Chrome is one of the most versatile web browsers around, thanks to its system of extensions that allows easy functionality upgrades. In essence, Chrome provides the web access mechanics while allowing third-party developers to build extra modules that simply attach to the browser.
The high popularity of the browser means there are thousands of extensions available today. Here’s how you can Block a Website on Chrome;
1. Visit the Chrome Web Store
To block a website on Chrome, you will need to use an extension. While these are available for download in many places, the safest is via the Chrome Web Store. It’s an official Google source for native and third-party extensions.
Chrome vets the extensions available on the Web Store to ensure they aren’t malicious. Downloading them from an external source is riskier since the origins of those extensions are unknown.
2. Search for an Extension
Finding an extension on the Web Store is simple. It works like Google Search. Simply type in the search terms you want, and it’ll display a list of potentially helpful extensions. For this guide, I’ll type in “website blocker” and download an extension from the list that appears.
Do note that the Chrome Web Store contains a mix of both commercial and free extensions. Unfortunately, you can’t sort them, which makes finding a free one more difficult. In most cases, you won’t know if the extension costs money until you’ve installed it.
If you find you’ve installed a paid extension and don’t wish to use it, you will have to uninstall it and search for an alternative.
Tip: Check the rating of the extensions before you install them. Better extensions are often highly rated by more users. Avoid extensions with low or few ratings.
3. Add the Extension
Click on the extension you want, and it’ll open a page that provides more detail. You can read the description and specifications for more information. Mostly, I just click on the button at the top labeled “Add to Chrome.”
Once clicked, a popup box will appear to confirm if you’d like to add the extension to Chrome. Click “Add Extension,” and Chrome will automatically perform the installation.
4. Access the Extension Options Page
To configure the extension, click on the jigsaw puzzle icon on the right side of your browser address bar. That opens a list of extensions. Look for the extension you installed and click on the three vertical dots alongside to open the extension menu.
From there, select “options,” and Chrome will open a settings page for the extension.
5. Configuring the Extension
The settings page is divided in half. We first look to the right side to add the websites you wish to block. Add in the complete URL for the website, including the HTTP or HTTPS prefix. For example, to block YouTube, type: “https://www.youtube.com” then click the “Block” button.
On the left side of the page, you can configure a password to unblock the websites listed and decide the type of block. “Block always” is a permanent block, so you’ll only be able to access the website if you have the password.
If you only wish to block the websites during specific periods, select the “Schedule” option and specify the time and days of the week to block the websites.
Natively Blocking Websites on Google Chrome
While the consumer version of Google Chrome doesn’t allow you to block websites, the Enterprise version does. Since Chrome Enterprise is for an office environment, administrators can selectively define website blocklists.
This ability helps companies decrease the risk of security breaches caused by employees visiting dodgy websites or those that may have malware.
Why Block Websites on Chrome
There are many potential reasons why you might want to block a website on Chrome. If you often use a web browser for work, it may be a little too tempting to visit a shopping website or hit Netflix. In cases like this, blocking a website during specific hours can help you focus and increase productivity.
You can also use website blockers as a form of parental control. Once in place, you can block access to a website you don’t wish your children to access.
Remember that most website blockers don’t have to be permanently turned on and scheduled to activate during certain hours. For example, you can disable it in the evenings and only block websites during working hours.
Conclusion
Chrome extensions vary widely in quality, and it can take some time to find the best extension to suit your needs. Website blocker extensions are the same. In addition, free extensions aren’t necessarily low quality, so consider one of these before forking out expensive premiums for commercial extensions.