To completely block YouTube on your computer, you can follow these steps:
1. Use a browser extension: One of the easiest ways to block YouTube is by using a browser extension. There are several extensions available for popular browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox that allow you to block specific websites.
A. Open YouTube on your browser: Go to the YouTube website and make sure it is loaded in your browser.
B. Click on the extensions icon: Look for the extensions icon on the top right corner of your browser. It usually looks like a puzzle piece, a puzzle icon, or three dots. Click on it to open the extensions menu.
C. Find and select the “Block Site” extension: In the extensions menu, search for the “Block Site” extension. Once you find it, click on it to open its settings.
D. Block YouTube: Within the “Block Site” extension settings, you should see an option to block specific websites. Look for the “Block this site” button or a similar option. Click on it and enter “youtube.com” or the URL of YouTube in the provided field.
E. Save the changes: After entering the YouTube URL, click on the save button or any other designated option to save your changes.
2. Use a website blocking software: If you want more comprehensive control over website blocking, you can consider using website blocking software. These tools allow you to block specific websites or set up schedules to restrict access during certain times of the day.
A. Search for website blocking software: Look for website blocking software options available for your operating system. Some popular choices include Cold Turkey, FocusMe, and SelfControl.
B. Install and set up the software: Download the website blocking software of your choice and follow the installation instructions. Once installed, open the software and configure the blocking settings.
C. Add YouTube to the blocked websites list: Within the website blocking software, you should find an option to add websites to the blocked list. Add “youtube.com” or the URL of YouTube to prevent access to the site.
D. Save the settings: After adding YouTube to the blocked list, save the settings within the website blocking software.
3. Modify the hosts file: Another method to block YouTube, which requires some technical knowledge, is by modifying the hosts file on your computer. This method blocks access to a specific website by redirecting its URL to a non-existent or blocked IP address.
A. Locate the hosts file: The hosts file is located in different locations depending on your operating system. For Windows, it is generally located at “C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts,” and for macOS, it is at “/private/etc/hosts.”
B. Open the hosts file: Use a text editor with administrator privileges to open the hosts file. For Windows, you can right-click on the text editor and select “Run as administrator” before opening the file.
C. Edit the hosts file: Add a new line at the end of the file and type “127.0.0.1 youtube.com” (without quotes). This will redirect any requests to YouTube to your local computer, effectively blocking access.
D. Save the hosts file: After editing the hosts file, save the changes and close the text editor.
4. Use parental control software: If you want to block YouTube specifically for parental control purposes, you can utilize parental control software. These tools allow you to restrict access to certain websites, set time limits, and monitor online activities.
A. Research parental control software: Look for parental control software that suits your needs and is compatible with your operating system. Some popular options include Norton Family, Qustodio, and Net Nanny.
B. Install and set up the software: Download the parental control software and follow the installation instructions. Once installed, set up the software according to your preferences, including blocking YouTube.
C. Configure YouTube blocking: Within the parental control software, you should find options to block specific websites. Look for the YouTube option and add it to the blocked list.
D. Save the settings: After configuring the YouTube blocking settings, save the changes within the parental control software.
Remember that these methods may vary slightly depending on the browser or operating system you are using. It’s also important to note that determined users may find ways to bypass these blocks, so additional measures like password-protecting settings or using multiple blocking methods may be necessary.
Blocking YouTube can be helpful for productivity, focus, or to limit access for children. However, it’s important to consider the reasons behind blocking and find a balance between restriction and responsible internet usage.