How can I block Facebook in my system?

Social media can be addictive and distracting, especially a platform like Facebook that many people check compulsively multiple times per day. If you find yourself wasting too much time scrolling through your Facebook feed, it may be time to block the site on your devices to help increase productivity and focus. There are various ways you can block or limit access to Facebook on your computer, phone, tablet, and network. Here we will explore different methods for each type of device or system.

Blocking Facebook on Your Computer

If you use a desktop or laptop computer, there are a few approaches you can take to block Facebook access. The specific steps may vary slightly depending on your operating system.

Edit Hosts File

One simple way is to edit your computer’s Hosts file to block Facebook’s IP address from connecting. Here is how to do it:

Open the Hosts file with administrative privileges. On Windows, go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc and open hosts. On MacOS, open /private/etc/hosts using a text editor like TextEdit.

Add the following entries to block Facebook, separating each IP address from the domain name with a space:

127.0.0.1 facebook.com
127.0.0.1 www.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 login.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 www.login.facebook.com

Save the Hosts file.

Flush your DNS cache. On Windows, open Command Prompt as administrator and run ipconfig /flushdns. On MacOS, open Terminal and run dscacheutil -flushcache.

Now when your computer tries navigating to Facebook domains, it will redirect to your own local system instead of connecting to Facebook’s servers.

Browser Extensions

Another option is using a browser extension or add-on designed specifically for blocking Facebook or social media. Here are some top options:

Facebook Blocker – Chrome extension that completely hides the Facebook website and removes it from search results.
News Feed Eradicator – Gets rid of your Facebook News Feed so you aren’t tempted to scroll endlessly.
StayFocusd – Lets you block Facebook for certain periods of time to reduce distractions.

Block Site – Simple Chrome extension for blocking any sites you specify.

Install the extension in Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or your browser of choice and customize the settings as needed to block Facebook. This gives you more convenient control than editing the Hosts file.

Router Settings

If you want to block Facebook more permanently on all devices on your home or office network, you can configure router settings. Log into your router’s admin console, go to content filtering settings, and add facebook.com to the block list. This will prevent all connected devices from accessing Facebook through your Wi-Fi. Just be aware that this may impact other users of the network as well.

Parental Control Software

Parents can use parental control software or family safety tools to block Facebook and other unwanted sites for their kids. Some top options include:

Qustodio – Cross-platform parental control app that monitors and blocks social media.
Net Nanny – Filters web content across devices and sets screen time limits.

McAfee Safe Family – Allows parents to view activity, enable filters, and set time restrictions.
Norton Family Premier – Blocks websites and apps, monitors social media usage, and more.

These tools require a paid subscription but give you robust control for restricting Facebook and tracking kids’ online activity.

Blocking Facebook on Your Phone

Since smartphones make Facebook instantly accessible almost everywhere, you may want to block it on your mobile devices too. Here are some ways to do that for iPhones and Android phones.

Remove the Facebook App

If the Facebook app is proving too tempting on your phone, uninstalling it can already help limit usage. On an iPhone, press and hold the Facebook icon until it starts wiggling, then tap the X to delete. On Android, press and hold the icon then drag it to Uninstall at the top of the screen.

However, you can still access Facebook through the mobile browser without the app, so you may need to take additional steps…

Modify Phone Settings

Both iOS and Android have built-in options to block apps and websites:

iOS – Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Add Facebook under Social Networking and enable Block access completely.
Android – Open Digital Wellbeing settings or install the special Digital Wellbeing app. Add Facebook to the App Timer list to limit daily usage or select Restricted under Dashboard to block it.

You can also install free app blockers like Freedom or Flipd which let you block apps, set schedules, and track usage.

Delete Social Media Accounts

If you definitely want Facebook gone from your life, delete your social media accounts completely:

Go to facebook.com and click on the account menu in the top right.

Select Settings & Privacy > Settings.
Click on Your Facebook Information in the left menu.
Select Deactivation and Deletion.

Choose Permanently Delete Account.
Click Continue to Account Deletion.
Enter your password and click Submit.

This will permanently erase your Facebook account and all data associated with it. You won’t be able to retrieve anything, so download any photos or information you may want to keep first.

Blocking Facebook on Your Tablet

Tablets like iPads and Android tablets make it easy to browse Facebook on a bigger screen almost anywhere. But you can use similar techniques to block Facebook access.

Uninstall the Facebook App

Just like on your phone, deleting the Facebook app from your tablet’s home screen will prevent it from being a constant temptation.

Adjust Parental Controls

Both Apple and Android tablets offer parental control options you can leverage to block Facebook:

iPad – Use Screen Time settings to block or limit social media apps.
Android Tablets – Apply Google’s Family Link app restrictions to block Facebook.

You can also set time limits, monitor usage, and filter content with these controls.

Remove Facebook Via Profile Settings

If your tablet shares settings and accounts with your phone, another option is to log into your Facebook profile online, go to settings, and toggle off Facebook access for that device specifically under Active Sessions.

Router-Level Blocking

For a network-wide block, add your tablet’s IP address to your router’s content filtering settings, along with facebook.com and any other sites you want to restrict.

How to Avoid Unblocking Facebook

Once you’ve implemented Facebook blocks, you may be tempted to undo them during moments of weakness. Here are some tips to help avoid reversing your restrictions:

Use apps or tools that require passwords or allow another person to set restrictions. That way you can’t unlock them without help.
On routers, change admin credentials to something secure that only a trusted person knows.

Delete any saved Facebook passwords or logins from your browser and devices to add friction.
Install site blockers permanently instead of temporarily if possible.
Note down your reasons for wanting to avoid Facebook and refer back to them when tempted.

Find other sites and apps to fill your time so you’re not missing Facebook.

Staying disciplined when blocking distractions takes determination. Having a strong motivation, accountability, and alternatives to Facebook increases your chance of success.

Conclusion

Facebook can consume an excessive amount of time and attention for many people. While it can be challenging to break the addiction, blocking Facebook access through various techniques on your computer, phone, tablet, and network can help regain control. Choose the right approach for your situation, like uninstalling apps, using restrictions and blockers, adjusting router settings, or deleting your account entirely. With the right tools and some discipline, you can successfully restrict Facebook and reduce the distraction in your life.