path into the ‘File name’ box at the bottom and press Enter: c:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\
    • You might see an empty folder. Don’t panic! In the bottom-right corner of the ‘Open’ window, change the drop-down menu from “Text Documents (.txt)” to **”All Files (.*)”**.
    • Voilà! The ‘hosts’ file should appear. Click on it and then click ‘Open’.
  3. Block the Website: You’ll see some text starting with ‘#’ symbols. These are just comments. Go to the very bottom of the file.
    • To block a website, you need to add a new line. On this new line, type 127.0.0.1, press the spacebar once, and then type the address of the website you want to block.
    • For example, to block Facebook, you would add this line: 127.0.0.1 www.facebook.com
    • The number 127.0.0.1 is a special address that just points back to your own computer. So, when you try to go to Facebook, your computer will look for it on itself, find nothing, and show an error page. Clever, eh?
    • You can add as many websites as you like. Just put each one on a new line, like this:127.0.0.1 [www.facebook.com](https://www.facebook.com) 127.0.0.1 [www.twitter.com](https://www.twitter.com) 127.0.0.1 [www.youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com)
    • Top Tip: It’s a good idea to block both the ‘www.’ version and the version without it, just to be thorough. For example:127.0.0.1 facebook.com 127.0.0.1 [www.facebook.com](https://www.facebook.com)
  4. Save Your Work: Once you’re done, just click File > Save. Close Notepad, and you’re all set. The websites you added are now blocked. To unblock them, just open the hosts file again and delete the lines you added.

Blocking Websites on a Mac (Using Screen Time)

Apple has made this process much simpler on Macs with a built-in feature called Screen Time. Originally designed for managing kids’ device usage, it’s also a fantastic tool for blocking websites for any user.

  1. Open System Settings: Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Settings”. (On older Macs, this might be called “System Preferences”).
  2. Go to Screen Time: In the sidebar on the left, find and click on “Screen Time”. If you’ve never used it before, you might need to click a button to turn it on first.
  3. Find Content & Privacy: Within the Screen Time options, click on “Content & Privacy”. You may need to turn this on if it’s not already enabled.
  4. Set Web Content Restrictions: Under “Content & Privacy,” look for an option called “Content Restrictions” or “Web Content”. Click on it. You’ll be presented with a few choices.
    • Unrestricted Access: This is the default.
    • Limit Adult Websites: This is a good general filter, but we want to be more specific.
    • Allowed Websites Only: This is very restrictive – you have to list every single site you want to access.
    • For our purposes, we want to use the “Limit Adult Websites” option and then customise it.
  5. Add Your Blocked Sites: After selecting “Limit Adult Websites,” a “Customise…” button will appear. Click it.
    • You’ll see two sections: “Allowed” and “Restricted.”
    • Under the “Restricted” section, click the little plus (+) icon.
    • Type or paste the address of the website you want to block (e.g., www.dailymail.co.uk) and click ‘Done’.
    • Repeat this for every website you want to add to your blocklist.
  6. Lock Your Settings (Optional but Recommended): To stop yourself (or a clever child) from easily undoing these changes, you can set a Screen Time passcode. Go back to the main Screen Time page and look for an option to “Use Screen Time Passcode.” Set a four-digit code that you’ll remember but won’t be tempted to use to disable the blocks in a moment of weakness.

And that’s it! The websites are now blocked on your Mac.

Taking it to the Next Level: Browser Extensions

The hosts file and Screen Time methods are great, but they can be a bit blunt. What if you only want to block sites during working hours? Or what if you want to set time limits instead of an outright ban? This is where browser extensions come in.

These are little add-ons for your web browser (like Google Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge) that give it extra powers. There are heaps of extensions designed specifically for blocking websites and managing your focus. They offer a lot more flexibility.

Here are a few of the best and most popular ones. You can find them by searching for their names in the Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons store, or Microsoft Edge Add-ons page.

Our Top Pick: BlockSite

BlockSite is one of the most popular and user-friendly extensions out there. It’s packed with features but is still dead easy to use.

  • Simple Blocklist: You just type in the sites you want to block, and it’s done. It even suggests common distracting sites when you install it.
  • Scheduling: This is its killer feature. You can set a schedule to block sites only on certain days or at certain times. For example, block all social media from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday. Perfect for work or studying.
  • Password Protection: You can lock the settings with a password, making it harder to cheat. You could even ask a partner or friend to set the password for you if you really don’t trust yourself!
  • Work Mode: This is a brilliant timer feature. You click ‘Start,’ and it blocks your chosen sites for a set period (say, 25 minutes). This is based on the popular ‘Pomodoro Technique’ for productivity.
  • Redirects: Instead of just showing an error page, you can set it to redirect you to a more productive website, like your work email or a revision website. A gentle nudge in the right direction.

