Guides · 6 min read · 2026-10-05
How to Block YouTube Shorts on iPhone and Android
Practical ways to reduce or block YouTube Shorts on mobile while still watching long videos you actually chose, with honest notes on what works.
What YouTube lets you change
YouTube occasionally lets you hide the Shorts shelf for a while, but it comes back. Small changes that help:
- Tap the three dots on a Shorts shelf and choose 'Not interested' or 'Fewer Shorts' if shown.
- Pause watch history: recommendations become much less personalized, so the feed gets less sticky.
- Set a 'Remind me to take a break' timer in YouTube settings.
Watch long videos intentionally
Save videos you want to watch to a Watch Later playlist, then open that playlist directly. Searching for a specific video instead of browsing the home page keeps Shorts out of view.
"You opened YouTube for one tutorial. That was 47 Shorts ago." — Brick
Block YouTube when you need to focus
Because Shorts lives inside the YouTube app, the reliable fix is to shield the app itself at the times you are most vulnerable:
- Add YouTube to your Deep Study or Sleep profile in focuss.
- Set a daily YouTube allowance, such as 1 hour, with one deliberate 15-minute extension.
- Keep long-form viewing for a TV or computer where Shorts are less addictive.
Reclaim your focus with focuss
Shield the apps that pull you in. Calls, messages and maps stay open.