Discord is a popular tool for gathering community, especially among gamers. It is used for streaming, texting, and audio conference calls. The app makes it easy for kids to contact strangers with common interests. It also allows kids to access inappropriate content.
Hence, it is essential to know how to block Discord if you want to keep kids safe from harmful content. For a good understanding of each option in the different categories of methods, we haveprovided you with a summary.
| Methods | Options | Editor's Summary | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in Parental Apps & Features | Google PlayParental Control | Only block the Discord app from downloading on Android. | Free |
| Family Link App | Block the Discord appon Android and Chromebook,websites on Chrome & Google. It can be easily to bypass. | Free | |
| Screen Time | Block the Discord app and websiteson iPhone and Macbook. | Free | |
| Microsoft Family Safety | Block the Discord appon Windows, Xbox, Android phone and iPhone,domains on Edge. But it can be easily to bypass andbuggy. | Free | |
| Third-Party Parental Control Apps | Block both Discord app and website on mobile devices. It isharder todetect andbypass,and can evenprevent openingnew-installed Discordoriginally. | 3 days Free Trial | |
| Host File | The tool is effective for sites like Discord with several domainson onWindows & Mac. | Free | |
| Wi-Fi Router | Block Discord websites on connected devices.It can be technical depending on the interface of the router. | Free | |
Method 1. Google Play Parental Control
Almost every Android device has the Google Play app, which means Android users can access the Parental controls featureto block Discord. That way, you can restrict the app from downloading on your child’s Google devices and account.
Tips
It is free and does not require additional installation.However, it canonly block apps, while other third-party parental control appsalso works for websites. They can even set time limit and schedule for Discord usage. To enhance the effectiveness of blocking Discord and preventing bypass, we suggest integrating various methods.
Stepsto Block Downloading Discord App on Android
- Open the Play Store app on your device.Click on the profile icon of your initials or Google profile pictureat the upper-right corner.
- Go to Parental control by selecting Setting and choose Family from the settings options.
- Create a PIN if you do not have one beforeand confirm.
- Tap Apps & gamesto set restrictions.
- Given Discord's 12+ rating on the Play Store, you have the option to choose 'Rated for 12+' or younger to restrict your child from downloading Discord. Afterward, simply tap Save.
Method 2. Family Link App
The Family Link App is another inbuilt Google invention for blocking Discord access on Android, it is also compatible withChrome OS devices. It allows you to set daily screen time limits and block the device from downloading Discord.
Tips
You can use Family Link app toblockthe Discord app on Android or Chromebook for free. However, it is only available through Google accounts and you can block Discord websites on only browsers like Chrome & Google. Besides, it can easily be bypassed.
Stepsto Block Discord on Android
- Open the Family Link app.If you haven’t set up Family Linkbefore, follow the step-by-step guide.
- Select the child’s profileon whose device you want to block Discord.
- Select the Controls optionand click on App limits.
- Scroll down to find the Discord, tap on itand then tap Block.
- Complete the process by clicking Done.
- Go back to Controls and open Content restrictions.
- Tap Chrome > Try to block explicit sites > blocked sites under Manage sites.
Tap ADD A WEBSITE to add all the Discord domains to the block list.
- discord.com
- discord.gg
- discordapp.com
- discord.app.com
- discordapp.net
- Return to Content restrictions and tap Google to repeat the steps.
Method 3. Screen Time
Apple users can use the built-in Screen Time app to block Discord on their iOS, iPadOSand MacOS devices. The inbuilt feature is available through the Setting of your device.
Tips
We can use Screen Time to block Discord websites for free on Apple devices with iOS 11 or later and MacOS 10.15 Catalina or later. For iOS 11 and earlier versions, please search Restrictions in Setting to block the websites. For MacOS 10.14and earlier versions,
Stepsto Block Discord on iPhone (For iOS 11 and Later)
- Open your iPhone Settings appand scroll down to findScreen Time icon.
- Block Discord Websiteson iPhone
- Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions to turn it on.
- Tap on Content Restrictions> Web Content and choose Limit Adult Websites.
- Scroll down to click on Add Website under the Never Allow Section on the Websites screen.Add all Discords websites to blocked sites.
- Block Discord App from Installing
- Go back to Content & Privacy Restrictions, click on iTunes & App Store Purchases.
- Tap Installing Appsand tick Don’t Allow.
- Then uninstall the Discord app on the device. Then the device can’t reinstall and use Discord any more.
- Block Discord App from Appearing
- If you don't want to block all app installing, please go back Content & Privacy Restrictions> Content Restrictions, tap Apps.
- To prevent the Discord app on your iPhone, set the restrictions to 12+. This option will block and hide apps with an age restriction of 12and above.
- Since Discord has an age restriction of 17+ on the App Store, you won't see its app on your home screen anymore. You can also choose Don't Allow Apps to hide all your iPhone apps.
- You can also go back to Screen time and pick App Limits> choose Discord under Social > set time limit to only 1 min.
Steps to Block Discord Websites & App on MacBook
Similar to the feature on iOS devices, you can use the Screen Time feature to block Discord on your MacBook.For MacOS 10.15 Catalina or later, please follow the below steps:
- Open the Apple Menu on your Mac, and select System Settings.
- Scroll down on the sidebar and choose Screen Time.
