How to block Google News on Chrome
Why Google News is hard to put down
- Headlines update constantly, so there's always a reason to look again.
- Each story links to five more sources.
- Bad news is hard to look away from, and hard to work after.
Block Google News in four steps
- 1Add ZenTab to Chrome. It's free, and your first 7 days include every Pro feature.
- 2Open the ZenTab dashboard and go to Site Blocker.
- 3Google News is already in the News & forums pack: make sure news.google.com is switched on. If it isn't listed, type news.google.com and click Add site.
- 4Open news.google.com. Instead of the site you'll see ZenTab's calm block page, with your streak and a button to start a focus session.
A site covers its subdomains too, so news.google.com also blocks every *.news.google.com address. The free plan blocks 10 sites at a time; if you're at the limit, switch off one you need less, or go Pro for unlimited sites.
Smarter ways to limit Google News
Staying informed once or twice a day is reasonable. Constant checking isn't. Blocking everything isn't the only option:
Block only the news subdomain
FreeZenTab blocks news.google.com, so Google Search, Docs and Gmail keep working.
News at lunch
ProSchedule news to open at 1 pm and after 6 pm.
Block the whole news habit
FreeThe News & forums pack also covers CNN, BBC, BuzzFeed and Hacker News.
When you're tempted to unblock it
Most blockers fail in the same moment: you're tired, the urge hits, and switching the block off takes two clicks. ZenTab adds friction exactly there.
- I really need this site: the block page can open Google News for a few minutes after a short wait, so a genuine need doesn't turn into an hour.
- Strict Mode (Pro): no quick unlocks, you can add sites but not remove or pause them, and turning it off takes a 15-minute cool-down.
- Commitment lock (Pro): keep Strict Mode on until a date you choose, with no way out early.
Frequently asked questions
Will blocking Google News block Google Search?
No. The rule only covers news.google.com. Search, Gmail and Docs are unaffected.
Can I still see news in Google Search results?
Yes. Blocking Google News doesn't change Search. To avoid the headlines entirely, search less during focus sessions.
Block Google News in a minute
ZenTab is free: block up to 10 sites, hide YouTube Shorts and grow a focus streak. Pro adds unlimited sites, page rules, schedules and daily limits for $10 once.