How to Block a Mac

Want to know how to block websites, apps, the App Store, or even all internet access on your Mac? In this guide, we show you step by step how to use 1Focus to effectively block your Mac, whether to boost productivity, protect your children, or avoid digital distractions.

Here you’ll learn how to block all websites, how to block all apps, and most importantly, how to ensure these restrictions remain active for the period you set.

Why Block Websites and Apps on Mac?

Improve focus and productivity.
Prevent access to inappropriate content or distractions.
Protect your children and reduce their screen time.
Lower the risk of developing a technology addiction.

Schedule Multiple Block Lists

With 1Focus, you can create multiple block lists tailored to different purposes or schedules. This flexibility allows you to customize 1Focus to meet your specific needs.

Each preset includes its own block list and schedule, so the settings you see on the right side (Websites, Apps, Schedule) correspond to the preset you’ve selected on the left side. This means you can adjust restrictions based on your goals for a particular day and time of the week, allowing you to manage multiple block lists simultaneously. For example, you can set up a “Deep Work” preset while also maintaining a “Bedtime” preset to restrict internet access at night.

How to Block All Websites on Mac

To effectively block all websites on your Mac, follow these steps using 1Focus:

Download 1Focus from the Mac App Store.
Subscribe to 1Focus Pro.
Open 1Focus. You can reopen the 1Focus window by clicking its arrow icon in the top right of your screen.
Create or select a preset on the left side of the 1Focus window.
Click the tab Websites.
Enable Websites → Blocked Categories → All Websites.
(Optional) Add useful websites to the exceptions list.
Click the Schedule tab and enable blocking.
Close the 1Focus window to confirm the block and prevent bypassing.

How to Block All Apps on Mac

Here is how to block all apps on your Mac using 1Focus:

Download 1Focus from the Mac App Store.
Subscribe to 1Focus Pro.
Open 1Focus by clicking its arrow icon at the top right of your screen.
Create or select a preset on the left side of the 1Focus window.
Click the tab Apps.
Select “Block all apps except these”.
If you need a specific application for work or study, add it by clicking the + button under Apps and typing the app’s name. If you want to block absolutely all apps, skip this step.
Click the Schedule tab and enable blocking.
Close the 1Focus window to confirm the block and prevent bypassing.

How to Block Newly Installed Apps and Unsupported Web Browsers

You can also prevent the use of newly installed applications and unsupported web browsers. This ensures that new apps can’t be used to bypass your blocks. Here’s how:

Download 1Focus from the Mac App Store.
Subscribe to 1Focus Pro.
Open 1Focus.
Create or select a preset.
Click the Apps tab.
Select “Block all apps except these”. If this option is grayed out, either blocking is active (wait for it to end) or you don’t have 1Focus Pro.
Click the + button under Apps. A dialog will appear.
Type “app” in the search field at the top right.
Select all apps by clicking one app and pressing Command + A.
Click Open.
Remove from the list (by clicking the ‘-’ icon) the apps that should remain blocked.
Click the Schedule tab and enable blocking.
Close the 1Focus window to confirm the block and prevent bypassing.

Now, newly installed apps will be blocked by default.

How to Block Activity Monitor and System Settings

To prevent force quitting 1Focus and other bypass methods, follow these steps:

Open 1Focus.
Create or select a preset.
Click the Apps tab in 1Focus.
Select “Block these apps.”
Click the + button under Apps. A dialog will appear.
Type Activity Monitor in the search field 🔍 at the top right.
Select Activity Monitor and click Open.
Repeat this process for the apps Terminal and System Settings.
Click the Schedule tab and enable blocking.
Confirm the block by closing the 1Focus window.

For more ways to prevent bypassing, visit: How to prevent bypassing blocking.

How to Block the Mac App Store

To block the Mac App Store and prevent distractions, follow these steps:

Open 1Focus.
Create or select a preset.
Click the Apps tab in 1Focus.
Select “Block these apps”.
Click the + button under Apps. A dialog will appear.
Type App Store in the search field 🔍 at the top right.
Select App Store and click Open.
Click the Schedule tab and enable blocking.
Confirm the block by closing the 1Focus window.

For more ways to prevent bypassing, visit: How to prevent bypassing blocking.

Disclaimer

Since the settings explained in this guide are highly restrictive, consider enabling the pause feature in 1Focus. This feature allows you to temporarily access programs on your computer in case of emergencies or unexpected situations.

Remember that you can only modify or delete a blocking event when it is inactive. If you need to adjust your settings, just wait for the block to finish and adjust your preferences as needed. For more information, read: How to modify a blocking event.

How Do I Add Password Protection to My Blocks?

If you want to add password protection to a block, either for personal use or to protect your children, you can set up Parental Control. This tool is derived from 1Focus and includes password protection.

With the password, you can make changes at any time. Without it, your children will be unable to alter any settings.

Since Parental Control is derived from 1Focus, most of the 1Focus support guides also apply. You can find them on our support page.

Additional Tips for Enhanced Focus

How to Manage the Urge to Access Blocked Content

It’s completely normal to experience moments of doubt, frustration, or even regret after setting up blocks on your Mac.

We often feel optimistic and motivated about something we plan to do in the future, but when the moment arrives, boredom or habit might make us reconsider—like when you try to watch a Netflix show and find it blocked.

In those moments, pause and reflect:

Why did you set up these blocks?
What important goal are you trying to achieve?
Do you really need to access that content right now, or is it just an automatic reaction to boredom or habit?

Remember, the urge to break the block is usually temporary. Instead of giving in, try one of these alternatives:

Call or text a friend or family member.
Read a few pages of a book.
Go for a walk, exercise, or simply get some fresh air.
Spend a few minutes tidying up your space, painting, writing, or doing something creative.
If you have a pet, take some time to play with them or go for a walk.

Avoid replacing one distraction with another, like stress-eating or mindlessly watching TV. Stay focused on the reason you installed 1Focus: to improve your well-being, productivity, and self-control.

Every time you resist temptation, you strengthen your discipline and get closer to your goals. Be patient with yourself—lasting change takes time and practice.

Trust your decision and the process. Your future self will thank you!

Ready to get started? Download 1Focus for free and start blocking distractions on your Mac today.

Troubleshooting

Learn how to schedule the block sessions.
Block durations longer than six hours require 1Focus Pro.
Grant permission to block websites.
Restart your computer if you encounter issues.
Uninstall 1Focus, permanently delete it from the Trash (important), and reinstall it from the Mac App Store. No data is lost.
Prevent bypassing blocking.
Ensure 1Focus starts automatically at login.
Fix 1Focus closing randomly.

For help, contact support.