How to block distracting websites on Mac

Published June 30, 2026

Blocking websites on a Mac works best when it is tied to a clear focus session. A giant permanent blocklist can help, but it often becomes noisy: you block too much, unblock it when you need research, then forget to turn the system back on.

A better setup starts with the work you are trying to protect. Decide what counts as allowed work, choose the websites that usually pull you away, then run that rule set only when you are in a focus session.

Start with a small blocklist

Pick the sites that reliably break your attention: social feeds, short-form video, news, shopping, forums, and inboxes that are not needed for the current task. Start with domains, not long URL patterns. A short list is easier to trust and less likely to block legitimate work.

For example, a writing session might block social networks, video sites, and analytics dashboards. A coding session might block the same distractions but keep documentation, GitHub, and package registries available.

Separate app focus from website blocking

Website blocking only handles the browser. If the real distraction is switching away from the work app, add an app-level rule too. For deep work, the most reliable pattern is usually: allowed apps for the session, blocked domains for the browser, and a visible timer so you know when the rule ends.

That is the model Nudge is built around. You choose the apps that belong in the session, choose distracting websites to block, and start from the menu bar when you are ready to work.

Use presets for repeatable work

Presets make blocking less emotional. Instead of deciding what to block every time, make a preset for each recurring mode: writing, coding, studying, admin, planning, or reading. Each preset should have a different allowed-app list and blocklist.

If a preset blocks something you genuinely need, adjust the preset after the session. Do not rebuild the system in the middle of focused work unless the block is preventing the task.

Keep a manual escape route

A focus tool should make distraction inconvenient, not make your Mac unusable. Keep a clear way to stop or pause a session when the task changes. The goal is to reduce impulsive context switching, not to create a brittle lockdown that you will disable permanently.

Next, compare app blockers and website blockers, or read how to choose the best focus app for Mac.