Blocking YouTube on an iPhone is a handy trick for many reasons. Perhaps you want to keep your kids from stumbling upon inappropriate content, or maybe you’re looking to eliminate distractions during work or study hours. Whatever the reason, the process is simple and can be done in just a few steps.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Block YouTube on iPhone
Before we start, it’s important to note that by following these steps, you’ll be restricting access to YouTube through Safari and other web browsers on your iPhone. You’ll also be disabling the YouTube app if it’s downloaded on the device.
Step 1: Open Settings
The first step is to tap on the Settings icon on your iPhone’s home screen.
In the Settings menu, you will find a variety of options to customize your iPhone’s functionality. We’re looking for the “Screen Time” option.
Step 2: Tap on Screen Time
Once you’ve opened Settings, scroll down and tap on “Screen Time.”
Screen Time is a feature that allows you to track and manage the amount of time you or your family spends on apps and websites.
Step 3: Enable Screen Time
If you haven’t already set up Screen Time, you’ll need to tap on “Turn On Screen Time” and follow the prompts.
Setting up Screen Time will require you to create a passcode. Make sure it’s something you’ll remember, as you’ll need it to change or disable the restrictions later on.
Step 4: Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions
After enabling Screen Time, tap on “Content & Privacy Restrictions.”
This section allows you to control what content can be accessed on your iPhone.
Step 5: Enter your Screen Time Passcode
You will be prompted to enter your Screen Time passcode that you created earlier.
Entering the passcode allows you to make changes to the Content & Privacy Restrictions settings.
Step 6: Tap on Content Restrictions
In the “Content & Privacy Restrictions” menu, tap on “Content Restrictions.”
Here, you can customize the types of content that are allowed on your iPhone.
Step 7: Tap on Web Content
Scroll down and tap on “Web Content.”
This section controls the access to web content in Safari and other web browsers.
Step 8: Select Limit Adult Websites
Once in the Web Content menu, select “Limit Adult Websites.”
By selecting this option, you can manually restrict access to specific websites.
Step 9: Tap on Add a Website under NEVER ALLOW
Scroll down to the “NEVER ALLOW” section and tap on “Add a Website.”
Here, you can add URLs of websites you want to block.
Step 10: Enter www.youtube.com and tap Done
Type in “www.youtube.com” and any other variations of the YouTube URL, then tap “Done.”
Once you’ve added YouTube to the list, it will be blocked in Safari and other web browsers on your iPhone.
After completing these steps, YouTube will be blocked on your iPhone. You won’t be able to access it through Safari or any other web browsers, and if the YouTube app is downloaded, it will also be disabled. If you wish to unblock YouTube in the future, simply follow the steps again and remove it from the “NEVER ALLOW” list.
Tips on How to Block YouTube on iPhone
- Make sure to block all variations of the YouTube URL, including mobile and country-specific versions.
- Keep your Screen Time passcode private to prevent others from changing your settings.
- Regularly check the “NEVER ALLOW” list to ensure YouTube hasn’t been removed.
- Consider using the “Downtime” feature in Screen Time to schedule periods when app usage is limited.
- Remember that blocking YouTube might not block it on other devices connected to the same iCloud account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I forget my Screen Time passcode?
If you forget your Screen Time passcode, you might need to erase your iPhone and set it up as a new device to remove the Screen Time settings.
Can I block YouTube on my child’s iPhone remotely?
Yes, you can use the “Family Sharing” feature and set up Screen Time for your child’s iPhone through your own device.
Will blocking YouTube also block the app?
Yes, by adding YouTube to the “NEVER ALLOW” list, it will disable the app on your iPhone if it’s downloaded.
Can I set a time limit for YouTube instead of blocking it entirely?
Yes, you can set app limits in the Screen Time settings to limit daily usage of the YouTube app.
What happens if I accidentally block the wrong website?
You can easily go back into the “NEVER ALLOW” list and remove any websites that were added by mistake.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Tap on Screen Time
- Enable Screen Time
- Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions
- Enter your Screen Time Passcode
- Tap on Content Restrictions
- Tap on Web Content
- Select Limit Adult Websites
- Tap on Add a Website under NEVER ALLOW
- Enter www.youtube.com and tap Done
Conclusion
Blocking YouTube on your iPhone is a straightforward process that can help you or your family stay focused and avoid inappropriate content. With the help of Screen Time and Content Restrictions, you have the power to control what can be accessed on your device. Just remember to keep your Screen Time passcode safe and check your settings periodically to ensure YouTube remains blocked. Whether for productivity or parental control, this guide on how to block YouTube on iPhone is sure to come in handy.
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.