Block a Website

Want to block a website on Mac for your child? With Parental Control, you can block distracting or inappropriate websites with password-protected restrictions that children cannot change or disable. This guide shows you how to block websites on a Mac across supported browsers.

Why Use Parental Control as a Website Blocker for Mac?

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

It helps families block websites on a child’s Mac, set schedules, and protect those rules with a password.

Benefits of Blocking Websites with Parental Control

  • Block websites on your child’s Mac.
  • Use password protection so restrictions cannot be changed without permission.
  • Block distracting websites during homework time or bedtime.
  • Reduce exposure to inappropriate or unwanted websites.
  • Block adult websites on Mac.
  • Block internet access when needed.
  • Support screen time boundaries and digital well-being.

What Makes Parental Control Different

  • Built by the same developer as 1Focus.
  • Designed for Mac and available on the Mac App Store .
  • Works as a website blocker and app blocker for Mac.
  • Offers basic app and website blocking for free, with advanced Pro features available.
  • Blocks websites across supported browsers: Safari, Google Chrome, Brave, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.
  • Does not require browser extensions.
  • No sign-up or account required.
  • 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 monitoring activity. It does not track browsing history or website usage.

How to Block Websites on Mac

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 later to change Parental Control settings.
  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 under “Quick Start”, or
    • Set a recurring schedule:
      • Click the “+” button under “Schedule”, then adjust the “Start” time, “End” time, and frequency under “Repeat”.

Want to block apps too? See How to Block Apps on Mac.

How to Block All Websites on Mac Except Specific Ones

If you want stricter control, Parental Control Pro can block all websites except specific websites you allow. This is useful during homework time or when only a few approved websites should be available.

Note: This feature requires Parental Control Pro.

Steps:

  1. Open Parental Control.
  2. Subscribe to Parental Control Pro.
  3. Click the “Websites” tab.
  4. Enable All Websites under Blocked Categories.
  5. Add the websites you want to allow as “Exceptions”.
  6. Open the “Schedule” tab.
  7. Start a block right away under “Quick Start”, or create a recurring schedule.

This feature creates an allow-only setup:

  • All websites are blocked by default.
  • Only the websites you add as exceptions remain available.

For best results, test your exceptions with a short block first and adjust them if needed.

Supported Browsers for Website Blocking on Mac

Website blocking applies automatically across supported browsers:

  • Safari
  • Google Chrome
  • Brave
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Opera

For example, if you add netflix.com to your blocked websites list, Parental Control blocks 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 website across supported browsers.
  • If you add a browser such as Safari or Google Chrome under “Apps”, Parental Control blocks the entire browser.

In summary:

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

Test Website Blocking Settings

After enabling a block, confirm that website blocking works as expected:

  1. Open a supported browser.
  2. Visit a website you blocked.
  3. Confirm that the website is blocked. You should see the Parental Control logo.

If you can still access a blocked website, check troubleshooting.

Advanced Website Blocking Features

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 website blocking options, Parental Control Pro may be a better fit.

Parental Control Pro includes:

  • Recurring schedules
  • Blocks longer than 6 hours
  • Allow-only mode
  • Multiple block lists
  • URL keyword blocking using asterisks, for example *news*
  • Website category blocking

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.

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