How To Block YouTube on Mac (Safari & Chrome)

There are two options to block YouTube on MacBook:

• Option 1: Use the built-in Apple Screen Time feature

• Option 2: Install an app designed to block websites: Refocus

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 YouTube on Chrome, see Option 2.

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

1. Open Apple "System Settings" app

2. Select "Screen Time"

3. Select "App Limits"

4. Select "Add Limit"

5. Scroll all the way down to "Websites" > expand it > select "Add Website"

6. Type in the website (ex. "youtube.com") and press "return" on keyboard; keep the "Time" to "0h 0m"

7. Select "Done"

   
   

Open Apple "System Settings" App

Select "Screen Time"

Select "App Limits"

Select "Add Limit…"

Select "Add Website…" > Type It > Press "return"

View The Blocked Website

Option 2: Refocus (Safari & Chrome)

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

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

1. Install "Refocus" for Mac

   • IMPORTANT NOTE: Refocus requires you to create an account first using their iPhone app first, but other than that the apps are completely separate.

2. Open Refocus app

3. Complete the onboarding steps.

4. Select "Start Blocking Apps"

5. Select "Schedule Blocking"

6. Press "Apps & Websites To Block"

7. Press "Select Websites"

8. Type any website (ex. youtube.com), or choose from a set of categories!

9. Modify the schedule of when to block

10. Press "Save"

Select "Start Blocking Apps"

Select "Schedule Blocking"

Press "Apps & Websites To Block"

Press "Select Websites"

Type Any Website Or Choose a Category

Press "Save"

View The Blocked YouTube Website on Safari or Chrome