How to Block Distracting Websites in Chrome: Complete Guide

Every day, billions of hours are lost to distracting websites. Social media, news sites, and entertainment platforms are designed to capture and hold your attention. The solution? Block them.

This guide shows you every method to block distracting websites in Chrome, from simple extensions to advanced scheduling.

Why Block Websites?

The Science of Distraction

The numbers are staggering:

Willpower Isn't Enough

Research shows:

• Willpower depletes throughout the day
• Habitual behaviors bypass conscious control
• Environmental cues trigger automatic responses
• Friction is more effective than discipline

The solution: Change your environment. Block the distractions.

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Method 1: Using Dream Afar Focus Mode (Recommended)

Dream Afar includes a built-in website blocker that integrates with your new tab experience.

Step 1: Install Dream Afar

1. Visit Chrome Web Store
2. Click "Add to Chrome"
3. Open a new tab to activate

Step 2: Enable Focus Mode

1. Click the settings icon (gear) on your new tab
2. Navigate to "Focus Mode"
3. Toggle "Enable Focus Mode"

Step 3: Add Sites to Block

1. In Focus Mode settings, find "Blocked Sites"
2. Click "Add Site"
3. Enter the domain (e.g., twitter.com, facebook.com)
4. Save changes

Step 4: Start a Focus Session

1. Click "Start Focus" on your new tab
2. Set duration (25, 50, or custom minutes)
3. Blocked sites are now inaccessible

What Happens When You Try to Visit

When you attempt to visit a blocked site:

1. You'll see a gentle reminder
2. Option to extend your focus session
3. Countdown shows remaining focus time
4. No way to bypass (builds commitment)

Advantages of Dream Afar

• Integrated — Blocking + timer + todos in one place
• Free — No subscription required
• Privacy-first — All data stored locally
• Flexible — Easy to add/remove sites

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Method 2: Dedicated Blocking Extensions

For more powerful blocking, consider dedicated extensions.

BlockSite

Features:

• Block sites by URL or keyword
• Scheduled blocking
• Work mode/personal mode
• Block inappropriate content

Setup:

1. Install from Chrome Web Store
2. Click extension icon
3. Add sites to blocklist
4. Set schedule (optional)

Limitations:

• Free version has limits
• Premium required for advanced features

Cold Turkey Blocker

Features:

• "Unbreakable" blocking mode
• Cross-application blocking (not just browser)
• Scheduled blocks
• Statistics and tracking

Setup:

1. Download from coldturkey.com
2. Install desktop application
3. Configure blocked sites/apps
4. Set blocking schedule

Limitations:

• Desktop app (not just extension)
• Premium for full features
• Windows/Mac only

StayFocusd

Features:

• Daily time limits per site
• Nuclear option (block everything)
• Customizable active hours
• Challenge mode to change settings

Setup:

1. Install from Chrome Web Store
2. Set daily time allowances
3. Configure blocked sites
4. Enable nuclear option for emergencies

Limitations:

• Can be bypassed by tech-savvy users
• Limited scheduling options

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Method 3: Chrome's Built-in Features

Chrome has basic site restriction capabilities.

Using Chrome's Site Settings

1. Go to chrome://settings/content/javascript
2. Add sites to "Not allowed to use JavaScript"
3. Sites will be mostly non-functional

Limitations:

• Doesn't truly block — sites still load
• Easy to reverse
• No scheduling

Chrome Parental Controls (Family Link)

1. Set up Google Family Link
2. Create supervised account
3. Configure website restrictions
4. Apply to your Chrome profile

Limitations:

• Designed for children
• Requires separate Google account
• Overkill for self-imposed restrictions

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Method 4: Router-Level Blocking

Block sites for your entire network.

