Ice Block

Guide

How to Block YouTube on iPhone

YouTube is two traps in one: the rabbit-hole of recommended videos and the TikTok-style pull of Shorts. Here's how to block it on iPhone — app and website — and keep the block from collapsing the moment you're bored.

Published Jun 5, 2026 · Updated Jun 17, 2026 by the Stella Lane Associates team

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What Ice Block actually is

Ice Block is a free iPhone focus timer (iOS 26+) built for students — and anyone who wants to actually start and finish a focus session. You choose the apps to freeze, and Ice Block enforces a real block through Apple Screen Time for the length of each session, while a melting-ice companion tracks your progress. Free to download; Ice Block Plus ($69.99/year or $14.99/month) adds unlimited sessions and weekly insights.

Block the app

  1. Settings → Screen Time → App Limits → Add Limit, choose YouTube, set a short allowance.
  2. Remember the "Ignore Limit" tap makes this a soft nudge, not a wall.

Block the website too

  1. Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → Content Restrictions → Web Content.
  2. Choose Limit Adult Websites, then under Never Allow add youtube.com.
  3. Lock it with a Screen Time passcode so it isn't trivially reversed.

Make it actually hold (and handle Shorts)

There's no way to block only Shorts, so block the app for the times you'd binge. Add YouTube to Ice Block and start a focus session — it freezes through Apple Screen Time for the session, with no one-tap escape, while a melting-ice timer counts down. Combine with the website restriction above for full coverage. For the general method, see how to block apps on iPhone.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I block YouTube on iPhone?

Set a Screen Time app limit, restrict youtube.com in Safari, and start an Ice Block focus session to make it stick.

Can I block only YouTube Shorts?

No reliable way — block the app during a focus session instead.

How do I block YouTube in Safari?

Screen Time → Content Restrictions → Web Content → Limit Adult Websites, then add youtube.com to Never Allow.

Is there an app to block YouTube?

Yes — Ice Block freezes the YouTube app during a session.