Block a Website on Mac

Want to block distracting or inappropriate websites on your child’s Mac? With Parental Control, you can set password-protected restrictions so children cannot change or disable them. This guide explains how.

Why Choose Parental Control?

Parental Control is a privacy-first parental control app for Mac, built by the same developer as 1Focus .

It helps you set password-protected boundaries and schedules in a way that supports open communication and trust.

Benefits of Using Parental Control

  • Easily block websites on your child’s Mac.
  • Strengthen your rules with password protection, so restrictions cannot be changed without permission.
  • Help create a safer online environment for your children.
  • Reduce exposure to inappropriate or unwanted content.
  • Block porn and adult content (can be used as a porn blocker for Mac).
  • Block internet access.
  • Support clear screen time boundaries and digital well-being.
  • Support routines like homework time and bedtime.
  • Reduce the risk of unhealthy technology habits by limiting access to distracting platforms.

What Makes Parental Control Different

  • Built by the same developer as 1Focus.
  • Designed for Mac and available on the Mac App Store .
  • Can be used as a parental control website and app blocker.
  • Offers basic app and website blocking for free with advanced Pro features available at a fair, affordable price.
  • Blocks websites across major browsers: Safari, Google Chrome, Brave, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.
  • Does not require any browser extensions.
  • No sign up or account needed.
  • Password-protected, secure, and easy to use.
  • Does not change your system settings.
  • Made in Germany with a strong focus on privacy. Parental Control enforces the restrictions you set without invading your or your child’s privacy. It does not monitor activity. It does not track browsing history or website usage.
  • Excellent customer support.

How to Block a Website

Steps (about 5 minutes)

  1. Download Parental Control on the Mac you want to protect.
  2. Open Parental Control.
  3. Set a password.
    • In the app window, click “Password” (the key icon in the toolbar).
    • Enter a password under “New password”.
    • Enter it again under “Confirm password”.
    • Click “Confirm”.
    • Store this password in a safe place. You will need it to change Parental Control settings later.
  4. Click the “Websites” tab.
  5. Under “Blocked Websites”, click the “+” button.
  6. Enter the website you want to block, then press the Enter key (⏎) to confirm. Examples: youtube.com, facebook.com, disneyplus.com
    • To add multiple websites at once, create a list in Notes (or a text file) with one website per line. Copy it (⌘C), return to Parental Control, click the cog icon under “Blocked Websites”, then select “Paste”.
  7. Open the “Schedule” tab.
  8. Choose when blocking should be active:
    • Start a block right away (one-time block) under “Quick Start”, or
    • Set a schedule (recurring block):
      • Click the “+” button under “Schedule”, then adjust the “Start” time, “End” time, and the frequency under “Repeat”.

Keep in Mind

Website blocking applies automatically across supported browsers.

  • For example, if you add netflix.com to your blocked websites list, Parental Control will block Netflix in all supported browsers installed on your child’s Mac.

Website blocking and app blocking are separate:

  • If you add a website under “Blocked Websites”, Parental Control blocks that site across supported browsers.
  • If you add a browser (for example, Safari or Google Chrome) under “Apps”, Parental Control blocks the entire browser (not just one website).

In summary:

  • To block specific websites, add them under “Websites”.
  • To block an unsupported browser, add that browser under “Apps”.

Test Your Settings

After enabling a block, confirm that the app is working as expected:

  1. Open a supported browser (Safari, Google Chrome, Brave, Microsoft Edge, or Opera).
  2. Visit a website you blocked.
  3. Confirm the website is blocked. You should see the Parental Control logo.

If you can still access a blocked site, check the steps in the Troubleshooting section at the end of this guide.

Advanced Features (Pro)

Parental Control offers a free plan that lets you block for up to 6 hours at a time (with unlimited sessions). If you need longer blocks and more advanced options, Parental Control Pro may be a better fit.

Parental Control Pro includes additional options, including:

  • Recurring schedules (for example, Mon–Fri)
  • Block for longer than 6 hours at a time
  • Allow-only mode: block all websites except specific ones
  • Multiple block lists for different routines or schedules
  • URL keyword blocking using asterisks (for example, *news*)
  • Website category blocking for popular websites by category

Troubleshooting

If blocking is not working as expected, try the following:

  • Make sure you are using a supported web browser: Safari, Google Chrome, Brave, Microsoft Edge, or Opera.
  • Verify that the website address is spelled correctly.
  • Make sure Parental Control has permission to block websites:
    • Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Automation → Parental Control.
    • Enable all web browsers listed there.
  • Restart your Mac.
  • Fix your subscription
  • Fix data disappearing

If you need help, contact support.