YouTube is full of free content that can keep users entertained for days. If you want to reduce screen time or prevent your child from spending too much time on their iPad, you may have considered blocking YouTube. We’ll look at several ways you can do this in Safari and Chrome browsers and on your router to help you take control of your digital life.
Keep reading to learn more.
Block YouTube in Safari on an iPad
One of the easiest ways to block the YouTube website on your iPad is through Screen Time.
Before blocking sites with Screen Time, make sure you have enabled the feature.
- Launch “Settings” and select “Screen Time”.
- Press the “Enable Screen Time” option.
- Read the instructions in the pop-up window and click “Continue” when you are ready to continue.
- If you enable this feature on your child’s iPad, choose “This is my child’s iPad.”
Here’s what you need to do to block the YouTube website:
- Launch “Settings” and press the “Screen Time” option.
- Click “Content and Privacy Restrictions” and make sure it is enabled.
- Select “Content Restrictions” and choose “Web Content.”
- Tap the “Limit adult websites” option to turn it on and block adult websites.
- YouTube is not an adult site, so navigate to the “Never allow” p and press “Add website.”
- Paste https://www.youtube.com in the corresponding field and exit the application.
Your iPad will automatically save and implement these changes.
How to block YouTube in Chrome on an iPad
As the name suggests, the Screen Time app helps iPad users limit their screen time. It’s a useful tool when you notice that the only thing you do in your free time is watch YouTube videos.
Before restricting access to YouTube on your iPad, check if you have turned on the Screen Time feature.
- Open “Settings” and tap “Screen Time.”
- Click “Turn on screen time.”
- Follow the instructions and press the “Continue” button.
- When you enable Screen Time on your child’s device, select “This is my child’s iPad.”
Follow the steps below to block YouTube website in Chrome using this app:
- Head to “Settings” and select “Screen Time” from the list of options.
- Press “Content and privacy restrictions” and check if it is enabled.
- Click “Content Restrictions” and choose the “Web Content” option.
- Choose “Limit adult websites” if you want to block such sites.
- Since YouTube is not an adult site, look for the “Never Allow” p and tap “Add Website.”
- Paste https://www.youtube.com in the new window and close the “Settings” application.
Your iPad will automatically apply the changes.
How to block YouTube on an iPad through a router
Removing the app from your network could be the solution if your kids find ways to access YouTube despite your efforts to block the platform. It is a quick and simple method; all you need is your router’s IP address. If you’re not sure where to find it, the following steps will guide you through the process:
- Turn on your computer and press the “Start” button from your desktop.
- Tap “Settings” and choose the “Network & Internet” option.
- Select “View your network properties” and navigate to “Default gateway.”
The IP address should appear next to “Default Gateway.”
Now that you have recovered this information, it is time to block YouTube from the administrator settings. Follow the instructions below to do so.
- Open your preferred web browser on your computer and type the IP address of your router.
- Enter your administrator username and password to view the router settings.
- Scan the menu options and look for entries like “Blocked Websites” and “URL Filters.”
- Select the appropriate option and paste www.youtube.com in the restricted address list.
While this method prevents anyone using your network from accessing YouTube, tech-savvy kids can find ways around this obstacle. In such cases, you may need some additional ways to cut off access to YouTube.
Additional Ways to Block YouTube
In addition to blocking YouTube on your browsers and router, you can try some of the following methods to spend less time on the platform.
Block YouTube app with screen time
You’ve restricted access to the browser, but what about the app? When you crave entertaining videos, nothing will stop you from tapping the icon and using the YouTube app. Well, nothing except Screen Time. In addition to blocking websites, Screen Time allows users to blacklist apps. After enabling the feature, the YouTube app on your iPad will not work.
- Launch “Settings” from the home screen and select “Screen Time”.
- Press “Content and Privacy Restrictions.”
- Choose “Content and Privacy Restrictions” again and choose “Content Restrictions.”
- Click “Apps” and set the age limit to 12+ or younger.
YouTube has a default age rating of 17+, so Screen Time will automatically flag and block you.
If you installed the app on your iPad beforehand, its icon will disappear from the home screen.
When you try to get YouTube from the Apple App Store, restrictions will prevent you from downloading and installing it.
While these restrictions apply to YouTube, they may also affect other apps with a rating higher than 12+. So before you set restrictions, make sure you have access to the apps you need for work or school.
When you decide it’s time to return to the YouTube app, you can turn off Screen Time by following the steps below:
- Open “Settings” and tap the “Screen Time” option.
- Select “Content and privacy restrictions.”
- Press “Content and Privacy Restrictions” again and click “Content Restrictions.”
- Change the age limit to 17+ or tap “Allow all apps.”
The YouTube icon will now reappear on your iPad’s home screen.
Delete the app
If all else fails and your child always manages to return to YouTube, deleting the app might be the way to go. You can prevent download attempts to ensure they aren’t using the app when you’re not around.
- Unlock the home screen on your child’s iPad.
- Long press the YouTube icon and press the “Delete App” option.
- Click “Delete Application” and select “Delete.”
- Go to “Settings” and choose “Screen Time.”
- Make sure you have enabled the “Content and privacy restrictions” option.
- Tap “iTunes & App Store Purchases.”
- Select “Install apps” and tap the “Do not allow” button.
The App Store should disappear from your child’s iPad. Therefore, they will not be able to download or install new applications, including YouTube.
When you want to download a game or educational app on your device, here’s how you can disable App Store restrictions:
- Open “Settings” and tap “Screen Time.”
- Click “iTunes and App Store Purchases” and select “Install Apps.”
- Select “Allow.”
Set a time limit
Setting a time limit restricts your viewing time, but allows you to continue using the app without going overboard. This is what you should do:
- Launch “Settings” and press “Screen Time”.
- Tap “App Limits” and select the “Add Limit” option.
- If you want to apply the time limit to all entertainment apps, select the “Entertainment” checkbox. Otherwise, click “Entertainment” and tap “YouTube.”
- Press the “Next” button and enter the desired time limit.
- Choose “Custom days” to modify the display time on certain days of the week.
- Select “Add.”
You can use the app, but once you reach the set limit, your iPad will block the app. You’ll have to wait until the next scheduled playtime to use it.
Removing the viewing time limit is relatively simple.
- Go to “Settings” and choose “Screen Time.”
- Press “Application Limits” and click “Add Limits.”
- Select “Entertainment” and tap the “YouTube” option.
- Press “Remove limit.”
Limit distractions with just a few clicks
While YouTube is one of the most popular and fun online platforms, it can quickly become a distraction. Whether you want to do a digital detox or prevent your child from spending too much time at home, blocking YouTube might be a good idea. Best of all, you don’t need to download any fancy software to achieve this. All you need to do is adjust your iPad settings and you will block both the app and the site.
