Many internet users wish to block or limit their use of Facebook for various reasons – privacy concerns, productivity, or simply wanting more control over their online experience. Fortunately, all major web browsers provide ways to block or restrict access to Facebook. This article will explore the options available in different browsers, looking at how to completely block Facebook, limit when you can access it, block tracking and cookies, and more. We’ll cover Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer, showing how each browser can help curb your Facebook use.
Completely Blocking Facebook
The most drastic option is to completely block Facebook from loading in your browser. This prevents you visiting Facebook at all (without uninstalling the site). Here is how to do it in each browser:
Google Chrome
Chrome has a built-in feature called Site Blocking that prevents pages from loading. To use it:
- Type chrome://settings/content/siteDetails?site=https:%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com into the address bar and hit enter.
- Toggle Block to the on position.
This stops Facebook loading completely. To undo the block, return to the same page and toggle Block off.
Mozilla Firefox
Firefox also has a native option for blocking sites:
- Click the menu button and choose Settings.
- Select Privacy & Security from the left sidebar.
- Scroll down to the Permissions section and click Exceptions.
- In the Address field, enter https://www.facebook.com then click Block.
This will block Facebook entirely. To reverse it, delete facebook.com from the list of blocked sites.
Safari
Safari has a Develop menu that can block sites:
- Go to Safari > Preferences > Advanced and enable the Develop menu.
- Click Develop > Website Blocking.
- Enter https://www.facebook.com and click Block.
This prevents Facebook from loading in Safari. To undo it, return to the Website Blocking page and delete facebook.com.
Microsoft Edge
Edge includes a Block Site feature:
- Click the settings icon and choose Settings.
- Click Content blockers.
- Toggle Block sites on and enter https://www.facebook.com.
This stops Facebook loading in Edge. Revisit the Content blockers page to unblock it.
Internet Explorer
You can block Facebook in IE via Restricted Sites:
- Open Internet Options from the gear icon.
- Click the Security tab.
- Click Restricted Sites and add https://www.facebook.com to the list.
Facebook will now be blocked. To reverse this, delete facebook.com from the Restricted Sites list.
Limiting Access to Facebook
Rather than completely blocking Facebook, you may want to limit when you can access it. All the major browsers have options for this:
Chrome: Set Time Limits
Chrome’s Site Blocking feature lets you block sites for specific periods:
- Visit chrome://settings/content/siteDetails?site=https://www.facebook.com
- Click Add new time period.
- Choose your desired block schedule, like 9am to 5pm.
Facebook will now be blocked during your chosen times.
Firefox: Restrict Access with Add-ons
Extensions like Facebook Blocker or Facebook Timer can limit when you access Facebook in Firefox. These let you set specific block times each day or overall weekly limits.
Safari: Use Parental Controls
Safari has built-in parental controls that can restrict Facebook access:
- Choose Safari > Preferences > Parental Controls.
- Click Manage Website Restrictions.
- Add facebook.com and set Schedule Restrictions.
Edge: Set Time Limits
Like Chrome, Edge can block sites during certain times:
- Visit edge://settings/contentBlockers
- Click Add new time period
- Choose your schedule to block Facebook
IE: Schedule with Add-ons
IE addons like Facebook Blocker or StayFocusd can limit when you access Facebook. Set daily limits or exclude specific hours.
Blocking Facebook Cookies and Trackers
Blocking Facebook’s cookies and trackers prevents some user tracking and data gathering by Facebook:
Chrome: Use Privacy Extensions
Extensions like Privacy Badger and Ghostery will block Facebook cookies/trackers in Chrome. Enable them, refresh Facebook, and they block tracking elements.
Firefox: Enable Tracking Protection
Firefox has built-in tracking protection:
- Click the menu button and choose Preferences.
- Go to Privacy & Security and enable Tracking Protection.
This blocks known Facebook trackers.
Safari: Stop Cross-Site Tracking
Safari blocks cross-site cookies/data by default. Ensure it’s enabled:
- Go to Safari > Preferences > Privacy.
- Check Prevent cross-site tracking is enabled.
Edge: Use Tracking Prevention
Tracking prevention in Edge blocks Facebook tracking cookies:
- Click the Settings icon and choose Settings.
- Click Privacy, search and services.
- Enable Tracking prevention.
IE: Block Third-Party Cookies
Blocking third-party cookies in IE prevents some Facebook tracking:
- Open Internet Options > Privacy tab.
- Check Block third-party cookies.
How to Bypass Facebook Blocks
If you implement blocking measures but want to access Facebook temporarily, here are some bypass methods:
- Disable browser extensions that are blocking Facebook.
- Clear your browser cache/cookies to reset any Facebook blocking tools.
- Use a different web browser that doesn’t have blocking enabled.
- Access Facebook using private/incognito browsing mode.
- Use a VPN or proxy service to bypass the blocks.
- On iOS/Android, use the Facebook app instead of the mobile site.
- Disable the blocking settings detailed above like Site Blocking or Restricted Sites.
Use these sparingly – they can defeat the purpose of blocking Facebook in the first place.
Conclusion
While no blocking method is 100% foolproof, using the right browser tools makes it much easier to restrict or cut off access to Facebook. Take your pick from complete blocking, scheduling time limits, disabling cookies and trackers, and more. Find the approach that suits your needs – whether you want a short-term reprieve from the site or more permanent removal. And implement blocking across all your devices so your restrictions apply everywhere. With the right techniques, you can effectively block Facebook from your daily browsing experience.
| Browser | Block Method | Limit Access Method | Block Tracking Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chrome | Site Blocking | Set Time Limits | Privacy Extensions |
| Firefox | Site Blocking | Facebook Blocker Add-on | Tracking Protection |
| Safari | Develop Menu | Parental Controls | Prevent Cross-Site Tracking |
| Edge | Block Sites | Set Time Limits | Tracking Prevention |
| IE | Restricted Sites | Facebook Blocker Add-on | Block Third-Party Cookies |
Here are some key takeaways:
- All major browsers can block Facebook via native site blocking tools.
- Time limiting Facebook access requires using browser settings or add-ons.
- Blocking Facebook tracking involves enabling built-in tracking protections.
- Temporary access is possible by disabling blocking extensions/settings.
- No approach is completely foolproof but combining methods boosts effectiveness.
With Facebook integrated into so many aspects of online life, gaining more control over your access can improve digital wellbeing. Evaluate your reasons for blocking Facebook and match technical solutions to your needs. You may only want to limit Facebook procrastination during work hours, take a short break from the platform, or disconnect more permanently. Browser-based blocking gives power over how and when you can access Facebook. Implement the right combination of tools to fit your specific requirements. Regain balance over your Facebook use.