Another Great Option: LeechBlock NG

LeechBlock NG (the NG stands for Next Generation) is for people who love to tinker. It’s incredibly powerful and customisable, though it might take a few more minutes to set up than BlockSite.

  • Multiple Block Sets: You can create up to 30 different sets of websites to block, each with its own rules. For example, a ‘Work’ set, a ‘Study’ set, and a ‘Late Night’ set.
  • Complex Rules: You can block sites based on time limits (e.g., only allow 10 minutes of BBC News per hour), a combination of times, or even delay access with a countdown timer.
  • Wildcards: You can block entire categories of websites using wildcards. For example, typing *.co.uk isn’t recommended, but you could block something like *gaming*.com to block many gaming sites at once.
  • Lockdown: It has a ‘Lockdown’ feature that lets you block sites for a specific duration, which you cannot override until the time is up.

How to Install a Browser Extension (A General Guide):

  1. Open your browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.).
  2. Go to the browser’s extension store (e.g., Google “Chrome Web Store”).
  3. Search for the name of the extension (e.g., “BlockSite”).
  4. Click on the extension in the search results.
  5. Click the “Add to [Browser Name]” button.
  6. A pop-up will ask for permissions. Click “Add extension.”
  7. The extension’s icon will usually appear in the top-right corner of your browser. Click on it to open its settings and start building your blocklist.

Browser extensions are a fantastic, flexible solution. The main downside is that they only work on the browser they’re installed on. If you have both Chrome and Firefox on your computer, you’ll need to set up the blocks on both. And they won’t stop apps on your computer from accessing the internet.

The Whole-Home Solution: Blocking Websites on Your Router

So far, we’ve talked about blocking websites on individual devices. But what if you want to block them for every single device connected to your home Wi-Fi? Your laptop, your partner’s tablet, your kids’ phones, the smart TV – everything.

This is where your router comes in. Your router is the box that brings the internet into your home. It’s the gatekeeper for all your internet traffic. By changing some settings on it, you can block websites at the source.

This method is powerful, but it’s a bit more advanced. Every router brand (like BT, Virgin Media, Sky, TalkTalk) has a slightly different way of doing things, but the general steps are the same.

Step 1: Find Your Router’s IP Address

To change your router’s settings, you need to log into it through your web browser. To do that, you need its address, known as an IP address. It’s usually a string of numbers.

  • On Windows:
    1. Open the Start menu and type “cmd”, then press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
    2. In the black window that appears, type ipconfig and press Enter.
    3. Look for a line that says “Default Gateway”. The number next to it (something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) is your router’s IP address.
  • On a Mac:
    1. Open System Settings > Network.
    2. Click on your active connection (usually Wi-Fi).
    3. Click the “Details…” button.
    4. In the sidebar, select “TCP/IP”. The number next to “Router” is the address you need.

Step 2: Log In to Your Router

  1. Open any web browser.
  2. In the address bar at the top, type the IP address you just found and press Enter.
  3. You should see a login page for your router. It will ask for a username and password.

This is often the trickiest part. The login details should be printed on a sticker on the router itself.

  • The username is often ‘admin’.
  • The password might be ‘admin’, ‘password’, or a unique random password printed on the sticker. Check the back or bottom of your router box.
  • If you’ve changed it in the past and forgotten it, you may have to reset your router to its factory settings (but be warned, this will wipe all your Wi-Fi settings, so it’s a last resort).

Step 3: Find the Website Blocking Settings

Now you’re in. The layout of these settings pages can be a bit intimidating, but don’t fret. You’re looking for a section with a name like:

  • Parental Controls
  • Access Control
  • Content Filtering
  • Website Filtering or URL Filtering
  • Security

Have a poke around. It’s often under an ‘Advanced’ or ‘Security’ tab.

Step 4: Block the Websites

Once you’ve found the right section, the process is usually straightforward.

  1. You’ll likely need to enable the feature first.
  2. There will be a list where you can add website addresses (URLs) to block.
  3. Some routers let you block by keyword (e.g., blocking any website with the word “casino” in the address).
  4. You might also be able to apply these blocks on a schedule (e.g., only in the evenings) or only for specific devices on your network.
  5. Enter the websites you want to block (e.g., www.tiktok.com).
  6. Click “Save” or “Apply”. The router may need to restart, which could briefly interrupt your internet connection.

Now, any device that connects to your Wi-Fi will be unable to access those sites. This is the most comprehensive way to do it, making it the gold standard for family-wide protection.

A Note on UK Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

Many major UK ISPs, like BT, Sky, and TalkTalk, offer their own parental control services that make this easier.

