Block Websites
Effective Ways to Block Websites on Mac
Block websites on windows using the most effective methods. Prevent website blocks from being bypassed.
If you own a Mac device and want to prevent certain websites from being accessed on your computer, you have several options to consider. While it’s straightforward to block a specific website, if you’re seeking a more comprehensive approach, there are alternative techniques for blocking websites on your Mac computer.
I've spent a significant amount of time researching and comparing solutions for Mac devices specifically. Here's what I found:
- The best, most effective way to block websites is by using a DNS Filter, since you can create a highly customized Content Policy with unique behaviors.
- The Hosts File is another solid option if you want a Do-It-Yourself approach; or need a solid fallback layer in case other filtering methods fail.
- There is a slight difference between URL filtering and domain name filtering. URL filtering is more effective at targeting specific web pages, but you will need to use a browser extension to do it properly. Domain names are more enforceable and are easier to apply across multiple devices.
Depending on your needs, I've also factored in other concerns, such as scheduling, blocking large amounts of websites at once, and bypass prevention.
If you're already tried using Screen Time without success, rest assured I'm going to explore many more options that you maybe haven't considered yet.
Block Websites with a DNS Filter
If you're looking for the most comprehensive way to block websites, you should absolutely consider DNS filtering. There are many solid DNS filtering options out there, but before you commit to purchasing one, you should be sure to keep an eye out for certain features.
For example, make sure that you can add specific DNS domains. A domain for a website will look something like "youtube.com" or "google.com". DNS filtering can block these domains to prevent blocked websites from loading.
Plus, if you have multiple devices that you'd like to share filtering settings on, DNS filtering can be applied across multiple device types; not just Mac computers. Choosing a DNS filter that allows you to also customize your own rules allows you to implement what we call a DNS Content Policy onto your devices.
Block Websites Natively on Mac
You can also use the Hosts file to manually block specific websites. Similar to DNS Filtering, the Hosts file could be used to prevent website domain names from connecting on your Mac computer.
It's too complicated to get into exactly how to do this here, but I've created a dedicated guide for using the Hosts file to block websites if you'd like to do this on your own.
Plus, if you need to quickly block a large number of websites, there are plenty of publicly available lists that you can easily copy and paste for your own use.
Block Entire Categories of Websites Based Off of a DNS Content Category
If you're trying to block every website that matches a particular category, like adult content or security threats, many DNS filters offer content categories that you can block. For example, Tech Lockdown's content filter offers multiple categories.
In some cases, you might need to make exceptions or block websites that don't match a single category. Tech Lockdown let's you create your own rules that either block or allow specific website domains individually.
This also means that enabling the Default-Deny approach is so much easier. To start using the Default-Deny approach, I'll go ahead and block a specific category of website or app (such as social media or entertainment), then manually add Exceptions. As an example, let's take social media:
I still want to have access to LinkedIn, since the risks of finding adult content are very low there. I'll make a new Allow rule that will make an Exception to my Default Deny rule:
Since my Mac is connected to my DNS Content Policy, most social media websites are now blocked. However, I'm still able to visit LinkedIn's webpage.
Since certain categories of websites are prone to having “Mixed Content” that cannot be restricted using conventional methods, the Default-Deny category significantly reduces the chances of me encountering content that I need to ensure is permanently blocked.
Block Website on a Schedule or Time Limit
In some cases, you may not want to block a website completely. You could instead assign a schedule.
You can get some success using Screen Time to set a Time Limit for a website. Open the Settings application and search for Screen Time:
You can add a limit for a new Website (in my case, I'll add YouTube's website):
Then add at least a 1 minute limit (Screen Time won't accept any less time):
This will work, but only in Safari. If you're trying to seriously self-manage your own devices, I wouldn't recommend relying on Screen Time settings alone. They're way too easy to disable, in my opinion:
If you're looking for an effective option to schedule when a website can be accessed, without any ability to ignore restrictions later, using a DNS Content Policy to set a scheduled time block is much more effective. Plus, it pairs very nicely with the Default Deny approach.
A DNS Content Policy will allow content by default, so if we just want a simple rule to block a website on a schedule, we can start by creating a block rule:
I can then create a new schedule. Tech Lockdown's rule editor allows me to easily drag to edit when this block rule is scheduled to be enabled. Let's set a schedule that will disable my website in the evenings, but still lets me access them during the day:
That's it!
If I wanted to combine this idea with the Default Deny approach, I could easily do this with Tech Lockdown as well. I'll need to start by creating a block rule that applies to a category of content by default, so let's say "Video Streaming". This will include websites and apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime:
Next, I want to allow myself a brief window to watch Netflix in the early evening, but cut off connection after 11. I'll need to create an Allow list rule for this exception:
Just leaving this rule as it is will let me access Netflix always. I'll add a schedule to allow a brief window between 7 and 11 in the evenings:
Block Website URLs and Keywords
In some cases, websites could host multiple types of content. If you're trying to block specific webpages like YouTube channels, search terms in a browser, or subreddits, you can't use DNS filtering alone. I'd still recommend using either the Hosts file or DNS filtering to block entire websites (or both at the same time), but you might need to use a browser extension if you need to filter URLs.
We have a much more comprehensive article about how to block website keywords considering a variety of different approaches, so feel free to check it out if this sounds like something you'll need.
Block Content Within Websites
Some websites can have content filtering from within the platform. Usually, you could use the Hosts file, DNS Rules, and/or device restrictions to do this, without completely blocking the website. For example:
- Many search engines have a SafeSearch option that hides explicit or violent results in search. This could be toggled on, or enforced with either a combination of different ways, with the most compatible option being DNS Rules (DNS Rules could be set on any kind of device).
- Many social media platforms use a Content Delivery Network (also called a CDN) to distribute images or videos. You could block a platform's CDN to prevent this media from displaying on either the website or app version of the site.
Each of these topics are quite expansive, but let's start by looking at SafeSearch. SafeSearch can be enforced in multiple different ways (depending on whether you're on a computer or smartphone). In fact, you could layer these methods together and combine multiple different approaches at once, just in case one layer is undone.
I'd strongly recommend reading the guide I wrote specifically for forcing SafeSearch on Mac devices. There are simply to many moving parts to get into here.
Also, since each social media platform is different, I have a combination of guides and blogposts I've written in the past that might help you get started:
- Here's my guide about filtering content on YouTube. YouTube has a strict mode that can be enabled to hide "risky" videos. You can also disable video preview images.
- Block images on Reddit , Twitter (or X) , Discord , or Google Image search.
In each of these guides and blogposts, I've explained how to use a combination of techniques (including the Hosts file if you'd prefer to DIY it).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DNS Content Policy?
A DNS Content Policy is an approach we recommend, where you create a set of rule that apply across your devices. Rules that you set on a Mac can also apply to your iPhone, for example.
Can I use the Hosts file and a DNS Content Policy to block websites?
Yes! In fact, if you're tech-savvy, I'd recommend using both in case either the DNS Content Policy becomes disabled.
Why use the Default-Deny Approach if I'm trying to block NSFW content?
I strongly recommend it if you're trying to target "Mixed Content" websites. A mixed content website would be something like YouTube, Twitter / X, or pretty much any other social media platform that have a mixture of appropriate and NSFW content.
The Default Deny approach requires you to specifically allow certain sites, forcing you to make a judgement call if you need to make an exception.