How to Block YouTube on iPhone
To block YouTube on iPhone, cover both paths: the YouTube app and the YouTube website. If Shorts keeps beating your limit at night, use a scheduled app blocker.
Limit the YouTube app
- Open Settings > Screen Time.
- Tap App Limits, then Add Limit.
- Open the Entertainment or Social category, then select YouTube if it appears there.
- Set the time limit and tap Done.
- For a bedtime block, use Downtime and turn on Block at Downtime.
Block the YouTube website
- Open Settings > Screen Time.
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and turn it on.
- Open Web Content from the web restrictions area.
- Use Limit Adult Websites or Allowed Websites.
- Add youtube.com and m.youtube.com to the blocked list if your iOS version offers a Never Allow list.
Use Breakly for bedtime YouTube loops
YouTube is often not a daily-time problem. It is a moment problem: one video becomes Shorts, Shorts becomes midnight, and the limit arrives too late.
Breakly lets you schedule the break before that window, block YouTube with the other trigger apps, and keep essentials available.
Sources
FAQ
Can I block YouTube Shorts on iPhone only?
iOS does not provide a reliable built-in switch for Shorts only. The practical options are limiting the YouTube app, blocking YouTube web access, or blocking YouTube during scheduled breaks.
Should I block youtube.com too?
Yes, if you use Safari or another browser as a workaround. App blocking and website blocking solve different paths.
Make the block enforceable
Use Breakly to schedule a forced break, block the apps that pull you in, and keep essential iPhone apps available.