Take Back Control: How to Restrict Websites Privately

In an era of algorithmic distractions, persistent surveillance, and data harvesting, controlling your internet experience is more than just a productivity hack — it’s a form of digital self-defense. Whether you're looking to protect your data, limit distractions, or create safer digital environments for your family, learning how to block websites across devices — without compromising privacy — is a powerful first step.

At Nym, we believe privacy isn’t optional — it’s essential. That’s why we’re sharing how to restrict access to websites using offline, local, and surveillance-free methods that don’t report your behavior to Big Tech, data brokers, or governments.

Looking for broader protection? Explore what VPNs do to protect your traffic to fully lock down your digital footprint.

Why people choose to block websites

Blocking a website isn't about censorship — it’s about taking back control. Here are the most common reasons users choose to restrict access to certain sites:

• Privacy-first browsing: Eliminate trackers, ad networks, and surveillance scripts at the source

• Productivity: Avoid digital distractions by limiting access to time-wasting or addictive platforms

• Security: Block malicious domains, phishing sites, or scam content before it ever loads.

• Parental controls: Help protect kids and teens online with enforceable boundaries and device-level restrictions.

And when done correctly, you can achieve all of this without trusting third-party apps, extensions, or cloud services.

How to restrict website access on different devices

Here’s how to block websites privately on every major platform, without handing over your browsing data.

Windows

Use the Hosts File (Local, No External Apps)

This method is 100% offline, highly effective, and doesn’t rely on third-party tools:

1. Search for Notepad > right-click > Run as administrator
2. Open: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
3. Add entries like: 127.0.0.1 www.blockedwebsite.com 4.Save the file and restart your browser

This is one of the most private ways to block websites on Windows as the change happens locally with no data leakage.

Microsoft Family Safety (Cloud-Based)

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users
2. Add a child account
3. Visit account.microsoft.com/family
4. Block specific sites via the parental controls dashboard

Note: This method syncs data with Microsoft’s cloud. For more private options, stick with local tools or VPN filtering.

macOS

Terminal Method (Private & Offline)

1. Open Terminal
2. Run: sudo nano /etc/hosts
3. Add entries like: 127.0.0.1 www.site-to-block.com
4. Save and exit 5 .Run: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache

This method is ideal for privacy-conscious users, as it doesn’t require iCloud or third-party tools.

Screen Time (UI-Based Control)

1. Go to System Preferences > Screen Time
2. Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions
3. Under Web Content, add specific sites to block

This method is more user-friendly but syncs data to iCloud, which may not align with strong privacy goals.

Android

Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls

1. Open Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls
2. Set up Google Family Link
3. Add websites to block list

Privacy caveat: This method reports behavior to Google. For a privacy-respecting alternative, use tools that don’t track or log your activity. For the best way to protect yourself against tracking, use a decentralized VPN like NymVPN.

iOS (iPhone & iPad)

Screen Time Restrictions

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time
2. Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions
3. Tap Web Content > Limit Adult Websites
4. Under Never Allow, add sites to block

This built-in tool is effective but still reports usage patterns to Apple. For advanced privacy, combine it with VPN-level filtering.

Why browser extensions aren’t ideal

Browser extensions are often easy to install, but many are a privacy risk in disguise. They can:

• Collect browsing history
• Inject tracking scripts
• Send telemetry data to third parties

Instead of relying on extensions, we recommend using system-level blocking or pairing your browser with a privacy-first VPN like NymVPN that anonymizes traffic before it reaches your browser.

Want protection that goes even deeper? Learn how metadata exposure puts your privacy at risk — even if your traffic is encrypted.

Final Thoughts

Restricting websites isn’t just about control — it’s about protecting your time, data, and peace of mind. Whether you're blocking malicious domains, cutting distractions, or safeguarding your family, the best tools are the ones that don’t compromise your privacy in the process. If you're serious about reclaiming digital agency, combine local blocking methods with network-level privacy tools like NymVPN and privacy-hardened browsers for a truly secure setup. Because staying private shouldn’t come with trade-offs.

Related FAQs

Can websites still track me after I block them?

Not directly—but many trackers operate across domains. To fully block trackers, use a privacy-focused VPN or browser with built-in anti-surveillance protections.

Is using a hosts file better than browser extensions?

Yes. Hosts file changes happen at the system level and are more private. Browser extensions often collect data or leak information.

Can I block websites across all devices on my network?

Yes. Consider setting up router-level blocking with tools like Pi-hole. For encrypted, private filtering, pair that with NymVPN.

How do I block sites without giving my data to Apple or Google?

Use local tools like the hosts file, Terminal, or offline parental controls, and combine them with NymVPN’s decentralized Noise Generating Network for full anonymity.