Need to keep your kids away from YouTube or just want a break from the endless scrolling yourself? Blocking YouTube on your iPhone is easier than you might think. Here’s a quick guide to help you get it done in no time.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Block YouTube on iPhone
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re achieving here. By blocking YouTube on your iPhone, you’re essentially restricting access to the app and website, which can be helpful for parental control or productivity purposes.
Step 1: Open Settings
First things first, grab your iPhone and tap on the ‘Settings’ app.
In the ‘Settings’ app, you’ll find a plethora of options to customize your iPhone experience. For blocking YouTube, we’ll be focusing on the ‘Screen Time’ feature.
Step 2: Tap on ‘Screen Time’
Scroll down and tap on ‘Screen Time’ to access the parental control features of your iPhone.
‘Screen Time’ is a powerful tool that not only allows you to track your device usage but also to set limits for apps and websites.
Step 3: Set up ‘Screen Time’ if you haven’t already
If you haven’t set up ‘Screen Time’ before, you’ll need to do so by following the on-screen instructions.
Setting up ‘Screen Time’ involves creating a passcode that will prevent others from changing your settings without permission.
Step 4: Tap on ‘Content & Privacy Restrictions’
Once ‘Screen Time’ is enabled, tap on ‘Content & Privacy Restrictions.’
In this section, you can control what content is accessible on your iPhone, including apps, websites, and media.
Step 5: Enter your ‘Screen Time’ passcode
You’ll be prompted to enter your ‘Screen Time’ passcode to proceed.
This passcode ensures that only you can make changes to the ‘Content & Privacy Restrictions.’
Step 6: Tap on ‘Content Restrictions’
After entering your passcode, tap on ‘Content Restrictions’ to manage access to web content.
‘Content Restrictions’ give you the power to block specific websites or limit access based on content ratings.
Step 7: Tap on ‘Web Content’
Within ‘Content Restrictions,’ find and tap on ‘Web Content.’
‘Web Content’ settings allow you to restrict access to adult websites and add specific websites to an ‘Allowed’ or ‘Never Allow’ list.
Step 8: Tap on ‘Limit Adult Websites’
By selecting ‘Limit Adult Websites,’ you can manually enter websites that you want to block.
While ‘Limit Adult Websites’ primarily filters out adult content, it also enables you to add any website to the blocked list.
Step 9: Tap ‘Add Website’ under ‘NEVER ALLOW’
Scroll down to the ‘NEVER ALLOW’ section and tap ‘Add Website.’
Here, you can add the URLs of the websites you want to block, including YouTube.
Step 10: Enter ‘youtube.com’ and tap ‘Done’
Type in ‘youtube.com’ and any other YouTube-related URLs, then tap ‘Done’ to block them.
By adding ‘youtube.com’ to the list, you’re ensuring that the YouTube website cannot be accessed through any browser on your iPhone.
After completing these steps, YouTube will be blocked on your iPhone. You won’t be able to access it through the app or any web browser. To unblock it, simply return to the ‘Web Content’ settings and remove it from the ‘Never Allow’ list.
Tips: How to Block YouTube on iPhone
- Make sure to include all YouTube-related URLs when blocking the site, such as ‘m.youtube.com’ for mobile access.
- Consider blocking the YouTube app as well by setting app limits in the ‘Screen Time’ settings.
- If your children use different devices, remember to apply these settings across all of them for consistent parental control.
- Regularly update your ‘Screen Time’ passcode to prevent others from guessing it and changing your settings.
- Use the ‘Downtime’ feature in ‘Screen Time’ to schedule periods when access to YouTube and other apps is blocked.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I forget my ‘Screen Time’ passcode?
If you forget your ‘Screen Time’ passcode, you may need to erase your device and set it up as a new iPhone to remove the passcode.
Can I block YouTube on multiple devices at once?
To block YouTube on multiple devices, you’ll need to set up ‘Screen Time’ with the same Apple ID on each device and use the ‘Share Across Devices’ feature.
Will blocking YouTube affect other video streaming apps?
Blocking YouTube will not affect other video streaming apps unless you specifically add them to the ‘Never Allow’ list in ‘Web Content’ settings.
Can I still use the YouTube app if I block the website?
If you only block ‘youtube.com’ in ‘Web Content’ settings, the YouTube app may still be accessible. To block the app, set app limits in ‘Screen Time.’
Is there a way to block YouTube during specific times of the day?
Yes, use the ‘Downtime’ feature in ‘Screen Time’ to schedule when access to YouTube and other apps is blocked.
Summary
- Open ‘Settings’ and tap on ‘Screen Time.’
- Set up ‘Screen Time’ if needed and tap on ‘Content & Privacy Restrictions.’
- Enter your ‘Screen Time’ passcode.
- Tap on ‘Content Restrictions’ and then on ‘Web Content.’
- Select ‘Limit Adult Websites’ and tap ‘Add Website’ under ‘NEVER ALLOW.’
- Enter ‘youtube.com’ and tap ‘Done.’
Conclusion
Blocking YouTube on your iPhone is a straightforward process that can be accomplished in just a few taps. It’s a useful tool for parents looking to control their children’s screen time or for individuals aiming to reduce distractions. Remember to consider all the YouTube-related URLs when blocking the site and to apply the settings across all devices for a consistent experience. With these steps and tips, you’re equipped to manage YouTube access effectively. And if you ever need to lift the restrictions, it’s just as simple to do so. Happy (or maybe not-so-happy) blocking!