This article will show you how to block websites during certain times. There is more than one reason to block access to websites. For example, to make the Internet a safer place for children, parents may want to permanently block inappropriate websites. To overcome addiction to YouTube, one may choose to block the website. In many scenarios, there is no need to make a specific website inaccessible permanently. Instead, there should be more flexibility. It’s a good idea to block distracting websites during work hours for the sake of productivity, but you still need access to them after work and on weekends.
There are a few easy methods available, and this article will talk about two of them.
Methods 1. How to block websites during certain times with AppCrypt
Applies to: macOS 10.10 or later
If you use Mac, you can easily block specific websites during certain hours on Chrome and Safari using AppCrypt, the best website blocker and app locker for Mac.
Step 1. Download the website blocker and install it.
Step 2. When you open the app for the first time, you will need to set a password.
Step 3. Click the app’s icon in the menu bar and choose Open Main Window.
Step 4. In the main window, click WebBlock, which will bring up the WebBlock window.
Step 5. Click the plus icon in the corner, enter a website address and press the Return key.
Step 6. If needed, repeat the previous step to add the other websites that you want to control access to to the Blocklist.
Step 7. In the main window, click Menu > Preferences > Schedule.
Step 8. Select a specific website in the sidebar and click the Settings button in the corner.
Step 9. Click the plus icon and add a block session. It enables you to add multiple sessions. Click OK to save your settings.
If you want to apply the same schedule to all the blocked websites, select the box next to Apply to All. Also, you can choose to create different schedules for different websites. It’s also very easy to edit or delete a schedule or a session in it.
Tips
As you can see, there are two modes to block websites: Blocklist (default) and Allowlist. Both are useful and easy to customize.
AppCrypt also lets you lock apps with password. The Schedule feature can also be used for apps. It can be used to protect your private apps, block access to game apps, or for other purposes.
The password is important. It will require the password if you try to remove/add blocking, access locked apps, access the main window, configure preferences, quit AppCrypt, or uninstall it, etc.
If you use AppCrypt for yourself to reduce distraction and improve focus, you can ask someone else to set the password. This way, you won’t bypass the blocking.
AppCrypt Benefits:
- Block any websites on Chrome and Safari with password
- Let you blacklist or whitelist websites
- Let you block websites at certain times of the day or permanently
- Also password lock apps
- Record failed attempts to access locked apps
- Help eliminate digital distraction
- Help limit screen time
- Help quit addition to social media sites, gaming sites, adult sites, etc.
- Easy to use and hard to bypass
- Support macOS 10.10 or later
Methods 2. How to block certain websites at certain times with BlockSite
Applies to: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
BlockSite is a well known free website blocker. It is available as an extension for Google Chrome, Fire and Microsoft Edge. Also you can install the BlockSite app on your iPhone or Android phone.
As an extension
Step 1. Go to the Chrome Web Store and install BlockSite.
Step 2. Once installed, the extension will appear as an icon in the browser’s toolbar.
Step 3. There are two ways to block a website.
- Open the website, click the said icon and click the Block this site button.
- Alternatively, click the icon, click the Edit block list button and manually add the website to the block list.
Step 4. To block websites during certain hours, please click the Schedule button and set up a blocking schedule.
Step 5. Click Set Schedule to save your settings.
Step 6. This step is optional but useful. Click Settings in the sidebar. Click the Enable in Incognito Mode button.
As an app
Step 1. Install the BlockSite app on your phone. Open it.
Step 2. Enable Block Sites.
Step 3. Under the Website tab, enter a web address and tap the tick mark in the top right corner.
Step 4. Tap the clock icon.
Step 5. In the Schedule interface, specify the start time and the end time. Select days of the week.
The great thing is that you can sync your settings between the desktop and the mobile version, which requires you to upgrade to premium.
Conclusion
Compared to completely blocking websites, blocking websites during certain times provides more flexibility. Limiting access to distracting websites can help you become more focused when you are using your Mac for work or school assignments. It also helps prevent you from spending too much time on certain websites.
