You can block YouTube on an iPad with Screen Time. For a dependable block, address both paths: the YouTube app and YouTube in a web browser. If this is for a child, use a Screen Time passcode they do not know and, where appropriate, manage the child’s settings through Family Sharing.

Choose the level of block you need

  • Time limit: allows YouTube for a defined amount of time each day.
  • Scheduled access: use Downtime for homework, bedtime, or other recurring hours.
  • Website block: prevents youtube.com and related URLs in Safari.
  • Prevent reinstallation: stops the App Store from immediately undoing the change after you remove the app.

Set a YouTube app limit

  1. Open Settings > Screen Time. Turn on App & Website Activity if prompted.
  2. Tap App Limits > Add Limit.
  3. Select YouTube (or the relevant app category), choose a time amount, then tap Add.
  4. Set a Screen Time passcode under Lock Screen Time Settings. Without a passcode, the limit can be changed on the iPad.

Block YouTube in Safari and other browsers

  1. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and turn it on.
  2. Tap App Store, Media, Web, & Games > Web Content.
  3. Choose Limit Adult Websites.
  4. Under Never Allow, tap Add Website and add youtube.com and www.youtube.com. Add any other YouTube URL that the iPad is using.

Website restrictions are different from an app limit, so use both if you want to keep YouTube unavailable. If the iPad needs internet access first, see our iPad Wi-Fi setup guide.

Remove the app and prevent it from returning

  1. Touch and hold the YouTube app, then choose Remove App and Delete App.
  2. Return to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
  3. Open iTunes & App Store Purchases and set Installing Apps to Don’t Allow if you do not want apps reinstalled without permission.

Important limitation

Screen Time is a device setting, not a substitute for supervision or network-wide filtering. A child who knows the Screen Time passcode can change the settings, and a different unmanaged device will not inherit them. For a child’s iPad, use a parent-controlled Screen Time passcode and review the Screen Time report periodically.

Frequently asked questions

Can I block only YouTube Shorts?

Not reliably with the standard Screen Time website controls. They block or permit a site or app; for finer controls, review YouTube’s own supervised experience settings.

Why can YouTube still open after I set a limit?

Check both the app and the website. An app limit does not automatically block youtube.com in Safari, and a web restriction does not remove the YouTube app.

Can I undo the block later?

Yes. Remove the app limit, delete the website from Never Allow, or change the purchase restriction using the Screen Time passcode.

Reference: Apple’s iPad content and website restrictions guide.