If your iPad keeps pulling attention toward YouTube, you are not alone. Maybe you want to limit a child’s screen time, block distractions during work or school, or simply prevent the app from opening on a shared device. Whatever the reason, blocking YouTube on an iPad is easier than it sounds.
In this guide, you will learn the fastest ways to block YouTube on an iPad using Apple’s built-in Screen Time controls, website restrictions, and a few helpful edge-case options. I will walk you through the exact steps, show you what to tap, and explain what to do if you still want limited access instead of a full block. The whole process usually takes just a few minutes, and once it is set up, it stays in place until you change it.
Quick Summary
If you want the short version, here it is:
- Use Screen Time to block the YouTube app and the youtube.com website.
- Add a Screen Time passcode so the restriction cannot be easily changed.
- If needed, block YouTube in Safari and other browsers, not just the app.
- For kids, use Family Sharing to manage restrictions remotely.
Block YouTube on iPad Using Screen Time
This is the most reliable method because it lets you block both the app and the website from one place. It works well for parents, schools, and anyone who wants a system-level restriction instead of just hiding the app.
Step 1: Open Screen Time in Settings
Tap Settings, then tap Screen Time.
You should now see Screen Time options like downtime, app limits, and content restrictions. If Screen Time is off, the iPad may ask you to turn it on first. That is normal, and it only takes a moment.
Step 2: Turn on Screen Time if it is not already enabled
If prompted, tap Turn On Screen Time and follow the on-screen setup.
You may be asked to choose whether the iPad is for yourself or for a child. If this iPad is used by a child, pick the child option if available. This helps Apple apply the right restriction controls.
Step 3: Set a Screen Time passcode
Tap Use Screen Time Passcode, then create a code you will remember.
This passcode matters because it prevents someone from undoing the block without permission. After you set it, the iPad will usually ask for confirmation. Keep this code separate from the device passcode if possible.
Step 4: Open Content & Privacy Restrictions
Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions, then turn the switch On.
Once enabled, you should see a new set of controls for app access, web content, purchases, and privacy settings. If the switch is gray, tap it until it turns green.
Step 5: Block the YouTube app
Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases, then look for Deleting Apps and Installing Apps. Set them to Don’t Allow if you want to stop the app from being reinstalled or removed.
If YouTube is already installed, go back to the main Content & Privacy Restrictions screen and tap Allowed Apps or App Limits, depending on your iPad version. If YouTube appears, turn it off or add a limit to block use.
On some iPadOS versions, Apple does not show every app in a neat list. If that happens, the browser block in the next step is still important because YouTube can still be accessed via the web even if the app is removed.
Step 6: Block youtube.com in web content
Tap Content Restrictions, then tap Web Content.
Choose Limit Adult Websites or, for a stricter block, add youtube.com to the Never Allow list if that option appears on your version of iPadOS.
If you see an option to add websites manually, enter:
youtube.comwww.youtube.comm.youtube.com
This step blocks YouTube in Safari and often helps in other browsers too. After you save it, opening YouTube should trigger a restriction message or display a blocked page.
Step 7: Check other browsers and apps
Go back and review any other apps that may open YouTube links, such as Chrome, Firefox, or the Gmail app.
This matters because some apps can open YouTube inside their own built-in browser. If you want a true block, make sure the web restriction is active and the app restriction is set correctly. Once done, YouTube should be much harder to access from the iPad.
Alternative Methods and Edge Cases
Sometimes the main method is not enough, or your iPad setup is a little different. Here are the most useful alternatives.
1. Block YouTube with Guided Access for temporary use
If you only want to lock the iPad into one app for a short time, use Guided Access.
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access
- Turn it On
- Open the app you want to allow
- Triple-click the top or side button to start Guided Access
This does not permanently block YouTube, but it is useful for short-term control, especially for kids or presentations.
2. Use Family Sharing for child accounts
If you manage a child’s iPad, set up restrictions from your own device through Family Sharing.
This lets you control Screen Time remotely, which is easier than changing settings on the child’s iPad every time. It is the best option if you want to manage YouTube access across multiple devices.
3. Remove the YouTube app completely
If you only want to stop the app, delete it from the iPad.
- Press and hold the YouTube app icon
- Tap Remove App
- Choose Delete App
This removes the app, but it does not block YouTube in Safari. If you want a full block, combine deletion with web restrictions.
4. Use router-level or DNS filtering
If YouTube needs to be blocked on every device in the home, consider router-level filtering or a DNS service.
This is more advanced, but it can block access across the entire network. It is useful if kids switch devices or use the iPad on Wi-Fi networks you control. Keep in mind that this will not always work on cellular data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will blocking YouTube on iPad remove my Google account?
No. Blocking YouTube does not delete your Google account or your data. It only limits access to the app or website on that iPad.
Can I block only the YouTube app but keep the website?
Yes. You can remove or restrict the app without blocking youtube.com. However, this is less secure because someone can still open YouTube in Safari or another browser.
How do I unblock YouTube later?
Go back to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and change the YouTube or web settings. If you used a Screen Time passcode, you will need to enter it to make changes.
Does this block YouTube in Chrome too?
Usually yes, if you block the website at the Screen Time level. Some in-app browsers or workarounds may still appear, so it is smart to block both the app and web access.
What if I forgot my Screen Time passcode?
You can reset it using your Apple ID if that option is available on your iPadOS version. If not, you may need to erase and restore the iPad, so keep the passcode in a safe place.
Can I allow YouTube only during certain hours?
Yes. Use Downtime or app limits in Screen Time to restrict access during specific time windows. This is a good option if you want control without a full block.
Tips
- Block both the app and the website. If you only do one, YouTube may still be accessible through the other.
- Use a Screen Time passcode that the child or other user does not know.
- If you manage a family device, enable Family Sharing so changes are easier to control.
- Delete browser shortcuts to YouTube to reduce temptation.
- Check whether the iPad has multiple browsers installed, since each one can be a possible path to YouTube.
- If the goal is focus, combine YouTube blocking with Downtime and App Limits for a cleaner setup.
Troubleshooting
- If YouTube still opens, double-check that youtube.com is added under Never Allow or restricted under Web Content.
- If the app was reinstalled, go back to Settings > Screen Time and block Installing Apps.
- If restrictions seem to have no effect, confirm that Content & Privacy Restrictions are turned On.
- If a browser still loads YouTube, try clearing browser history and website data, then test again.
- If you cannot find the right menu, update to the latest version of iPadOS, since Screen Time menus can move slightly between versions.
- If someone keeps bypassing the block, make sure they do not know the Screen Time passcode.
Conclusion
Blocking YouTube on an iPad is straightforward once you know where Apple hides the controls. In most cases, Screen Time gives you everything you need, from app blocking to website restrictions, all in one place.
If you want the strongest setup, block both the app and youtube.com, then lock the changes with a Screen Time passcode. That gives you a simple, lasting fix that keeps YouTube out of reach until you decide to turn it back on.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.