How to block websites on Mac

1. Download and open Hyud for macOS

Download Hyud for Mac, install it, and open the application. These instructions cover the macOS app, not the iPhone app or a browser extension.

2. Allow Hyud to run in the background

Follow the setup prompts to authorize Hyud's background helper. In System Settings, open General, then Login Items & Extensions, and allow Hyud to run in the background. Enter your Mac password if prompted, then return to Hyud and confirm with "I allowed". Grant any additional permissions requested during setup.

The screenshots show the setup flow; the appearance may differ with your macOS or Hyud version.

3. Choose websites and categories to block

Open Hyud's website blocker settings. Under "Blocked Domains & URLs", click "Add a domain or URL to block" and enter a domain such as youtube.com, facebook.com, or netflix.com. Repeat for each website you want to block. You can also enter a specific URL for browser-level blocking rather than blocking its entire domain.

Under "Website Categories", select any predefined lists you want to use. Categories block the websites included in those lists, not every possible website on that topic. Add missing domains individually. You can combine categories with your own blocked domains.

Review "Whitelisted Domains & URLs" for exceptions you want to keep accessible, and avoid putting the same domain in both lists. Click "Apply configuration" to save your changes.

4. Enable website blocking

Turn on "Enable website blocking". For system-level domain blocking, also enable "Block websites at system level" and complete the background helper setup. This option blocks domains at the network level rather than filtering individual URL paths.

The website list is configured in Hyud, not separately for each browser. Browser-level blocking depends on browser support and the permissions granted to Hyud; use system-level blocking when you need domain blocking beyond browser monitoring.

5. Check your block and adjust your list

Try opening a blocked website in the browser you use. If it remains accessible, check that you saved the configuration, enabled blocking, and did not whitelist the domain. Check the address bar for a different domain or subdomain that may also need to be added.

To change your list, return to the website blocker settings and apply your changes. To stop manual blocking, turn off "Enable website blocking". If a focus session is active, check its blocking rules too.

Want to block an installed app instead of its website? Follow the application blocking guide. For setup problems, visit the macOS help center.