How to block YouTube Shorts on iPhone (or all of YouTube)

Option 1: YouTube’s Shorts feed limit

YouTube says that when the limit is reached, a message reminds you, and you can dismiss or ignore it. The setting limits the Shorts feed; it does not block the rest of YouTube.

1. Open the YouTube app and sign in.
2. Tap You, then Settings.
3. Tap Time management, then Shorts feed limit.
4. Choose a time limit. The list includes zero.

Option 2: Block the YouTube app with Screen Time

On iOS 26, add YouTube to App Limits or keep it out of Always Allowed during Downtime. On iOS 27, use a Screen Time Schedule and the Time Allowance for the category that contains YouTube. Apple notes that on iOS 26 limits can be ignored once reached by default, unless Block at Downtime is on with a Screen Time passcode.

Option 3: Block YouTube with Bouncer

Because YouTube is also useful, Normal is often enough: a short wait, then 5, 10 or 15 minutes for the video you came for. For focus hours, High makes repeated visits more expensive, and Lockdown closes YouTube until the window ends.

Bouncer blocks the YouTube app. It does not block youtube.com in Safari, and it cannot block Shorts while leaving other videos open.

1. Create a Rule and select YouTube in Apple’s app picker.
2. Choose a window, such as work hours, or a daily limit.
3. Choose a Level. Normal is enough for many people; Lockdown keeps YouTube blocked until the window ends.

🎬 Set the Shorts feed limit to zero first. Block the whole app only for the hours when you do not need YouTube.

Which option fits

If you use YouTube for learning or work, set the Shorts feed limit first and keep the app. If you open YouTube without deciding to, a schedule that closes the whole app during focus hours or at night is a clearer boundary. Compare daily limits and schedules.