How To Block Adult Content on Mac

Learn how to restrict adult websites on Mac for both Safari & Chrome.

There are two options to block adult websites on MacBook:

Option 1: Use the built-in Apple Screen Time feature
Option 2: Install an app designed to restrict adult content: Refocus website blocker for Mac

Option 1: Apple Screen Time (Only Safari)

Choose this option if you want to avoid installing another application. It's free! However, you lose powerful features and flexibility.

Unfortunately, this method does NOT work with third-party browsers like Chrome. To block sites on Chrome, see Option 2.

Steps to block websites on Safari Mac using Apple Screen Time:

Open Apple "System Settings" app
Select "Screen Time"
Select "Content & Privacy"
Select "App Store, Media, Web, & Games"
Next to "Access to Web Content" > Select "Limit Adult Websites"
Optionally, Select "Customize" To Restrict More Websites

Open Apple "System Settings" App

Select "Screen Time"

Select "Content & Privacy"

Select "App Store, Media, Web, & Games"

Make sure "Content & Privacy — Restrict explicit content, purchases, downloads, and privacy settings" is enabled.

Next to "Access to Web Content" > Select "Limit Adult Websites"

Optionally, Select "Customize" To Restrict More Websites

View The Blocked Website

Option 2: Refocus (Safari & Chrome)

The best option to restrict adult websites if you are willing to install another application. Works for Safari and Chrome.

Steps to block websites on Mac Chrome & Safari (using Refocus website blocker):

Install "Refocus" for Mac
- IMPORTANT NOTE: Refocus requires you to create an account first using their iPhone or iPad app first, but other than that the apps are completely separate and work independently.
Open Refocus app
Complete the onboarding steps.
Select "Start Blocking Apps"
Select "Schedule Blocking"
Press "Apps & Websites To Block"
Press "Select Websites"
Under "Categories" > select the "Adult" website category
Modify the schedule of when to block
Press "Save"
Optionally, set a "Strict Mode" to make it difficult (or impossible) to unblock

Select "Start Blocking Apps"

Select "Schedule Blocking"

The "Schedule Blocking" feature allows to block websites or apps at specific times or days of the week. For example, block youtube.com from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the Monday to Friday weekdays.