The quick answer
Use Screen Time App Limits for a daily website allowance, its Safari content restrictions for an ongoing block, or an Atten focus session for a specific work period. Test the restriction in the browser you actually use before relying on it.
A website block works best when it matches the moment that causes trouble. A daily news allowance and a distraction-free writing hour are different rules. Decide whether you want less time on a site overall, no access during work, or a continuing restriction before changing your Mac settings.
Choose the right kind of block
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Your goal | Starting point | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Spend less time on a site each day | Screen Time App Limits | An allowance is not a fixed work schedule. |
| Keep a site unavailable in Safari | Screen Time content restrictions | The adult-content filter also takes effect. |
| Keep selected sites out of a work session | A timed or scheduled Atten block | Check your selected sites and browser before starting. |
If you are still deciding between built-in controls and a dedicated app, our Screen Time and app blocker comparison explains the different workflows.
Set a daily website limit with Screen Time
With Screen Time enabled, follow these steps. Menu wording can differ on older macOS releases.
- Open System Settings, select Screen Time, then open App Limits.
- Enable limits if necessary and choose Add Limit.
- Expand Websites. Select a listed site, or use the add button to enter its URL.
- Set the daily allowance. Use the custom option if different days need different amounts.
- Enable the option to block access when the allowance expires, then save.
Apple documents these controls in its Mac website and app limits guide. This is useful for a daily budget; it does not express “block this site from 9 to 11.”
Restrict a website in Safari
For an ongoing Safari restriction, open Screen Time in System Settings and enable Content & Privacy. Open App Store, Media, Web, & Games. Under Safari, select Limit Adult Websites, then Customize. Add the site's URL to the restricted list and save it.
Despite its name, this setting accepts additional websites you choose. It also enables adult-content filtering, so check whether it affects sites you need. Apple describes this control specifically under Safari in its web content settings reference. Do not assume that this establishes the same restriction in every other browser.
Block selected sites during focused work
For a writing session or regular study window, start with a small block list in Atten for Mac. Include the sites you open automatically and any corresponding desktop apps. Keep your documents, research sources, password manager, and work communication available.
- Choose one outcome, such as finishing a draft, and a realistic end time.
- Add the distracting websites to your Atten block list.
- Start a short focus session to check the setup.
- Once it works for your routine, use a recurring schedule for regular work periods.
If coursework depends on a site you also browse for entertainment, use a separate research period before blocking it. Our study blocking guide walks through that exception.
Test before a work session
- Open a blocked site in each browser and profile you normally use.
- Check alternate site addresses and any desktop app that provides the same feed.
- Open a work document and complete its sign-in flow to catch accidental restrictions.
- Confirm how access returns when the session ends.
If you simply move the same browsing to your phone, also set up website blocking on iPhone. For evening browsing, choose a separate cutoff using the night scrolling plan.
Common questions
Does Mac Focus block websites?
Focus manages interruptions and can change what supported apps display. It is not a website block list. Pair blocking with Focus if notifications also distract you. See Apple's Mac Focus guide.
Will a Safari restriction cover Chrome?
Do not rely on that assumption. Test your actual browser and choose a blocker that supports your setup if the restriction does not apply there.
Should I block my whole browser?
Only if the task needs no browser access. Blocking a few distracting sites is usually a more practical starting point when your work needs online documents or research.