ScreenSafe Kids

How to Block YouTube on iPhone (iOS)

Summary

This guide shows how to block YouTube on an iPhone using built-in Screen Time settings. This prevents access both through the app and the browser.

What this blocks

  • YouTube app
  • YouTube website (youtube.com)
  • Opening YouTube links from other apps

What you need

  • An iPhone or iPad
  • Access to the device settings
  • A Screen Time passcode (set this first if not already enabled)

Step 1 — Enable Screen Time

If you haven’t already:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap Screen Time
  3. Tap Turn On Screen Time
  4. Choose This is My Child’s iPhone
  5. Set a Screen Time passcode (important — don’t share it with your child)

Step 2 — Block the YouTube website

  1. Go to Settings → Screen Time
  2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
  3. Turn it ON
  4. Tap Content Restrictions
  5. Tap Web Content
  6. Select Limit Adult Websites
  7. Under Never Allow, tap Add Website
  8. Enter:
    • youtube.com
    • www.youtube.com

This blocks YouTube in Safari and most browsers.

Step 3 — Remove or block the YouTube app

Option A — Delete the app (simplest)

  • Press and hold the YouTube app
  • Tap Remove App → Delete App

Option B — Prevent reinstalling

  1. Go to Settings → Screen Time
  2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
  3. Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases
  4. Set Installing Apps → Don’t Allow

Step 4 — Prevent bypassing

To make the block more effective:

  • Disable installing apps (as above)
  • Do not share the Screen Time passcode
  • Check that other browsers (Chrome, Firefox) are not installed

Optional — Allow limited access instead

If you don’t want to block YouTube completely:

  • Use App Limits in Screen Time
  • Set a daily time limit (e.g. 20–30 minutes)

Note: This is less reliable than full blocking, as children can learn to work around limits.

Common issues

YouTube still opens in some apps

  • Some apps include built-in browsers
  • Full blocking may require removing those apps as well

Child resets settings

  • Make sure the Screen Time passcode is different from the device unlock code

Final note

Blocking YouTube is often one of the most effective ways to reduce excessive screen time. The platform is designed for continuous viewing, and removing easy access can quickly free up time for other activities.

You can always re-enable access later — but starting with a clear boundary is usually the easiest way to regain control.