How to Block YouTube on Your Computer and All Devices

YouTube serves as a source of entertainment and learning. There are times when its necessary to restrict access. Blocking YouTube can be a strategy, for improving productivity implementing controls or managing network usage. This guide will explain methods for blocking YouTube on computers, mobile devices and entire networks. https://www.paulburston.com/ will introduce you to alternative blocking methods!

Reasons to Consider Blocking YouTube

1. Enhancing Productivity

Let’s admit it. YouTube can easily become a distraction. Whether you’re working from home or studying, the allure of cat videos and endless music playlists can detract from your focus. Blocking YouTube can aid in maintaining productivity.

2. Implementing Parental Controls

For parents, monitoring the content that children access on YouTube is crucial. With its library of videos ranging from inappropriate to inappropriate for kids, YouTube provides a sense of security.

3. Managing Bandwidth Usage

YouTube videos consume amounts of bandwidth. If you have data limitations or need to optimize network performance, blocking YouTube can prevent data usage. Ensure smoother internet connectivity.

Methods for Blocking YouTube on Computers

Utilizing Host Files

An approach to block access to YouTube on a computer involves modifying the host files.

This approach operates on the system level to prevent access to YouTube, on all web browsers.

Editing Host Files on Windows

1. Open Notepad as an administrator.
2. Go to File > Open and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.
3. Select All Files from the file type dropdown.
4. Open the hosts file.

Add the following line at the end of the file:

127.0.0.1 www.youtube.com

127.0.0.1 m.youtube.com

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2. Save the file and restart your computer.

Editing Host Files on Mac

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type sudo nano /etc/hosts and press Enter.
3. Enter your password when prompted.

Add the following lines at the end of the file:

127.0.0.1 www.youtube.com

127.0.0.1 m.youtube.com

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2. Press Control + X to save and exit.
3. Restart your Mac.

Browser Extensions

If editing host files seems daunting, browser extensions can be a user-friendly alternative.

Popular Extensions for Chrome

• BlockSite: Allows you to block websites and set up schedules.
• StayFocusd: Limits the amount of time you can spend on certain websites.

Popular Extensions for Firefox

• LeechBlock NG: Lets you block sites at specified times.
• uBlock Origin: Primarily an ad blocker but can block websites too.

Parental Control Software

Parental control software, including YouTube, offers comprehensive tools for managing website access.

Top Software Options

• Parentaler: Provides web filtering and time management.
• Qustodio: Offers detailed monitoring and blocking capabilities.

Setting Up Parental Controls

1. Install the software and create an account.
2. Configure the settings to block YouTube.
3. Apply the settings to the devices you want to control.

Blocking YouTube on Mobile Devices

Using Built-in Features on iOS

Screen Time Settings

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time.
2. Tap App Limits > Add Limit.
3. Select Entertainment and choose YouTube.
4. Set the desired limit and tap Add.

Guided Access

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access.
2. Turn on Guided Access and set a passcode.
3. Open YouTube, triple-click the side button, and configure the settings to disable YouTube access.

Using Built-in Features on Android

Digital Wellbeing Settings

1. Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.
2. Tap Dashboard.
3. Select YouTube and set a daily limit.

Third-Party Apps

• AppBlock: Allows you to block apps and set usage limits.
• Stay Focused: Blocks apps and websites, including YouTube.

Router-Based Blocking

Blocking YouTube at the router level ensures that any device connected to your network cannot access YouTube.

Accessing Router Settings

1. Open a web browser and type your router’s IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Enter your username and password (commonly found on the router or in the manual).

Blocking Websites via Router

1. Navigate to the website blocking section (usually under Parental Controls or Security).
2. Enter www.youtube.com and m.youtube.com into the blocked sites list.
3. Save the settings and reboot the router.

Advantages and Limitations

• Advantages: Affects all devices connected to the network; harder to bypass.
• Limitations: Can be bypassed using mobile data; requires access to router settings.

Network-wide Solutions

Using DNS Filtering

DNS filtering can block YouTube at the network level by preventing devices from resolving YouTube’s web addresses.

Setting Up OpenDNS

1. Create an OpenDNS account.
2. Set your router to use OpenDNS’s DNS servers (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220).
3. Configure your OpenDNS settings to block YouTube.

Using Other DNS Services

• CleanBrowsing: Offers DNS filtering with specific filters for blocking adult content and YouTube.
• NextDNS: Provides customizable filtering options, including blocking YouTube.

Enterprise-Level Solutions

Enterprise-level solutions offer robust control over internet access for businesses and larger networks.

Software and Hardware Options

• Cisco Umbrella: Provides DNS-layer security and web filtering.
• Barracuda Web Security Gateway: Offers comprehensive web filtering and threat protection.

Configuration and Maintenance

1. Install and configure the solution according to your network needs.
2. Regularly update and maintain the settings to ensure effective blocking.

Conclusion

Blocking YouTube can be achieved through various methods, each with its own advantages and limitations. Whether you’re using host files, browser extensions, parental control software, or network-wide solutions, there’s an option to suit your needs. Choose the method that best aligns with your goals, whether it’s enhancing productivity, ensuring safe content for kids, or managing bandwidth effectively.

FAQs

Can I block YouTube on smart TVs?

• Yes, you can block YouTube on smart TVs by configuring the router or using parental control settings on the TV itself.

How do I unblock YouTube after blocking it?

• To unblock YouTube, reverse the steps you took to block it, whether that involves editing host files, disabling extensions, or adjusting router settings.

Will blocking YouTube affect other Google services?

• Blocking YouTube typically won’t affect other Google services like Gmail or Google Search, but it might impact services that rely on YouTube, such as Google Classroom.

Can I block YouTube on specific devices only?

• Yes, using device-specific solutions like parental control apps or browser extensions allows you to block YouTube on selected devices only.

Are there legal concerns with blocking YouTube?

• Blocking YouTube for personal use or within a private network generally has no legal issues. However, businesses should ensure compliance with any relevant laws and regulations regarding internet