Using Router Settings

1. Access router admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1)
2. Find "Access Control" or "Block Sites"
3. Add sites to blocklist
4. Save and apply

Advantages:

• Works on all devices
• Can't be bypassed by browser
• Affects entire household

Disadvantages:

• Requires router access
• May affect others on network
• Less scheduling flexibility

Using Pi-hole

1. Set up Raspberry Pi with Pi-hole
2. Configure as network DNS
3. Add domains to blocklist
4. Monitor blocked queries

Advantages:

• Powerful and customizable
• Blocks ads too
• Great for tech enthusiasts

Disadvantages:

• Requires hardware and setup
• Technical knowledge needed
• Overkill for personal blocking

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What to Block: The Essential List

Tier 1: Block Immediately (Major Time Wasters)

Tier 2: Block During Work Hours

Tier 3: Consider Blocking

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Blocking Strategies

Strategy 1: Nuclear Mode

Block everything except essential work sites.

When to use:

• Critical deadlines
• Extreme focus needed
• Breaking addiction

Implementation:

1. Create whitelist of work sites only
2. Block all other sites
3. Set duration (1-4 hours)
4. No exceptions

Strategy 2: Targeted Blocking

Block specific known time-wasters.

When to use:

• Daily productivity
• Sustainable habits
• Long-term change

Implementation:

1. Track your distractions for a week
2. Identify top 5-10 time-wasters
3. Add to blocklist
4. Adjust based on what you try to access

Strategy 3: Scheduled Blocking

Block during work hours, unblock during breaks.

When to use:

• Work-life balance
• Structured schedule
• Team environments

Example schedule:

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: All distractions blocked
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch break (unblocked)
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM: All distractions blocked
After 5:00 PM: Personal time (unblocked)

Strategy 4: Pomodoro Blocking

Block during focus sessions, unblock during breaks.

When to use:

• Pomodoro practitioners
• Need regular breaks
• Variable schedule

Implementation:

1. Start focus session (25 minutes)
2. Sites automatically blocked
3. Take break (5 minutes) — sites unblocked
4. Repeat

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Overcoming Bypass Temptations

Make It Hard to Unblock

Password-protect settings

• Create complex password
• Write it down and store away
• Require waiting period to change

Use "nuclear" modes

• Cold Turkey's unbreakable mode
• Remove ability to disable during session

Remove extensions temporarily

• Block access to chrome://extensions
• Require restart to modify

Create Accountability

Tell someone

• Share your blocking goals
• Daily check-ins on focus time

Use apps with social features

• Forest: Trees die if you leave
• Focusmate: Virtual coworking

Track and review

• Weekly focus time reports
• Celebrate progress

Address Root Causes

Why do you seek distraction?

• Boredom → Make work more engaging
• Anxiety → Address underlying stress
• Habit → Replace with positive habit
• Fatigue → Take proper breaks

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Troubleshooting

Blocking Not Working

Check extension is enabled:

1. Go to chrome://extensions
2. Find your blocking extension
3. Ensure toggle is ON

Check for conflicts:

• Multiple blockers may conflict
• Disable others or use one

Check incognito mode:

• Extensions usually disabled
• Enable for incognito in settings

Accidentally Blocked Important Site

Most extensions allow:

1. Access settings via toolbar icon
2. View blocklist
3. Remove specific site
4. Or add to whitelist

Sites Loading Partially

The site is using subdomains:

• Block the root domain
• Use wildcard patterns if supported
• Example: Block *.twitter.com

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Building Long-term Habits

Phase 1: Awareness (Week 1)

• Don't block anything yet
• Notice when you visit distracting sites
• Write down each distraction
• Identify patterns

Phase 2: Experimentation (Week 2-3)

• Block your top 3 distractors
• Notice the urge to unblock
• Find replacement behaviors
• Adjust blocklist based on experience

Phase 3: Commitment (Week 4+)

• Expand blocklist as needed
• Implement scheduling
• Create rituals around focus time
• Track progress weekly

Phase 4: Maintenance (Ongoing)

• Monthly review of blocklist
• Adjust for new distractions
• Celebrate focus wins
• Share what works with others

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Related Articles

• The Complete Guide to Browser-Based Productivity
• Pomodoro Technique for Browser Users
• Focus Mode Extensions Compared
• Digital Minimalism in Your Browser

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Ready to block distractions? Install Dream Afar free →