You can block websites on Fedora by editing the /etc/hosts file or by using Firewalld rules to restrict network connections. These methods work system-wide and prevent access to distracting or unsafe websites. For a simpler, GUI-based option, try DigitalZen, a modern website and app blocker for Linux.
Key Takeaways
- Block Sites Manually Using the Hosts File: The /etc/hosts file lets you manually map domains like facebook.com to your local IP (127.0.0.1), preventing access system-wide. It’s a simple, lightweight method that requires no extra software.
- Use Firewalld for Advanced, System-Wide Control: Fedora’s built-in Firewalld service allows you to block websites at the network level using IP-based rules. It’s more powerful than the hosts file but requires terminal commands and administrative privileges.
- Simplify Blocking with DigitalZen: A desktop app like DigitalZen provides the easiest way to block both websites and apps without editing configuration files or running complex commands. It’s built for Linux, including Fedora, and supports scheduling and mindful focus modes.
Method 1: Edit the /etc/hosts File (Manual Method)
One of the simplest ways to block websites on Fedora Linux is by editing the /etc/hosts file. This file maps domain names to IP addresses before your browser even reaches the internet. By pointing specific domains to your own computer’s loopback address (127.0.0.1), you can effectively prevent Fedora from loading them.
For example, if you add these lines to your /etc/hosts file:
127.0.0.1 facebook.com
127.0.0.1 www.facebook.com
Fedora will redirect those addresses back to your system instead of their real servers, making the sites unreachable.
If you’re using Ubuntu, you might want to check our guide on blocking websites in Ubuntu, since the process is almost identical, with only minor command differences.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Open a Terminal
Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the terminal.
Step 2: Open the Hosts File with Root Privileges
sudo nano /etc/hosts
This command opens the file in Nano so you can modify it.
Step 3: Add Domains to Block
Scroll to the bottom and add one line for each domain you want to block.
Example:
127.0.0.1 twitter.com
127.0.0.1 www.twitter.com
127.0.0.1 instagram.com
127.0.0.1 www.instagram.com
Step 4: Save and Exit
- Press Ctrl + O to save
- Press Ctrl + X to exit Nano
Step 5: Restart Your Network Service
Apply the changes immediately:
sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager
Pros
- Simple and system-wide (affects all browsers and apps)
- No extra software required
Cons
- Manual updates required
- Doesn’t log or schedule blocking times
- Not ideal for users who prefer a GUI or dynamic control
When Blocking Many Websites at Once
Fedora users often want to import large public blocklists (such as StevenBlack’s fakenews-gambling-porn-social hosts list). However, pasting thousands of lines directly into /etc/hosts can cause the terminal to freeze, and using a normal redirection (>>) can fail with “Permission denied” errors, because redirection doesn’t inherit sudo privileges.
To safely append an entire list, follow these steps:
1. Download the List File
wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/StevenBlack/hosts/master/alternates/fakenews-gambling-porn-social/hosts -O hosts.txt
2. Append It Correctly with Elevated Permissions
sudo tee -a /etc/hosts < hosts.txt
The tee command ensures the write operation happens with root privileges.
3. Restart Network Manager
sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager
Method 2: Block Websites Using Firewalld (Advanced System-Wide Control)
Fedora includes a built-in firewall service, Firewalld, that controls how your system handles network connections. Unlike the /etc/hosts method, Firewalld operates at the network level, blocking or allowing traffic based on IP addresses, ports, and services. You can use it to block specific websites system-wide by denying outgoing traffic to their IP addresses.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Verify That Firewalld Is Running
Firewalld is installed and enabled by default on most Fedora systems.
To confirm it’s active, run:
sudo firewall-cmd –state
If it returns running, you’re good to go. If it’s not installed or active, set it up with:
sudo dnf install firewalld
sudo systemctl unmask firewalld
sudo systemctl enable –now firewalld
Step 2: Find the IP Address of the Website You Want to Block
Firewalld filters by IP, so you’ll need to look up the site’s address.
Run:
host facebook.com
Example output:
facebook.com has address 157.240.22.35
Write down the IP address.
Step 3: Add a Blocking Rule for That IP
Use a rich rule to drop all outgoing traffic to that address:
sudo firewall-cmd –add-rich-rule=’rule family=ipv4 destination address=157.240.22.35 drop’
This tells Firewalld to silently drop any packet destined for that IP.
If you want to test first without making it permanent, you can also set a temporary block:
sudo firewall-cmd –add-rich-rule=’rule family=ipv4 destination address=157.240.22.35 drop’ –timeout 15m
This will automatically revert after 15 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Rule Permanent and Reload
To preserve the rule across reboots:
sudo firewall-cmd –runtime-to-permanent
sudo firewall-cmd –reload
Reloading applies all permanent rules to the active configuration.
