The content on YouTube has diversified to such an extent that it’s almost impossible to stay away from this addictive site. Although some digital well-being tools are in place for Android users, they are usually not enough. As a result, blocking YouTube altogether might be your best bet, regardless of whether you’re a concerned parent or an overly enthusiastic user.
Keep reading to learn how to block the YouTube app and site on your Android device.
How to Block YouTube on an Android Phone
Thanks to YouTube’s incredibly accurate algorithm and the auto-play feature, the app will quickly suck you in and keep you engaged for a long time. Google allows you to restrict the app, but this just means there will be no mature content. If you want to find your way out of this rabbit hole, you must take drastic measures.
Currently, the only way to completely block YouTube on your Android phone is by using third-party apps. Luckily, there are plenty of choices that allow you to eliminate YouTube in a reasonably simple way.
The Freedom App
The Freedom app does just what its name suggests—it sets you free from distracting YouTube videos. Thanks to a clean and intuitive interface, the app is easy to use, and it will allow you to block YouTube in a few simple steps.
After installing the app on your Android smartphone, follow these steps to keep away from YouTube.
- Press the “Blocklists” button (the badge icon) on the menu at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap the “Manage” button.
- Provide access to your installed apps by hitting the “Agree” button.
- Locate the “YouTube” app under “Music & Videos.”
- Toggle on the slider next to the name of the app.
The YouTube app is now blocked, but you can still access the site separately. The app developers thought about this, making it possible to block the site, effectively removing access to YouTube altogether.
- Open the “Blocklists” page.
- Tap the green “plus” icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
- Scroll down until you see “YouTube” under the “Curated Filters” list.
- Enable the button next to its name.
After selecting YouTube on both lists, it’s time to start the blocking session.
- Tap the “New Session” button (the clock icon) on the bottom menu.
- Set the start time and the duration.
- Hit the “Start session” button at the bottom.
What’s great about the Freedom app is that you can choose between different start times.
- Start Now: for blocking YouTube immediately
- Start Later: for setting a time when you need the app to start being blocked
- Recurring Sessions: for scheduling blocking sessions throughout the week
These handy options allow you to block YouTube usage during work or school without logging in to the app each time.
The Mobicip App
The Mobicip app is primarily designed as a parental control system. It allows parents to block specific apps on their children’s Android devices. What’s more, you can even block an app in advance, preventing the child from downloading it.
The first step is to set up the app on your device and the devices you intend to monitor via the app. Then, follow these steps to block YouTube on an Android device using the app.
- Tap the three-line icon in the upper-left corner of your screen.
- Select the “My Mobicip” tab.
- Go to “My family.”
- Locate the child’s profile and click “Configure.”
- Press the “Mobile apps” or “Video” options.
- Scroll through the app list until you find “YouTube.”
- Switch the toggle button next to its name to on.
- Tap “Done” to complete the process.
This app doesn’t offer a built-in tool to block the YouTube site, so your child will still be able to access YouTube via a browser. Blocking YouTube on Chrome will be discussed later in this article, so keep reading.
The FamiSafe App
The FamiSafe app is another excellent way to have complete parental control over your child’s online habits. Among other options, the app allows you to block YouTube remotely. You can also control how much time your child spends on the app if total blocking is not warranted.
The app developers have already singled out YouTube as one of the most problematic apps in terms of screen time. As a result, this app is incredibly easy to use for blocking YouTube.
After installing the app on both your and your child’s Android device, follow these steps to set YouTube blockers.
- Visit the “App Usage and Blocker” option.
- Toggle on the button next to “YouTube” to block the app.
Alternatively, you can set the allowed time duration for using the app. Once your child goes over the limit, the app will automatically be blocked.
How to Block YouTube in Android Chrome
While there are many apps for blocking the YouTube app on your Android devices, few of them address website access. Fortunately, there’s an app aimed at blocking chosen sites on your mobile browser and it will work perfectly for blocking YouTube on your Chrome browser.
The app in question is called BlockSite. You’re probably familiar with the name, as the browser extension version is one of the most popular ways of blocking websites on a PC.
After installing BlockSite, you should provide all the necessary permissions for the app to do its job. Then, it’s time to get down to business. To block YouTube on your mobile browser, do the following.
- Tap the “plus” icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
- Select “YouTube” from the “Website Suggestions” section. If you can’t find it, type “YouTube” in the search bar at the top of the screen.
- Tap the YouTube icon to select it.
- Press “Done” in the top-right corner to confirm the action.
After that, you’ll see a pop-up window informing you that you’ve successfully added one item to your blocklist.
Moderation Is Key
YouTube can be an incredibly useful tool when used in moderation. The sheer amount of content available makes it challenging to draw this line, especially for children. Blocking the YouTube app and website is the best way to put a stop to excessive use and binge-watching. Whichever app you choose for this task will help you feel more present and productive, and ensure your children are building healthy internet habits.
Have you ever had to block YouTube on an Android device? What method did you use? Let us know in the comments section below.
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