How to block websites on Chrome

The quick method

1. 1

   Install a website blocker extension

   Prefer one whose store listing explains every permission and whose privacy policy distinguishes extension data from website analytics.

2. 2

   Open the blocklist

   A blocker should make its central action obvious. In torwache, the entire interface is the list—there is no dashboard to configure first.

3. 3

   Add the domain

   Enter reddit.com, not a search phrase or a full URL. Turn on subdomain blocking when you want addresses below that domain covered too.

4. 4

   Reload anything already open

   Blocking affects the next request or navigation. A page that has already loaded will remain until it reloads or navigates.

Example: block YouTube without overcomplicating it

Add youtube.com and enable subdomains. New attempts to open YouTube are sent to a local blocked page. When you genuinely want access again, return to the list and switch the entry off.

When an extension is not the right tool

A Chrome extension is ideal when the distraction lives in Chrome and you control the browser profile. Use something else when the boundary needs to extend further:

Router or DNS filtering

Useful when the same domains should be unavailable to multiple devices.

Operating-system blocker

Better when desktop applications and every installed browser must be covered.

Managed Chrome policy

Appropriate for schools or organizations administering many browser profiles.

Check what the blocker receives in return

Website blockers sit unusually close to browsing behavior. Before installing one, read the permission prompt and its store privacy disclosures. Look for plain answers to four questions:

• Can it read or change the content of every page?
• Does your blocklist stay on the device or sync to an account?
• Does it record website usage to produce charts or streaks?
• Does the extension make network requests of its own?

torwache uses local storage and Chrome’s declarative network rules. It has no content scripts or host permissions, and the extension makes no network requests. The exact permission rationale is published on the homepage.

Common questions

Can Chrome block a specific website by itself?

For an ordinary personal Chrome profile, a focused browser extension is the most direct way to maintain a custom blocklist. Managed organizations can also enforce URL policies administratively.

Why does a site that was already open stay visible?

The page has already loaded. Reload it or navigate again so the new blocking rule can apply. Retroactively inspecting every open tab would require broader tab or history access.

Should I enter the full URL?

For torwache, enter the domain, such as youtube.com, without https:// or a page path. Enable subdomains if you also want addresses such as music.youtube.com covered.