(Note: reloading briefly interrupts network traffic, so avoid doing this during remote sessions.)
Step 5: Confirm the Block Is Active
List all active rich rules:
sudo firewall-cmd –list-rich-rules
You should see your IP entry listed.
Optional: Remove a Rule Later
If you decide to unblock the site:
sudo firewall-cmd –remove-rich-rule=’rule family=ipv4 destination address=157.240.22.35 drop’
sudo firewall-cmd –runtime-to-permanent
sudo firewall-cmd –reload
Pros
- Works system-wide: covers browsers and apps
- Dynamic and secure: no need to restart service after each change
- Permanent rules provide consistent control
Cons
- Blocks only by IP, not domain name
- Requires command-line knowledge
- Can momentarily interrupt network connections on reload
Modern Alternative to Firewalld and Hosts Edits
Both the /etc/hosts and Firewalld methods work for blocking websites on Fedora, but they can be time-consuming and technical. Even a small mistake can break your connection or undo your changes.
For Fedora users who want the same control without terminal commands or manual edits, DigitalZen offers a modern, all-in-one alternative that’s fast, intuitive, and built for Linux.
Block Websites and Apps the Smart Way
DigitalZen combines simplicity and flexibility, making it one of the best Linux website-blocking solutions for productivity-focused users. Block websites or desktop apps system-wide, set daily limits, and start focusing instantly without restarting services.
Designed for Linux, Built for Balance
Most productivity apps overlook Linux users, but DigitalZen includes a dedicated desktop agent that works seamlessly on Fedora, Ubuntu, and Debian. It supports all major browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Brave, and Vivaldi, giving you complete control across your system.
What sets DigitalZen apart is its mindful blocking approach. Instead of rigidly locking you out, it adapts to your workflow. You can pause blocking, adjust your schedule, or take mindful breaks to stay productive. It’s the perfect Cold Turkey Alternative for Linux users who want balance and control.
Conclusion: Find the Best Way to Stay Focused on Fedora
Blocking websites on Fedora can be as simple or as advanced as you want it to be. The /etc/hosts method offers quick manual control for a few distracting sites, while Firewalld provides deeper, system-wide filtering for those who want complete network-level control.
But if you’d rather skip complex terminal commands and manage everything in one place, DigitalZen delivers a more straightforward, more innovative way to stay focused. With just a few clicks, you can block websites, apps, or social media, set focus schedules, and build healthier digital habits, all while keeping the flexibility Linux users love. You can try the DigitalZen Linux website and app blocker to streamline everything.
FAQs About Blocking Websites on Fedora
How to Block Websites in Linux?
You can block websites in any Linux distribution, including Fedora, Ubuntu, and Debian, by editing the /etc/hosts file or using the Firewalld firewall service. These methods prevent connections system-wide. If you prefer a visual tool, you can use DigitalZen, a cross-platform app blocker that works natively on Linux.
How Do I Completely Block Certain Websites?
To completely block a website, use Firewalld to drop all connections to that site’s IP address.
Example:
sudo firewall-cmd –add-rich-rule=’rule family=ipv4 destination address=157.240.22.35 drop’
sudo firewall-cmd –runtime-to-permanent
sudo firewall-cmd –reload
This ensures the site cannot be accessed from any browser or app on your Fedora system.
How to Block Websites From the Terminal?
On Fedora, open the terminal and edit the /etc/hosts file with:
sudo nano /etc/hosts
Add the domains you want to block and redirect them to your local system:
127.0.0.1 facebook.com
127.0.0.1 www.facebook.com
Save the file, then restart your network:
sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager
This will block the listed websites across all browsers.
How to Block an App From Accessing the Internet in Linux?
You can block apps using Firewalld by identifying the program’s network ports or IP destinations and applying a “drop” rule. However, this requires technical setup. If you want an easier option, DigitalZen lets you block both apps and websites directly through its Linux desktop interface, no terminal commands required.
References:
- https://fedoramagazine.org/control-the-firewall-at-the-command-line/?utm_source=
- https://discussion.fedoraproject.org/t/cant-paste-a-lot-of-lines-in-etc-hosts-to-retrict-access-to-sites/74303?utm_source=
- https://docs.fedoraproject.org/en-US/quick-docs/firewalld/#:~:text=Fedora%20wiki:firewalld-,Setting%20up%20firewalld,and%20activate%20the%20firewall%20afterwards.&text=firewalld.,;%203%20days%20ago%20%E2%80%A6
- https://www.baeldung.com/linux/etc-hosts-block-specific-websites?utm_source=