Website Blocking¶
Block distracting websites to stay focused during work or study sessions. Focus prevents your browser from loading blocked sites, helping you avoid temptation.
How Website Blocking Works¶
Focus modifies system-level network settings to prevent access to blocked websites. When you try to visit a blocked site, your browser displays a Focus block page instead of the website content. This works across all browsers installed on your computer.
Adding Websites to the Block List¶
- Open Focus settings (admin password required).
- Navigate to Productivity > Website Blocking.
- Click Add Website.
- Enter the domain name (e.g.,
facebook.com,reddit.com). - Click Add.
The site is blocked immediately after adding it.
Blocking Options¶
Block Entire Domain¶
Enter facebook.com to block all pages on Facebook, including www.facebook.com, m.facebook.com, and all subdomains.
Block Specific Pages¶
Enter a more specific URL to block only certain sections of a website while leaving the rest accessible. For example, block reddit.com/r/gaming while allowing other subreddits.
Block by Keyword¶
Add keywords to block any website whose URL contains that word. For example, adding "game" would block any URL containing the word "game."
Common Sites to Block¶
For quick setup, Focus includes pre-built lists of commonly blocked sites:
- Social Media -- Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat
- Video Streaming -- YouTube, Netflix, Twitch, Disney+
- News & Entertainment -- Reddit, BuzzFeed, TMZ
- Gaming -- Steam, Epic Games, gaming news sites
See the blocking guides for step-by-step instructions for specific platforms.
Scheduling Blocks¶
You can schedule website blocks to be active only during certain times:
- Work hours only -- Block distracting sites from 9 AM to 5 PM
- All day -- Block sites 24/7
- Custom schedule -- Set different rules for different days
See Downtime Scheduling for more on time-based restrictions.
The Nuclear Option
For maximum focus, combine website blocking with App Time Limits and Downtime Scheduling to create a comprehensive distraction-free environment.