Updated May 2026 · 6 minute read
YouTube is the #1 reason kids lose hours of homework time and sleep. The good news: you can block it on any computer in under 5 minutes. This guide covers every platform — Windows, Mac, Chromebook, and laptops — with both free DIY methods and the easier 3Eyes approach.
Block YouTube on every device in 2 minutes
3Eyes blocks YouTube system-wide, even in private browsing, with one click per child.
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Pick your platform
- How to block YouTube on Windows 10 & 11
- How to block YouTube on Mac (macOS)
- How to block YouTube on a Chromebook
- How to block YouTube on a laptop (any brand)
Why is YouTube so hard to block?
Three reasons most "blocks" stop working within a week:
- Multiple browsers. Blocking in Chrome doesn't stop Edge, Firefox, or Brave.
- Private/incognito mode. Extensions and SafeSearch don't run in private windows.
- YouTube's many domains. youtube.com, m.youtube.com, youtu.be, youtubekids.com, googlevideo.com — miss one and the block fails.
The only blocks that truly hold are at the system or network level — below the browser. That's what 3Eyes does automatically.
The 3 ways to block YouTube on a computer
1. Hosts file (free, technical, easy to bypass)
Edit the operating system's hosts file to redirect youtube.com to 127.0.0.1. Free, but a tech-savvy child can undo it in 30 seconds with admin access, and it doesn't cover mobile data or non-standard YouTube domains.
2. Browser extension or SafeSearch (free, weakest)
Extensions like BlockSite or Chrome's SafeSearch enforcement only cover one browser and break the moment a child opens Edge, downloads Firefox, or uses Incognito.
3. Parental control app (recommended)
Software like 3Eyes installs once on the child's account and blocks YouTube across every browser, every domain, including private mode. You can also set time limits ("YouTube allowed 30 min/day after homework") instead of all-or-nothing.
Pro tip: Pair a system-level block with allowlisted YouTube channels (educational only). 3Eyes has a built-in approved-channels system so kids can still watch Khan Academy or National Geographic Kids.
Quick comparison
| Method | Cost | Covers all browsers | Blocks incognito | Time limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hosts file | Free | Yes | Yes | No |
| Browser extension | Free | No | No | No |
| Router DNS | Free | Yes | Yes | No |
| 3Eyes | $4.99/mo | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to set up 3Eyes (2 minutes)
- Create a free parent account — email + password, no credit card.
- Download the 3Eyes desktop app on your child's computer.
- Sign your child in once. YouTube is blocked by default.
- Set screen time limits and approved channels from the parent dashboard.
Ready to give YouTube the boot?
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Get 3Eyes Free →Frequently asked questions
Can my child get around 3Eyes by using their phone?
3Eyes blocks YouTube on the computer it's installed on. Pair it with iOS Screen Time or Google Family Link on phones for a complete solution.
Will 3Eyes block YouTube Kids too?
Yes — both youtube.com and youtubekids.com are blocked by default. You can allow YouTube Kids while blocking the main site.
Can I allow specific YouTube channels?
Yes. 3Eyes has an approved-channels feature where you can let kids watch Khan Academy, Crash Course, or any channel you trust while everything else stays blocked.