In today’s digital age, social media is an integral part of most people’s lives. Facebook in particular has over 2.9 billion monthly active users worldwide as of 2021. While Facebook can be useful for connecting with friends and family, it also contains many distractions that can negatively impact productivity and focus.
If you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through Facebook when you should be working or studying, you may want to block access to it. But is it possible to block Facebook on Google Chrome specifically? Let’s take a look at some ways you can restrict or limit Facebook usage in Chrome.
Use Facebook’s Built-In Settings
The easiest way to manage your Facebook usage is through Facebook’s own settings. Under the “Settings & Privacy” menu, you can set time limits for daily Facebook and Instagram use. For example, you could limit yourself to 30 minutes per day on each platform. Once you hit the time limit, Facebook will notify you that you’ve reached your limit but still allow you to continue scrolling if you want.
While this method relies on your own self-control, it can be helpful for monitoring your usage. Facebook also has an option to snooze notifications for set periods of time, such as for a few hours or days. This disables notifications and removes Facebook from your home screen so you aren’t as tempted to check it.
Pros
- Simple to set up time limits and snooze notifications
- Lets you easily track your Facebook usage
- Built directly into Facebook, no third-party tools needed
Cons
- Relies on your own willpower to adhere to limits
- You can still access Facebook after reaching a time limit
- Only works on mobile app, not desktop site
Use Chrome Extensions
The Chrome web store has hundreds of extensions for customizing and enhancing your browsing experience. There are many extensions that can block or limit access to distracting websites like Facebook.
Some popular options include:
- StayFocusd – Lets you block sites for set periods of time. You can block Facebook for hours at a time or even block it completely.
- Block Site – Does what the name suggests and blocks your access to certain sites. You simply add sites like facebook.com to the block list.
- DF Tube – Stands for “Distraction Free for YouTube”. It redirects you to YouTube videos instead of showing your Facebook feed.
The advantage of using Chrome extensions is that they work on your desktop browser, so you can restrict Facebook when studying or working on your computer. The downside is you’ll still be able to access Facebook on your mobile devices.
Pros
- Work directly in Chrome desktop browser
- Many options for customizing when/how sites are blocked
- Can completely block sites, not just limit time
Cons
- Need some self-control to not uninstall extensions
- Can access blocked sites by using incognito/private mode
- Don’t restrict access on mobile devices
Modify Chrome Settings
Chrome has some built-in settings that can help restrict distracting sites like Facebook:
- Remove from homepage – Delete Facebook bookmark from Chrome homepage
- Disable notifications – Turn off notifications for Facebook site
- Remove autofill – Delete any saved Facebook login info
While not as robust as extensions, modifying these settings makes it a bit harder to access Facebook on a whim. You’ll have to manually type in the URL each time or search for it instead of having handy shortcuts.
Pros
- Simple tweaks built into Chrome
- Help remove constant reminders/shortcuts to Facebook
- Works along with extensions for added security
Cons
- Doesn’t completely prevent access to Facebook
- You can easily re-add bookmarks or notifications
Use Parental Control Software
Specialized parental control programs like Qustodio, Net Nanny, and others allow you to set limits on Chrome usage. While designed for parents to monitor children’s internet use, they can also be helpful for managing your own browsing.
Key features include:
- Set time limits for Chrome usage per day/week
- Completely block certain sites or allow access only at certain times/days
- View detailed reports on how sites are being used
- Works across devices, including phones and tablets
The main downside of parental control software is the cost. Paid plans that support multiple devices tend to range from $50-100 per year.
Pros
- Very robust site blocking and time limitations
- Works across all browsers and devices
- Hard to uninstall or work around the blocking
Cons
- Can be expensive for paid versions
- Overkill if you just want to limit one site like Facebook
- uninstall or work around the blocking
Use Website Blocker Software
Along with parental controls, there are also more lightweight website blocking programs like Cold Turkey, Freedom, and BlockSite.
These are designed specifically for blocking distracting sites and apps to improve productivity. Some key features include:
- Set schedules for when you want sites blocked
- Block by domain name, so blocks all of facebook.com
- “Lock” the software for set durations so it can’t be uninstalled
- Allow certain sites to still be accessed for work
Prices range from free for limited use up to $6/month for premium versions. This can be a more budget-friendly option than full parental control software.
Pros
- Specifically made for productivity and avoiding distractions
- Option to lock software for period of time
- Generally cheaper than parental control software
Cons
- Less robust options than parental controls
- Need some discipline to not uninstall
- Accessing blocked sites through other browsers still possible
Use Browser Focus Modes
Most major browsers now include a focus or zen mode that pauses notifications and removes distracting interface elements like extra tabs.
For example, Google Chrome’s Focus Mode lets you:
- Pause notifications from select sites
- Hide all other tabs to just view one site
- Disable distracting interface elements like bookmarks
- Set a timer to automatically exit focus mode
This is helpful for staying concentrated on a single task without accidental Facebook distractions. Focus modes are free built-in options in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari.
Pros
- Free feature included in most browsers
- Customizable to hide specific interface elements
- Lets you concentrate on a single site/task
Cons
- Have to enable it manually each time
- Can still open Facebook in a new browser tab
- Only pauses notifications briefly
Use Device Management Settings
On iPhones and iPads, you can use Apple’s built-in Screen Time feature to set limits for apps and websites. You can:
- Set a Facebook time limit per day
- Completely block Facebook app with downtime schedule
- Hide Facebook from homepage and search results
Android also has Digital Wellbeing settings like App Timers to limit daily Facebook usage. These can help reduce mobile Facebook access.
Pros
- Native device-level settings
- Can make Facebook app unusable at certain times/days
- Harder to circumvent blocks on mobile
Cons
- No effect on Facebook website access on laptop/desktop
- Need discipline to not adjust settings and overrides
- iOS Screen Time requires complex passcode to change settings
Use Software to Limit All Distractions
Rather than blocking specific sites like Facebook, you can use software that limits distractions in general. These include apps like:
- Freedom – Blocks entire internet periodically to keep you focused
- Forest – Grows virtual trees to incentivize you to stay off phone
- Moment – Tracks how much time spent in apps
- Space – Hides distracting parts of phone like news feeds
These types of apps take a more holistic approach to reducing internet distractions. They make it harder to mindlessly browse Facebook, Twitter, news sites, etc.
Pros
- Help break habit of constantly checking apps/sites
- Focus is on changing behavior rather than blocking specific sites
- Works across multiple platforms and devices
Cons
- Easy to uninstall and revert settings
- Requires self-discipline and routine to be effective
- Can be inconvenient when you need to access blocked sites
Conclusion
Blocking Facebook on Chrome takes a combination of platform-level tools like extensions and site-specific settings like focus modes. The most effective strategy is:
- Use Chrome extensions to block Facebook site on desktop
- Enable Focus Mode when working to pause Facebook notifications
- Modify Facebook settings like snooze feed and time limits
- Leverage device-level settings to limit mobile app access
Relying solely on your own willpower rarely works. By putting technological barriers in place, you can train yourself over time to be less dependent on sites like Facebook.
But occasionally browsing Facebook doesn’t have to be bad. Using tools to stop mindless browsing frees up time for more meaningful usage. The goal is controlling your technology instead of letting it control you.
What matters most is being intentional about your screen time. When you do use Facebook, ask yourself “Why am I doing this and what value am I getting from this?” Learning to be more self-aware reduces getting pulled into fruitless scrolling.
Take back control of your time and attention. Use the combination of approaches discussed here to block Facebook on Chrome and enjoy the productivity benefits.