iPhone guide

How to block YouTube on iPhone without deleting it

Keep YouTube for videos you choose, but put a boundary before automatic watching. Use Screen Time for a daily limit or schedule, or FlowBuddy for a mindful pause before access.

Block YouTube with FlowBuddy Use Screen Time instead

Free blocks one app or website. Pro lets you block more with monthly, yearly, or lifetime options.

FlowBuddy screen for selecting distracting iPhone apps to block FlowBuddy mascot holding a megaphone

Short answer

Choose a limit, a schedule, or a pause

App Limits cap daily YouTube time. Downtime protects set hours such as work or bedtime. FlowBuddy is useful when opening YouTube is automatic: it keeps access blocked until you pause and choose a short window.

Download FlowBuddy free

Mindful blocking

Block YouTube with FlowBuddy

This approach fits when you still need YouTube for tutorials, music, or a specific channel but do not want to land in the feed by reflex.

  1. 1
    Install FlowBuddy. Download it from the App Store and complete the Apple Screen Time permission setup.
  2. 2
    Choose YouTube. Select the YouTube app. If you mainly watch in Safari or another browser, select youtube.com instead.
  3. 3
    Set your usual boundary. Keep YouTube blocked by default or allow it during times that fit your day.
  4. 4
    Open with a purpose. When you have a specific video to watch, take the breathing pause and choose a 5 or 10-minute unblock.
Cover the route you actually use: the YouTube app and youtube.com are separate FlowBuddy selections. The free plan blocks one app or one website. Use Pro if you want to cover both or block more distractions.

Built into iPhone

Set a YouTube limit with Screen Time

Apple's App Limits are a practical starting point when you want a fixed daily allowance.

  1. 1
    Open Settings, tap Screen Time, and turn on App & Website Activity if needed.
  2. 2
    Tap App Limits, then Add Limit.
  3. 3
    Find and select YouTube, then tap Next.
  4. 4
    Choose the daily allowance you want and save the limit. Use Downtime instead if YouTube should be unavailable during repeating hours.

Apple can change menu names between iOS versions and regions. Follow Apple's current Screen Time instructions for your device.

Which method fits?

Match the boundary to your YouTube habit

You watch too long each day

Use an App Limit to give YouTube a daily allowance.

You watch during work or bedtime

Use Downtime to protect a repeating part of your day.

You open YouTube automatically

Use FlowBuddy to create a pause before access and keep the visit short.

You switch to the website

Cover youtube.com as well. In FlowBuddy, the app and website are separate selections.

FAQ

YouTube blocking questions

Can I block YouTube on iPhone without deleting the app?

Yes. Apple Screen Time can set a daily allowance or scheduled Downtime. FlowBuddy can keep YouTube shielded by default while leaving short, intentional access available.

Can I block the YouTube app and youtube.com?

Yes, but they are separate selections in FlowBuddy. The free plan blocks one app or one website. Covering both the YouTube app and youtube.com requires FlowBuddy Pro.

Can FlowBuddy hide only YouTube Shorts?

No. FlowBuddy blocks access to the selected YouTube app or website; it does not remove individual features such as Shorts from inside YouTube.

Is FlowBuddy free for YouTube blocking?

You can block one app or website free with no ads. FlowBuddy Pro lets you block more and is available through monthly, yearly, and lifetime purchases.

FlowBuddy mascot

Make the next YouTube open intentional

Start by blocking one app or website free. Upgrade only if you need to cover more distractions.

Get FlowBuddy on the App Store