Does this block the YouTube app AND the website on Chromecast?

Yes — the method in this guide blocks both the YouTube app and youtube.com in the browser. If only the app is removed, kids can still watch YouTube in a browser, so it's important to cover both.

Is it free to block YouTube on Chromecast?

Yes — blocking YouTube on Chromecast is completely free. No extra apps or subscriptions required.

Can my child bypass this YouTube block?

Bypass risk is moderate. A persistent teenager may find workarounds — such as using mobile data, a VPN, or a different browser. For best results, combine this with a device-level block and remove the ability to install new apps.

Is there a way to allow YouTube for a limited time without removing the block?

Yes — most parental control methods include a screen time or scheduling feature. Instead of toggling the block on and off, you can set allowed time windows (e.g. 30 minutes on weekends) so the block stays in place automatically.

How to Block YouTube on Chromecast (2026)

Block YouTube on Chromecast and Chromecast with Google TV. Use router DNS filtering for original Chromecasts, or Google Family Link for Google TV models. Updated for 2026.

Last updated 11 April 2026·

Difficulty🔨🔨🔨

Free

Bypass risk🐹🐹🐹🐹🐹

What You'll Need

Depends on which Chromecast you have:

Original Chromecast (1st/2nd/3rd gen) or Chromecast Audio: Just your router — there are no on-device controls
Chromecast with Google TV (2020+, 4K or HD): A Google account and optionally Google Family Link

This guide covers both. Start by identifying your device.

📺

Which Chromecast do you have?

Original Chromecast (1st–3rd gen): A small dongle with no home screen. You control it entirely from the Google Home app on your phone. It only plays content cast from another device — it has no independent apps or interface.

Chromecast with Google TV (2020+): Comes with a remote control and has a full Google TV home screen, app store, and settings. It's a smart TV platform — not just a casting receiver.

The blocking approach is completely different for each.

Part A: Original Chromecast (1st, 2nd, 3rd generation)

Original Chromecasts have no on-device parental controls whatsoever. The Chromecast is just a display — it shows whatever is cast to it from a phone, tablet, or laptop.

The only way to block YouTube on an original Chromecast is to:

Block YouTube on every device that can cast to it, AND
Block youtube.com at the router level with DNS filtering

Part A1: Block YouTube on All Casting Devices

YouTube content reaches the TV through the casting device. Block it there first.

Block YouTube on iPhones and iPads

See the iPhone guide or iPad guide. Use Screen Time to block the YouTube app and youtube.com in Safari.

Block YouTube on Android phones and tablets

See the Android guide. Use Google Family Link to remove YouTube and block youtube.com.

Block YouTube on Windows laptops

See the Windows guide. Use browser extensions or host file entries to block youtube.com.

Part A2: Block YouTube at the Router with DNS Filtering

Even after blocking YouTube on casting devices, new devices or unblocked sources can cast to the Chromecast. DNS filtering at the router blocks youtube.com for every device on your network — including the Chromecast itself during the handshake phase where it verifies what content to play.

Set your router's DNS to a filtering service

See the DNS filtering guide for full router instructions.

Quick reference:

CleanBrowsing Family DNS: 185.228.168.168 / 185.228.169.168
OpenDNS FamilyShield: 208.67.222.123 / 208.67.220.123
NextDNS: Custom DNS address from your NextDNS account (see NextDNS guide)

Verify the block

On a phone or laptop connected to your home Wi-Fi, try opening youtube.com. It should be blocked. Then try casting YouTube from that device — it should fail.

Part B: Chromecast with Google TV (2020 and later)

Chromecast with Google TV has a full interface and app store. You can block YouTube using a combination of supervised Google accounts and parental controls.

Part B1: Set Up a Supervised Google Account via Family Link

Create a supervised child account

On your phone, open Google Family Link (free, iOS and Android). Create a supervised Google account for your child if you haven't already.

On the Chromecast with Google TV: Settings → Accounts & Sign-in → Add Account → sign in with your child's supervised Google account.

Switch to the child's profile

Press Home on the remote → select the profile icon (top right) → switch to your child's account.

Part B2: Block YouTube via Family Link

Open Family Link on your phone

Select your child's profile → Controls → App approvals.

Block YouTube

Find YouTube in the installed apps list and toggle it to Blocked. YouTube will no longer be available in your child's Google TV profile.

Require approval for all app downloads

Family Link → Controls → Google Play purchase approvals → set to Require approval for all content. Any new app download on the Chromecast will require your approval via the Family Link app on your phone.

Part B3: Enable Parental Controls on the Chromecast

Go to Settings → Parental Controls on the Chromecast

Settings → System → Parental Controls → toggle On → set a PIN.

Set content rating restrictions

Under Parental Controls, set the maximum allowed content rating to an age-appropriate level. YouTube is rated for teens and above — lower rating settings prevent it from being downloaded or launched.

Part B4: DNS Filtering as a Final Backstop

Change DNS on the Chromecast with Google TV

Settings → Network → select your Wi-Fi network → Advanced → change DNS to Manual:

Primary: 185.228.168.168
Secondary: 185.228.169.168

Or block at the router

See the DNS filtering guide. Router-level DNS filtering blocks youtube.com for every device on your network — including any casting device your child uses.

🐹

How Kids Bypass This

Original Chromecast: this device has NO on-device blocking. The only reliable blocks are: (1) blocking YouTube on all casting devices, and (2) DNS filtering at the router. If your child can access a device that isn't blocked, they can cast YouTube to the TV. This is a fundamental limitation of the original Chromecast design.

Chromecast with Google TV — switching profiles: If your child can access the profile switcher on the home screen, they may be able to switch to an adult profile that has YouTube. Prevent profile switching without a PIN: Parental Controls → lock profile switching.

Guest mode on Chromecast: Google Chromecast has a Guest Mode that allows nearby devices to cast to it without being on the same Wi-Fi network. If guest mode is enabled, a child's phone (with YouTube) could cast even if it's on a different network. Disable it: in the Google Home app → your Chromecast device → Settings → Guest Mode → Off.

Chromecast with Google TV factory reset: A factory reset (Settings → System → About → Factory Reset) wipes all accounts and settings. Re-setup requires signing in again — if your child signs in with their supervised account, Family Link restrictions re-apply automatically.

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Counter-Measures

For original Chromecast: router DNS filtering is non-negotiable. There are no on-device controls. DNS filtering at the router is your only scalable defence. See the DNS filtering guide.

Block YouTube on every casting device: Your child can use any smartphone, tablet, or laptop to cast YouTube to the Chromecast. Blocking YouTube only on one device leaves the others as entry points. Use the quiz results page to generate a complete plan covering all their devices.

Chromecast with Google TV + Family Link is solid: When properly configured with a supervised account and Family Link controls, the Chromecast with Google TV is reasonably well-locked. The combination of Family Link + Parental Controls PIN + DNS filtering creates three independent barriers.

Consider whether a simpler device is better: If you're buying a new TV device for a child's room, an Apple TV with Screen Time is easier to lock down than any Chromecast model. Router DNS filtering is mandatory regardless of which device you choose.

Related Guides

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Use Google Family Link to block YouTube on your child's Android phone, tablet, or Chromebook. Free, managed from your phone. Step-by-step guide. Updated for 2026.

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Use DNS filtering to block YouTube on every device connected to your home Wi-Fi — including smart TVs, game consoles, and anything else. Free options available. Updated for 2026.

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Use DNS filtering to block YouTube on every device connected to your home Wi-Fi — including smart TVs, game consoles, and anything else. Free options available. Updated for 2026.

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