Feb 22, 2019 How To Block Websites On Mac. Restricting access to apps and websites has been a feature on both Windows and Macs since the early days. Surprisingly, most people aren’t even aware this is a possibility or don’t use it as it seems to be too complicated to set up. We’ll start by tackling the flow for Parental Controls on Mac. Jun 08, 2014 Block Facebook on Mac OS by Terminal. 1) Open terminal utility. This can be found under utilities (Go – Utilities) 2) Type the following command to open hosts file. Mac App Blocker does NOT modify any system or application files on your Mac. Set a timeout value and your application will exit automatically after the selected time period has elapsed.
Sometimes we need to block few website on Mac laptop or iMac so that cannot be accessed by users. Especially the social networking sites like facebook and twitter will be in the top list for blocking. Below guide shows how to block facebook on Mac OS including Yosemite, Mavericks and other versions using terminal. This method can be used to block any websites where you want to restrict the access. Since we will be using terminal prompt, it requires basic knowledge of using commands, but do not worry, all are simple and easy to follow.
Basically we will be modifying the DNS database which is located in hosts file like most of the Operating Systems including Microsoft Windows and Linux. We will enter the wrong IP address for facebook or other website which need to be blocked on Mac. So after that the web browser will look for wrong IP to access facebook and finally fail.
Similar altering hosts file method used in blocking facebook on Windows 8 and 8.1 here. Below method is very similar to that but we will be doing it on Mac Operating System.
To modify hosts file in Mac OS, you must be a super user or have that access. Wrong modification of host file will cause issue on DNS related network access in Mac.
Block Facebook on Mac OS by Terminal.
1) Open terminal utility. This can be found under utilities ( Go – Utilities)
2) Type the following command to open hosts file.
When prompts for password, provide super user password (if you are a super user, then your password).
3) Move the cursor to last entry and enter each entry line by line as shown below.
127.0.0.1 is a local host’s IP. As per above entries, we point facebook.com, www.facebook.com and m.facebook.com to local computer IP address, so the web browser or other applications which need to access facebook will not be able to access correct real IP.
To save the file press Control key with “O” and press ENTER.
Press Control key with “X” to exit.
If you like, open the file again and check for the new entries.
4) Even though we have pointed out facebook or any other websites to different fake IP, but the local Mac OS will have the DNS cache which was collected earlier. We need to clear the DNS cache (or restart the Mac computer) to take effect of new host entries.
Enter following command to clear DNS cache in Mac OS X.
5) Now open the web browser and try to access facebook.com. I’m sure it will not work and that means we have successfully blocked facebook on Mac.
Surly this simple and straightforward method would be helpful on how to block facebook on Mac OS either Mavericks or Mountain Lion or even Yosemite.
Pop-ups can be ads, notices, offers, or alerts that open in your current browser window, in a new window, or in another tab. Some pop-ups are third-party ads that use phishing tactics—like warnings or prizes—to trick you into believing they’re from Apple or another trusted company, so you’ll share personal or financial information. Or they might claim to offer free downloads, software updates, or plugins, to try to trick you into installing unwanted software.
Unless you’re confident of an ad’s legitimacy, you should avoid interacting with pop-ups or webpages that seem to take over your screen. Here are additional tips that can help you manage pop-ups and other unwanted interruptions.
Check and update your software
Always make sure you install the latest software updates for all your Apple products. Many software releases have important security updates and may include improvements that help control pop-ups.
The safest place to download apps for your Mac is the App Store. If you need third-party software for your Mac, and it isn’t available in the App Store, get it directly from the developer or another reliable source, rather than through an ad or link.
Check Safari settings and security preferences
Make sure Safari security settings are turned on, particularly Block Pop-ups—for pop-up windows—and the Fraudulent Website Warning.
On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > Safari and turn on Block Pop-ups and Fraudulent Website Warning.
Block Site On Mac
On your Mac, you can find these options in Safari > Preferences. The Websites tab includes options to block some or all pop-up windows, and you can turn on fraudulent site warnings in the Security tab.
Pop-ups and ads in Safari
App To Block Facebook On Mac Computer
If you see an annoying pop-up ad in Safari, you can go to the Search field and enter a new URL or search term to browse to a new site. If you don’t see the Search field on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, tap the top of the screen to make it appear.
Some pop-ups and ads have fake buttons that resemble the close button, so use caution if you try to close a pop-up or ad. If you're unsure, avoid interacting with the pop-up or ad and close the Safari window or tab.
On your Mac, you can also update your settings to prevent windows from opening again after you close Safari, or just press and hold the Shift key when you open Safari.
If you might have installed adware or other unwanted software on your Mac
App To Block Facebook On Mac Download
If you see pop-ups on your Mac that just won’t go away, you might have inadvertently downloaded and installed adware (advertising-supported software) or other unwanted software. Certain third-party download sites might include programs that you don’t want with the software that you install.
If you think that you might have malware or adware on your Mac, update to the latest version of macOS. If your Mac is already running the latest version, restart it. macOS includes a built-in tool that removes known malware when you restart your Mac.
Check your Applications folder to see if you have any apps that you didn’t expect and uninstall them. You can also check the Extensions tab in Safari preferences to check if you installed any unnecessary extensions that you'd prefer to turn off. If you continue to see advertising or other unwanted programs on your Mac, contact Apple.
Learn more
- How to safely open software on your Mac
- How to recognize and avoid phishing and other scams