The off switch that doesn't exist
YouTube has no setting to disable Shorts. Not on Android, not anywhere. "Not interested" hides a clip; the shelf regenerates. Even YouTube's own take-a-break reminders are the classic dismissible timer: a suggestion with a snooze. The Shorts feed is YouTube's answer to TikTok, and it is not optional by design.
What makes Shorts trickier than Reels: YouTube is often genuinely useful. Tutorials, lectures, music, the video your mate sent. Nuking the whole app feels wrong, which is why you need to pick your diagnosis honestly.
Diagnosis A: Shorts is the trap, YouTube is fine
If you use YouTube deliberately but Shorts hijacks the visit, surgical blocking works. ScreenZen (free) detects the Shorts feed specifically and blocks it while normal videos, search and subscriptions keep working. Set it up once; the Shorts shelf becomes a dead end instead of a slide.
Caveat that applies to all friction tools: the block screen can be tapped through, and taps get automatic with repetition. Fine for reflex-Shorts; not enough for craving-Shorts.
Diagnosis B: "one video" is how it always starts
If YouTube-the-app is your doom-loop's front door, blocking one feed just reroutes the loop through autoplay and recommendations. The blunt fix works better: make YouTube earned.
With Broc, YouTube stays locked until your daily habits are done. Opening it early shows your habit list and what each habit pays. A study block, a workout, ten pages, verified by an AI photo check or an in-app timer, and YouTube opens for the minutes you earned. The tutorial you actually need? It's still there tonight, after the habit. That's earned screen time: the useful YouTube survives, the ambient YouTube stops being free.
Setups compared
| ScreenZen (Shorts only) | Broc (YouTube earned) | |
|---|---|---|
| Normal videos | Always available | Available with earned time |
| Shorts feed | Blocked, tap-throughable | Locked with the app until habits are done |
| Stops autoplay spirals | No | Yes: the window ends |
| Builds anything | No | Habits and streaks |
| Price | Free | Subscription, 7-day free trial |
Common questions
What about watching YouTube in the browser?
Block the browser too, or accept the loophole and see how honest you are at 11pm. Broc lets you block any app, browsers included; many users block Chrome and keep a boring browser unblocked for actual work.
Does this work for YouTube on a tablet or TV?
Broc blocks apps on the Android phone or tablet it's installed on. The TV is between you and your remote.
What does Broc cost?
Broc is a subscription with a 7-day free trial. One plan, everything in: unlimited habits, custom unlock durations, AI photo verification and full history. No ads.
The tutorial will still be there after the habit.
Get Broc on Google Play