Top 10 most blocked websites on a computer or phone
There are over one billion websites on the entire internet and only around 20% of them are active. Among those websites, some are unsafe to use or carry malware. Schools, parents, and workplaces often put these websites on block lists.
However, blocked websites are not always unsafe but merely distracting. Many people install tools for blocking websites to stop wasting time and boost their productivity. But what are the top 10 most blocked websites on a computer or phone? Here’s everything you need to know about blocked websites.
What causes a website to get blocked?
A website may get blocked by the Google Safe Browsing feature, which is the most efficient filter for websites with malicious content. Blocked websites are often hijacked by hackers, not malicious by nature. Your device’s firewall may prevent access to certain unsafe websites too.
However, a large percentage of blocked sites are social media platforms. These websites and mobile apps aren’t dangerous but are incredibly distracting.
Parental control software limits set time limits for using social media websites. You can also use apps to limit screen time for yourself of your children. You can even integrate some blocking features within your Wi-Fi router.
Top 10 blocked sites
You can probably guess at least some of the most commonly blocked sites, but let’s discuss the top 10 culprits that either distract you from important tasks or contain malware.
YouTube
Many schools and workplaces block YouTube. It's too easy to spend hours watching videos about pretty much anything, so YouTube often goes first on the block list.
Facebook is still one of the most popular social media platforms worldwide. Because it's sometimes too tempting to see what others are up to on Facebook, this platform goes on the blocked websites list.
Scrolling through Twitter can steal hours of your time without you even noticing it. You can get stuck following a Twitter thread and forget about essential tasks you need to do in life.
If you’re a part of the Reddit community, you know how much time one can spend reading all the subreddit posts and answering questions. It’s no wonder that Reddit is often blocked in schools and universities.
Netflix
Perhaps you work from home and want to watch a short episode of your favorite show on Netflix. But that turns into five episodes and now you're in trouble. Many people choose to block Netflix. Hulu, Prime Video, and other streaming platforms to avoid wasting time.
Roblox
This online gaming platform is trendy, especially among teenagers and young adults. For that reason, parents and school administrations usually ban access to this website.
Posting Instagram stories and catching up on posts is fun but time-consuming. Many websites and app blockers offer setting time limits for Instagram browsing.
TikTok
TikTok is probably the worst of all social media platforms in terms of losing track of time. You jump from one fun video to the next and lose focus. You can block access to the TikTok app and web platform.
PornHub
Many parents block adult websites to ensure their children are not exposed to inappropriate content. PornHub is one of the biggest websites, so it deserves a place on this list. However, a website blocker can prevent access to websites with similar content.
Amazon
Online shopping is fun but often addictive. If you're looking for distractions, going to Amazon to browse products will lead to distraction. Therefore, many choose to block Amazon, especially during business hours.
Most popular website blockers
You might wonder how to block distracting websites on your Microsoft Windows, Chromebook, Android, iOS, or macOS devices.
Fortunately, many app blockers and tools restrict access to specific websites. Here are the few most popular solutions to help you configure your device and block websites.
- Cold Turkey – This is a feature-rich tool for website and app blocking for Windows and macOS users. It comes with a whitelist feature and a time-wasting tracker. It will even lock your computer for a period to ensure you take breaks.
- SelfControl – Mac users can rely on this website blocker and work without distractions. You can create a list of websites you want to block
- RescueTime – This is a productivity reporting app that blocks websites. You can set goals and alarms as well as request specific reports. You can use it with Firefox, Chrome, and any operating system.
- Mindful Browsing – If you want a free and open-source Google Chrome extension tool to block apps and websites, this is the solution. The "blocking" part is more subtle and essentially asks you to make more mindful decisions instead of wasting time.
- StayFocusd – It is another popular solution for Chrome users. A free version is available and comes with powerful blocking capabilities.
- Zero Willpower – This is a straightforward website and app blocker for Safari browser and iOS mobile devices. It’s easy to install and comes with an integrated timer.
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FAQ
How do I block 18+ sites?
You can block 18+ sites using different website blocking tools, like web browser extensions and apps. Android and iOS users can find many efficient 18+ website blockers.
What websites are blocked on school computers?
Schools and universities often block social media websites like TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. They also block adult content websites and specific websites with inappropriate content.
How do I view blocked websites?
There are some ways you can access a blocked website or app. The most common solutions include using a proxy or VPN service or changing the DNS.
Why would I want to block sites?
People block websites for various reasons. Often, they want to create a distraction-free working environment, and constant notifications or checking social media websites makes it impossible. Also, workplaces and schools block adult content websites, video game platforms, and distracting sites to ensure better productivity and attention.
