How to Block Porn on Your Computer (Windows, Mac, and Chromebook)

Willpower alone isn’t a porn-blocking strategy. It’s a temporary measure that fails when you’re tired, stressed, or bored.

Blockers add friction. Friction changes outcomes. Here’s exactly how to set them up on any computer — Windows, Mac, or Chromebook — in about 10 minutes.

The Layering Principle

Before diving into specifics, one thing to understand: no single method is airtight. Someone motivated enough can bypass any individual blocker. The goal isn’t an impenetrable wall — it’s enough friction that you don’t act impulsively.

The most effective setup uses multiple layers:

1. DNS-level filtering — catches requests before they reach your browser
2. Browser-level blocking — catches what DNS misses inside the browser
3. Device-level controls — system settings that require a password to change
4. Router-level filtering — covers everything on your network

You don’t need all four. But two or three layers is meaningfully stronger than one.

Blocking on Windows

Safe Search (browser-level) In Chrome or Edge, enable SafeSearch in search settings. It won’t catch direct URL access, but it cuts off search-driven discovery.

DNS filtering (CleanBrowsing) This is the most effective free option (CleanBrowsing adult filters). Go to your network adapter settings → Properties → Internet Protocol Version 4 → change DNS to:

• Primary: 185.228.168.10
• Secondary: 185.228.169.11

These are CleanBrowsing’s adult filter DNS servers. Any request to a porn site gets blocked before the page loads.

Browser extensions Cold Turkey Blocker is the most robust Windows option. You can set a blocklist of sites and lock it with a password — or on a timer that prevents changes. BlockSite is a simpler alternative that works well for most people.

Windows Family Safety Built into Windows 10/11 under Settings → Accounts → Family. You can set content filters that apply system-wide and require a Microsoft account password to modify. Not bulletproof, but adds an administrative layer.

Blocking on Mac

Screen Time System Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy → Content Restrictions. You can enable “Limit Adult Websites” which uses Apple’s built-in filter (Apple support), or add specific URLs to a blocklist. Set a Screen Time passcode that’s different from your login password — ideally something a trusted person sets for you.

DNS filtering Same CleanBrowsing DNS settings work on Mac. Go to System Settings → Network → select your connection → DNS tab → add the CleanBrowsing servers. This applies system-wide across all browsers.

Browser extensions Cold Turkey works on Mac as well. For Safari specifically, you can restrict the browser’s behavior through Screen Time settings.

Third-party apps Freedom and Self-Control are well-regarded Mac apps for blocking. Freedom works across devices and has a scheduling feature — you set it before bed, and it’s already running when the high-risk moments hit.

Blocking on Chromebook

Chrome Browser Settings Go to chrome://settings/content → additional content settings → you can block specific sites or categories directly in Chrome. For a Chromebook, everything lives in Chrome, so this is your primary browser-level control.

Supervised profiles / Google Family Link If you’re willing to set this up, Google Family Link gives you parental controls over a Google account on a Chromebook (Google support). It requires a separate “supervisor” account, but provides content filtering, site blocking, and screen time limits. You can set it up on your own account if someone else manages the supervisor credentials.

DNS filtering Chromebooks support custom DNS through the network settings. Go to Settings → Network → select your Wi-Fi → Network → Name Servers → Custom, and enter the CleanBrowsing addresses. This applies to everything on that network connection.

Chrome extensions BlockSite has a Chromebook-compatible Chrome extension. You can add a password to the extension settings and — critically — have someone else set that password. Without the password, you can’t change the blocklist.

Router-Level Blocking

This is the most comprehensive option, and it’s worth setting up if you primarily use one home network.

Circle (circle.com) plugs into your router and applies content filtering to every device on your network. You can set it to block adult content categories, schedule downtime, and get usage reports. It’s not free (~$10/month), but it covers your phone, computer, and any other device simultaneously.

Router DNS Most home routers let you change the DNS server in the admin panel. Set it to CleanBrowsing adult filter DNS, and every device on your network gets filtered — no per-device setup required.

What about phones and tablets?

If you’ve locked down your computer but your phone is wide open, you’ve only solved half the problem. Most relapses happen on the device that’s closest when the urge hits — and that’s usually the phone. The best porn blocker apps post covers mobile-specific blocking in detail. The same layering principle applies: DNS filtering plus an app-level blocker plus accountability software is significantly stronger than any single layer.

A Note on Accountability Tools

Blockers handle the access layer. Accountability tools handle the social layer. They work better together than either does alone.

For a deeper look at tools that combine blocking, reporting, and recovery tracking, the Covenant Eyes alternatives post covers the main options. And if you want the full behavioral strategy beyond just the technical setup, the how to stop watching porn real guide is worth reading alongside this one.

Set It Up Now, Not Later

The best time to configure blockers is when you’re not in a high-urge state. Do it now, when the decision is calm, and let the friction work on future-you when it matters.

Ten minutes of setup today removes thousands of impulsive decisions from the next year.

For tracking your streak, managing urges in real time, and staying accountable beyond just the technical setup, check out Obex.