- Click the Family Member pop-up menu on the right if you want to manage your child device, and select a family member.
- Tap on Content & Privacy, then Content Restrictions.
- Tick Limit Adult Content and click on Customize under Content.
- Click the “+”below the "Restricted" boxat the bottom.Enter Discord websites one by one and click on OK. Click Done after all Discord domains have been added.
- Switch to Stores, choose Don’t Allow for apps. Then uninstall the Discord app on the device. Then the device can’t reinstall and use Discord any more.
- If you don’t want to block all app installing, tap App limits from the menu. Search for Discord and select the tickbox, then set time limit to only 1 min.
Method 4. Microsoft Family Safety
On Windows devices, you can block Discord by using the Microsoft Family Safety App. It works for blocking the app and the website.
Tips
You can use Family Safetyapp toblockthe Discord app on Android phone, iPhone and Windows computers for free. However, it is only available through Microsoft accounts and you can block Discord websites on only the Edge browser. Besides, it can easily be bypassedand buggy.
Stepsto Block Discord App on Windows with Microsoft Family Safety
- Sign in to Family Safetywebsitewith your Microsoft account. Create a family group or join the Microsoft account logging in on the target computer.
- Set up the screen time limit and the account setting.
- Download Family Safetyon the target computer and logged into the Microsoft account.
- Go back to the Family Safetydashboard. Under the Screen time section, findthe Discord app to tap the three dot icon to block it.
- Switch to the Edge section and make sure “Filter inappropriate websites and searches”is on. Enter Discord Domains and tap the “+”to add to the blocked sites.
Method 5. Hosts File
The host file in your system is maintained by your OS for linking the hostname with their IP address. In other words, you can block Discord on your system by altering the host file mapped to the IP address of the Discord main site and its Content Delivery Network.
Tips
If you're using a VPN or proxy, your network traffic might bypass the hosts file. Ensure these services are turned off. Besides, you’d better combine it with other methods to ensure a full block.
Steps to to Use Hosts Fileto Block Discord onWindows
Now if you visit Discord’s website, it will show This site can’t be reached
- Open the Windows menu and search for Notepad.
- Click on the Notepad icon and run as administrator.
- When the app opens click the Ctrl + O command to open the file (explorer).
- Navigate to the C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc. Select "All Files" from the file type dropdown.
- Open the hosts file.
- At the bottom of the file, add the following lines:
- Save the file by pressing Ctrl + S or going to File > Saveand then close Notepad.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter to flush the DNS cache.
127.0.0.1 discord.com
127.0.0.1 www.discord.com
127.0.0.1 discordapp.com
127.0.0.1 www.discordapp.com
127.0.0.1 discord.gg
127.0.0.1 www.discord.gg
127.0.0.1 discordapp.net
127.0.0.1 www.discordapp.net
127.0.0.1 discord.app.com
127.0.0.1 www.discord.app.com
These entries redirect Discord's domains to your local machine, effectively blocking them.
Now if you visit Discord’s website, it will show This site can’t be reached.
Steps to to Use Hosts Fileto Block Discord onmacOS and Linux
- Open Terminaland edit the Hosts File. Type sudo nano /etc/hosts and press Enter (you can replace nano with your preferred text editor).
- At the bottom of the file, add the same lines as above.
- For nano, press Ctrl + O to write the changes, then press Enter, and Ctrl + X to exit.
- For macOS, type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter to flush the DNS Cache
After making these changes, attempts to access Discord through the blocked hostnames should fail, as your system will now try to connect to the non-existent server at the localhost IP address. Remember that these changes affect all users on the device and might need to be reverted for normal access to Discord.
Method 6. Third-party Parental Control Apps
Instead of using built-in features, you can install parental control app like AirDroid Parental Controlto block Discord on your devices.If your child is struggling with Discord addiction, you can use itblock both the Discord app and website on his mobile device.
It is harder to bypass. Youcan even use it to prevent installing Discord originally. If your child tries to open Discord app or its website, you will get instant alerts. You may also use the app monitor inappropriate content on Discord, limit or schedule its usageor view activity reporton Discord.
Steps to Use AirDroid Parental Controlto Block Discord on Android
- Download and Install AirDroid Parental Control on your device, then follow the on-screen instructions to bind the device you want to block to yours.
- Block Discord App
- Open Usage Limits from AirDroid Parental Controldashboard and tap App Blocker.
- Search Discord and then turn on the switch besides.
- Block Discord Websites
- Go back to the dashboard, open Browser Protection and enable Blocklist Mode.
- Go back Browser Protection to and tap URL Blacklist, then add all Discord domains to the Blacklist.
- discord.com
- discord.gg
- discordapp.com
- discord.app.com
- discordapp.net
Method 7. From Wi-Fi Router
Routers like Netgear, TP-Link, and Asus have website blocking and parental control features. You can use these features to block the Discord website from being accessible on your local or public router. The steps vary for different routers, you may choose your Router and follow the steps.
Closing Thoughts on Blocking Discord
If you notice any form of addiction or other negative effects of Discord on your kid, then you should employ the right methods to block the app. In this article, we have shown you several methods you can use to prevent your child from accessing the Discord appand websites.
You can choose the traditional method of picking in-built features of your device or using a third-party app. However, using a parental control app that does more than app and website blocking like Parental Control app often proves more effective.
