How to block websites and apps on Mac? How to restrict?

Protecting your Mac and children from inappropriate online content is crucial. This guide outlines three effective methods for restricting websites on your macOS device.

Method 1: Utilizing Screen Time (macOS 10.15 Catalina and later)

Screen Time offers robust content filtering and usage limits. It works across all browsers, including Chrome and Safari.

1. Access System Preferences > Screen Time.

2. Click Add Limits and the icon.

3. Select the apps or website categories you want to restrict. You can also choose specific websites or apps from the dropdown menus.

4. Under Websites, specify individual sites to block.

5. Set daily or custom usage limits for each day of the week. Click Custom > Edit to adjust individual daily limits.

6. The Content & Privacy tab allows you to filter adult content.

Method 2: Employing Parental Controls

Parental Controls provide account-specific website and app restrictions, ideal for managing children's online access. Note: This method doesn't restrict the administrator account.

1. Open System Preferences > Parental Controls.
2. Unlock with your password.
3. Enable the user account you wish to manage.
4. Go to the Web tab.
5. Choose Try to limit access to adult websites and select Customize.
6. Add URLs to the Never allow these websites list using the icon.
7. Click OK.

Method 3: Leveraging Terminal for Enhanced Security

For advanced control and enhanced security, Terminal offers a robust solution.

1. Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal or Finder > Go > Utilities > Terminal).
2. Back up your hosts file: sudo /bin/cp /etc/hosts /etc/hosts-original
3. Enter your administrator password.
4. Open the hosts file for editing: sudo nano -e /etc/hosts
5. Add lines like 127.0.0.1 www.example.com to block specific websites.
6. Save (Control O, Enter) and exit (Control X).
7. Flush the DNS cache: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache

Choose the method that best suits your needs. For maximum protection, consider using Terminal. Parental Controls are best for managing child accounts, while Screen Time offers granular control over usage and content. Remember to utilize tools like MacKeeper's StopAd to further enhance your online privacy.

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