Chronoid

How to Use the Web Blocker

Learn how to block distracting websites and stay focused during your work hours

By Chronoid Team guides
productivityfocusweb-blocker

How to Use the Web Blocker

The Web Blocker helps you stay focused by automatically blocking distracting websites like social media, YouTube, and news sites during your work hours. You can customize when it works, take breaks when needed, and even turn it on outside your normal schedule.

Web Blocker Overview Screenshot - Shows the main Web Blocker settings panel

What the Web Blocker Does

When you turn on the Web Blocker, it prevents you from accessing websites that might distract you from work. This includes:

  • Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, etc.)
  • Video sites (YouTube, Netflix, Twitch, etc.)
  • Gaming websites
  • Online shopping sites
  • News and entertainment sites

Blocked Site Example - Shows what happens when you try to visit a blocked website

Getting Started

Step 1: Turn On the Web Blocker

  1. Open Chronoid from your menu bar
  2. Click on Settings (gear icon)
  3. Find the Web Blocker section
  4. Toggle the switch to ON

That’s it! The Web Blocker is now active and will block distracting websites.

Step 2: Choose When It Works

You have two options:

Option A: Block Sites All the Time

Leave the “Enable Schedule” switch OFF. This means distracting sites are always blocked, 24/7.

Option B: Block Sites During Work Hours Only

  1. Turn ON the “Enable Schedule” switch
  2. Set your work hours (for example, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
  3. Choose which days you work (usually Monday through Friday)

Schedule Settings - Shows the schedule configuration panel

Common Situations

”I need to work on Saturday”

If you normally don’t work weekends but need to focus on Saturday:

  1. Click on the Chronoid icon in your menu bar
  2. Select Enable Web Blocker Now

The Web Blocker will immediately start blocking distracting sites, even though it’s outside your normal schedule. When you’re done, just turn back OFF.

Manual Override - Shows the manual override toggle in action

“I need a quick break”

Sometimes you need to check something on a blocked site. You can temporarily disable the blocker:

  1. Click the Chronoid icon in your menu bar
  2. Select Temporarily Disable
  3. Choose how long:
    • 1 minute - Just need to check something quickly
    • 15 minutes - Coffee break
    • 1 hour - Lunch break
    • Rest of day - Done working for today

Temporary Disable Menu - Shows the temporary disable options

The Web Blocker will automatically turn back on when the time is up.

”It’s not blocking anything”

If websites aren’t being blocked, check these things:

  1. Is the Web Blocker enabled? Check the main toggle switch
  2. Are you within work hours? If you have a schedule set, make sure it’s currently active
  3. Is it temporarily disabled? Look for a message saying “Temporarily disabled until…”
  4. Did you give Chronoid permission? The first time you use it, macOS will ask for permission

Different Ways to Use the Web Blocker

For Regular 9-5 Workers

  • Enable Schedule: ON
  • Working Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Active Days: Monday to Friday
  • Manual Override: OFF (turn on when needed)

This blocks distracting sites during your work hours on weekdays only.

For Students

  • Enable Schedule: ON
  • Working Hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM (study time)
  • Active Days: Every day
  • Manual Override: ON for evening study sessions

This creates a morning study routine but lets you activate blocking anytime for late-night studying.

For Remote Workers

  • Enable Schedule: OFF
  • Just turn the Web Blocker on when you start working
  • Turn it off when you’re done

This gives you complete control - perfect if your schedule changes daily.

For Night Shift Workers

  • Enable Schedule: ON
  • Working Hours: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
  • Active Days: Select your work nights

The Web Blocker handles overnight schedules perfectly - it knows when you’re working past midnight.

Tips for Success

Start Small

If you’ve never used a web blocker before, start with just a few hours a day. You can increase it as you get comfortable.

Be Realistic

Set a schedule that matches when you actually work, not when you think you should work. You can always use Manual Override for extra sessions.

Use Breaks Wisely

The temporary disable feature is there for a reason. Taking real breaks helps you stay focused when you return to work.

Review Weekly

Every week, check if your schedule still makes sense. Are you using Manual Override too often? Maybe adjust your schedule.

Privacy & Security

Everything happens on your Mac - we never see which websites you visit or when you’re working. The Web Blocker works by:

  • Checking sites against a local list of distracting websites
  • Blocking them at the system level (works with all browsers)
  • Keeping all your data private on your device

Need Help?

If something isn’t working right:

  1. Restart Chronoid - Sometimes this fixes permission issues
  2. Check System Preferences - Make sure Chronoid has the permissions it needs
  3. Contact Support - Email us at [email protected]

Remember: The Web Blocker is a tool to help you focus, not a punishment. Use it flexibly to create the work environment that helps you be most productive!