How to Block YouTube Using Freedom

We all struggle with distractions. If you have a bad habit of wasting time on YouTube, then this article is for you!

YouTube is one of the most popular websites on the internet, with millions of hours of videos available to watch. The sheer amount of content available on the platform can be overwhelming, and it makes it easy to get lost in a continuous stream of videos. The algorithm YouTube uses to suggest new videos based on the user's previous viewing history can also lead to a spiral of watching one video after another. On top of that, many videos are specifically designed to grab your attention, with flashy graphics and clickbait titles.

The good news is that you can block YouTube using Freedom! Here’s how:

Step 1: Download Freedom from the App Store

Get started for free by downloading Freedom from the App Store, then log in, or create your free account.

Step 2: Allow Freedom to access Screen Time permissions

When prompted, follow the steps for allowing Freedom to access Screen Time.

Step 3: Create a blocklist of apps that you want to block

You can customize your blocklists to include which apps you would like to block with Freedom, including YouTube. To do this, select the Blocklists tab and choose an existing blocklist to edit, or select 'Add New Blocklist' to create a new blocklist.

From the Add Blocklist screen, select 'Add iOS apps to block':

Select which ones you would like to block (don't forget YouTube!), and then go back to the Add blocklist (or Edit blocklist) screen.

Tap 'Create'/ 'Save' in the upper righthand corner once you've returned to the 'Add Blocklist'/'Edit Blocklist' screen:

Step 4: Start a Freedom block session

Step 1: Download Freedom from the Play Store

Get started for free by downloading Freedom from the App Store, then log in, or create your free account.

Step 2: Adjust permissions to allow Freedom to block apps

To block websites, apps, and app notifications, you will first need to enable permissions for the Freedom app. You will be prompted to enable these permissions as you use the app, but you can also set them up via the Settings screen. To ensure website and app blocking works effectively, make sure "Block applications and websites" is enabled.

Step 3: Create a blocklist of apps that you want to block

You can customize your blocklists to include which apps you would like to block with Freedom. To do this, select the Blocklists tab and choose an existing blocklist to edit, or tap the green plus sign (+) to create a new blocklist:

To choose the apps you wish to block, tap Add Android apps to blocklist to select which apps you'd like to block with this blocklist:

Tap the toggle button next to the apps you would like to block (be sure to include YouTube) and then tap the back arrow.

Step 4: Start a Freedom block session

Step 1: Go to www.freedom.to and create a free Freedom account

Start by creating a free Freedom account by signing up at www.freedom.to. If you already have an account you can skip this step.

Step 2. Download Freedom

Download, install, and log in to the Freedom app on your computer.

Step 3: Log in to your Freedom dashboard and create a blocklist

You can create a blocklist by clicking "Add Blocklist."

Step 3. Create a name for your new blocklist, then add YouTube and other distracting websites you would like to block to the list.

Step 4. Start a block session with your blocklist

Select Start Now at the top of your dashboard and enter how many hours and minutes you want the block to last.

Select {Your blocklist name} under Block these distractions:

Select what devices you want to include in your block.

You’ll see the Freedom Green Screen when you try to go to YouTube or any website on your blocklist:

YouTube can be distracting on any of your devices: your phone, computer, or tablet. We’ve got you covered. Unlike competitor solutions, Freedom blocks YouTube across all your devices. Start a Freedom session on any device, select any other devices on which you’ve installed Freedom (Freedom devices are unlimited - installation is free), and your session will sync automatically to all the devices you include. Learn more at www.freedom.to.

While YouTube can serve as a great source of both entertainment and education, it can also be incredibly distracting. The platform’s algorithm selects new videos based on your viewing history and preferences, which in turn play automatically at the end of the previous video, creating an endless loop that is hard to pull away from. This makes it difficult to focus on achieving your goals and getting your important work done. Using Freedom to restrict your access to YouTube can help you create healthier internet habits and boost your productivity. Get started by downloading Freedom today.