  • BT Parental Controls and Sky Broadband Shield are free services you can set up through your online account on their websites.
  • They let you set filtering levels (e.g., PG, 13, 18) and customise blocklists without ever having to log into your router directly. It’s definitely worth checking your provider’s website first, as this is often the simplest whole-home solution.

The Family-Friendly Approach: Parental Control Software

If router settings feel too daunting, or if you want more detailed control and reporting, then dedicated parental control software is the way to go. These are apps you install on your kids’ devices (computers, phones, and tablets) that give you a central dashboard to manage everything.

These services usually come with a monthly or yearly subscription, but they offer peace of mind and a host of powerful features beyond just blocking websites.

What Can Parental Control Software Do?

  • Category Filtering: Instead of manually blocking every single bad website, you can block entire categories like ‘Adult’, ‘Gambling’, ‘Violence’, and ‘Social Media’ with a single click. These services maintain huge, constantly updated lists.
  • Time Limits: Set daily limits on screen time, either for the device as a whole or for specific apps and websites.
  • Scheduling: Create a schedule for when devices can be used, such as locking them down during homework hours or after bedtime.
  • Reporting: See which websites and apps your child is using and for how long. It’s less about spying and more about having informed conversations about their online habits.
  • Location Tracking: Many services include features to see your child’s location on a map, which can be reassuring for older kids who are out and about.
  • YouTube Monitoring: Some can even monitor what your child is searching for and watching on YouTube, which is a common area of concern for parents.

Popular and Reputable Services in the UK

  • Qustodio: Often rated as one of the best. It’s very comprehensive, easy to set up, and works across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and even Chromebooks.
  • Norton Family: From the well-known security company, this offers a great suite of features and is often bundled with their antivirus software.
  • Net Nanny: Another top contender, known for its excellent web filtering technology that analyses pages in real-time.

Using this kind of software is a great middle-ground. It’s more powerful than browser extensions but easier to manage than router settings, and it’s designed specifically with families in mind.

Blocking on the Go: Phones and Tablets

Of course, we don’t just use the internet at home. Our phones are with us everywhere. Here’s how to block websites on mobile devices.

On an iPhone or iPad (Hello again, Screen Time)

Just like on a Mac, Apple’s Screen Time is your best friend here. The process is almost identical.

  1. Go to Settings > Screen Time.
  2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. Make sure the toggle at the top is green.
  3. Tap Content Restrictions > Web Content.
  4. Select Limit Adult Websites.
  5. Under “Add Website” in the “Never Allow” section, type in the addresses of the sites you want to block.
  6. Don’t forget to set a Screen Time passcode to lock these settings!

On an Android Phone or Tablet

Android doesn’t have a system-wide blocker as simple as Screen Time, so you have a few options.

  1. Use a Secure DNS App: This sounds technical, but it’s pretty straightforward. Apps like NextDNS or Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 can be configured to block categories of websites (like adult content or malware) for all traffic from your phone, in any browser or app. The Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 app has a ‘Family’ setting that blocks adult content with just two taps.
  2. Browser-Specific Blocking: Some mobile browsers, like Firefox Focus, automatically block many trackers and can be more private. However, to create a custom blocklist, you’ll generally need an add-on, just like on the desktop. Firefox for Android supports extensions, so you could install LeechBlock NG on it.
  3. Parental Control Apps: This is the most reliable method. Services like Qustodio or Norton Family work brilliantly on Android and give you full control from your own phone. Google’s own Family Link is a free and powerful option for managing children’s Android devices.

A Word of Warning: The Limits of Blocking

It’s important to be realistic. While these methods are effective, no blocking system is 100% foolproof. A determined teenager might figure out how to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to get around router blocks, or use their school’s Wi-Fi, or just use their mate’s phone.

That’s why blocking websites should be a tool, not a replacement for conversation.

This is especially true for parents. Blocking provides a safety net, but it works best when paired with open and honest chats about staying safe online, being a good digital citizen, and managing distractions. Talk to your kids about why you’re setting up these filters. Explain that it’s about keeping them safe, just like you’d hold their hand to cross a busy street.

For productivity, be honest with yourself. Blocking is a fantastic aid, but building good habits is the long-term solution. Use these tools to give yourself the breathing room to develop better focus and discipline.

You’re in Control Now

Blocking a website might have seemed like a dark art before, but as you’ve seen, it’s something anyone can do. Whether you’re making a tiny change to a text file, installing a clever browser extension, or setting up a digital fortress on your home router, you have the power to curate your own internet experience.

Start with the simplest method that suits your needs and see how you get on. You can always try a different approach later. The important thing is that you’ve taken the first step towards a safer, more focused, and more intentional digital life. Now, go and enjoy that newfound peace and quiet.

Further Reading & Resources

For those who wish to delve deeper or need official guidance, these resources are highly respected and provide excellent information on internet safety and digital wellbeing.

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