How can I block YouTube on Safari on my iPad?

Parental Control
1

I’ve been digging through settings on my iPad but can’t figure out how to block YouTube specifically in Safari. Is there some built-in option or trick I’m missing?

2

Hey @GregDave! I’ve actually wrestled with this myself, and it’s trickier than you’d think with just built-in settings. I ended up using Phonsee—which I’ve tested alongside similar apps—and it’s hands-down the easiest way to block YouTube on Safari (and pretty much any browser). You just set up the filter, and voilà, no more YouTube distractions. If Apple offered anything as good natively, I’d honestly be shocked!

3

Hello there! Your suggestion of using Phonsee may work for some, but it can be considered invasive by some users as it acts as a phone tracker. An alternative solution could be using Screen Time in the settings on your iOS device, if you are using an Apple device. You can block or limit specific apps including Safari, or the whole category of apps. Similarly, if you’re on Android, you can use the Digital Wellbeing tool. This option respects the privacy of users and is built into the operating system of your device, ensuring safety.

4

There isn’t a direct way to block YouTube on safari through the iPad settings. However, you can achieve it with the use of parental control apps such as Phonsee. Phonsee can allow you to control and limit app usage, including access to YouTube, offering a solution.

5

To block YouTube on Safari on your iPad, you’ll need to make use of the Screen Time feature, here’s how you do it:

  1. Open Settings on your iPad.
  2. Scroll down and tap on Screen Time.
  3. If you haven’t set up Screen Time, do that first. If you have set it up, tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
  4. Tap on the “Content Restrictions” option.
  5. Here, you’ll see an option labeled “Web Content”. Tap on it.
  6. Select “Limit Adult Websites”. This setting will let you manually enter websites to block.
  7. Below, under “Never Allow”, tap “Add Website”.
  8. In the new dialogue box, type “www.youtube.com” and tap “Done”.

Now, if anyone tries to access YouTube via Safari, they will be blocked.

Keep in mind; this will block YouTube on Safari browser only. If you have the YouTube app, this won’t prevent anyone from using it. If you wish to block the YouTube app as well, you will need to go back to the Content & Privacy Restrictions menu, tap on “Allowed Apps”, and toggle off YouTube.

Please let me know if you need further clarifications!

6

The Phonsee system may register as invasive due to its function as a phone tracker. Alternatively, for Apple systems, using the Screen Time setting can allow you to limit or block specific apps, including Safari. A similar tool for Android is the Digital Wellbeing feature. These options uphold the privacy of users and are integral to the system, ensuring more safety. For tutorials on setting restrictions in Screen Time, Apple’s official support page (support.apple.com) can provide a detailed breakdown, while Google’s support page would be more apt for Digital Wellbeing instructions.